DHR

This guide explains how the Autauga County AL Department of Human Resources (DHR) works for local families, children, and vulnerable adults. You’ll find plain-language explanations of the core programs, how to get started, what to expect during a visit, and where DHR fits alongside county partners such as the courts and public health. Office hours, statewide hotlines, and full contact details appear at the end.

Understand How Autauga County AL DHR Serves Residents

The Autauga County Department of Human Resources is the local office of Alabama’s primary social service agency. DHR’s mission is to protect children and vulnerable adults, strengthen families, and support self-sufficiency through time-limited assistance. Programs are administered county-by-county with policy support and oversight from the state office in Montgomery. The Autauga County office provides face-to-face assistance during normal business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday) and coordinates after-hours responses for emergencies involving child or adult abuse and neglect.

At the county level, the same front door connects you to the full portfolio of DHR programs: Child Protective Services (CPS), Adult Protective Services (APS), Family Assistance (including TANF and JOBS), Food Assistance (SNAP), Child Support Enforcement, Child Care Services (licensing and complaints), Foster Care, and Resource Management. Each program aims to deliver the least disruptive service needed, for only as long as needed, so children can remain safely at home whenever possible and adults can live free from abuse and exploitation.

Find the Right Office and Verify Local Details

If you’re new to DHR or unsure which doorway to use, begin with the official statewide directory of county offices. The listing includes Autauga County’s office hours, mailing and street address, and program phone lines for Adult Services, Child Support, Family and Child Services, Food Assistance, and TANF/JOBS. Use County Office Contacts – Alabama Department of Human Resources to confirm hours and locate the correct number for your situation.

See the State Framework That Supports Local Services

The county office operates within the broader network of the state agency, which has provided public welfare and protective services in Alabama for over a century and continues to evolve to meet community needs. For statewide background, program descriptions, and policy links, visit the Alabama Department of Human Resources.

Protect Children: How CPS Investigates and Stabilizes Families

Recognize When to Contact Child Protective Services

CPS is responsible for responding to reports of suspected abuse or neglect of children. Reports can come from anyone—neighbors, relatives, teachers, medical professionals, or the parents themselves—and can involve physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect (including lack of supervision), or exposure to dangerous conditions. If a child is in imminent danger, local law enforcement should be contacted immediately; the DHR after-hours system coordinates with law enforcement for emergency response when the county office is closed.

Understand What Happens After a Report

When a report is made, DHR screens it to determine whether an investigation or assessment is required. If accepted, a CPS worker may:

Interview the child, siblings, and caregivers.

Inspect the home environment and review safety risks.

Contact schools, medical providers, or other professionals with a need-to-know role.

Develop a safety plan that reduces immediate risk, often with in-home services.

Provide referrals to family support, mental health, substance use treatment, or parenting education.

CPS strives for family preservation whenever it is safe. Removal is a last resort when no other plan sufficiently protects the child. When court involvement is necessary, the county CPS unit works with the juvenile court and the child’s legal representatives to craft the least restrictive, safe placement for the child, prioritizing kinship options.

Learn More About CPS Policy and Resources

For state-level program information and guidance on reporting, see Child Protective Services.

Safeguard Vulnerable Adults: How APS Responds

Know the Signs of Adult Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation

Adult Protective Services addresses harm involving older adults and adults with disabilities, including physical or emotional abuse, neglect by a caregiver, self-neglect, and financial exploitation (such as misuse of benefits). Warning signs include sudden changes in banking, unexplained injuries, poor hygiene, unsafe living conditions, isolation, or a caregiver preventing the adult from speaking for themselves.

What to Expect in an APS Response

When a report is received, an APS worker evaluates the adult’s capacity, immediate safety, and support network. Actions can include:

A home visit and risk assessment.
Safety planning with the adult, family, or caregiver.
Urgent medical evaluations, if warranted.
Coordination with banks, law enforcement, or courts in exploitation cases.
Arranging services in the home or, if necessary, temporary protective placement.

The goal is to enable the adult to remain as independent as possible while stopping abuse or neglect. When the adult has capacity and declines help, APS respects that choice unless a court order is required for immediate safety.

Learn the Statewide Avenues for Reporting

Program information and reporting pathways are outlined at Adult Protective Services.

Strengthen Household Stability: Family Assistance (TANF & JOBS)

Understand TANF’s Purpose and Time Limits

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides short-term cash assistance and employment-focused services for eligible families with children. The program is designed to stabilize a household during a period of crisis—job loss, illness, or family disruption—while helping a parent or relative caregiver secure work and increase earnings.

Engage with the JOBS Program

Participants typically develop an individualized employment plan through the JOBS program, which can include job readiness training, GED completion or education components permitted by policy, supervised job search, and employment placement. Caseworkers work with parents to address barriers such as child care, transportation, or scheduling conflicts, and to help maintain momentum once employment begins.

Prepare for Your TANF Appointment

Bring documentation that verifies the following (as applicable to your situation):

Identity and age of all household members.
Residency in Autauga County.
Income, unemployment status, or loss of income.
Child custody or guardianship papers if you are a relative caregiver.

The county office will explain work participation requirements and the review schedule. Assistance is time-limited and continues only while eligibility and participation standards are met.

Put Food on the Table: Food Assistance (SNAP)

What SNAP Offers

The Food Assistance Program (commonly called SNAP) supplements a household’s food budget through an EBT card that works like a debit card at authorized retailers. The benefit amount depends on household size, income, and allowable deductions.

The Application and Interview Process

You can apply through the county office or by using DHR’s official channels. After you submit an application, an interview—by phone or in person—confirms information such as identity, household composition, income, and certain expenses. If eligible, you’ll receive an EBT card and instructions on how to check balances, report changes, and recertify.

Keep Benefits on Track

Report changes that could affect eligibility (like job income or address changes) promptly. Respond to renewal notices by the stated deadline to prevent gaps. For state program information and help lines, see Food Assistance.

Ensure Financial Support for Children: Child Support Enforcement

How the Child Support Program Works

DHR’s Child Support Enforcement Division helps locate noncustodial parents, establish paternity, set and enforce child support orders, and modify orders when circumstances change. Typical enforcement tools include income withholding, intercepts of tax refunds where permitted, license suspensions, liens, and referrals for court action when necessary.

Why Establishing Paternity Matters

Establishing paternity gives a child access to financial support, potential benefits such as Social Security or veterans’ benefits, and medical coverage orders where applicable. It also creates a legal relationship that can support a parenting plan.

Get Statewide Program Details

To understand services, fees where applicable, and how interstate cases are handled, review Child Support Enforcement.

Support Safe Child Care: Licensing Oversight and Complaints

What DHR Regulates

DHR’s Child Care Services Division licenses and monitors applicable child care facilities and enforces health and safety standards. It also receives and investigates complaints against licensed providers and responds to serious incident reports made by providers.

How Families Use This Information

When choosing care, families can ask a provider to show their current license, inspection results, and corrective actions (if any). If you observe a serious safety concern, you may make a complaint to DHR’s Child Care Services Division, which will determine the appropriate response. Program contacts and mailing information are available through the state office.

Provide Care When Home Isn’t Safe: Foster Care and Permanency

Prioritize Kin and Maintain Stability

When a court determines that a child cannot safely remain at home, the county DHR works to place the child in the least disruptive setting, often with relatives (kinship care) whenever feasible. Case plans emphasize family time, needed services, and a clear path to permanency—reunification when possible, or adoption/permanent guardianship when it’s not.

What Foster Parents Can Expect

Foster parents in Autauga County partner closely with DHR staff: participating in training, coordinating with schools and health providers, and supporting family visitation as directed by the court and case plan. DHR provides licensing oversight, reimbursement rates established by policy, and access to supports that help maintain placement stability.

Plan Your Visit and Make the Most of Your Time

Bring the Right Documents

To move your case forward in one visit, gather documents that verify the information DHR must review. Depending on your program, that may include:

A government-issued photo ID and Social Security numbers (if available) for household members.

Proof of Autauga County residency (lease, utility bill, or other acceptable documentation).

Income verification (recent pay stubs, benefit letters, or a statement of job loss).

Child care costs, medical expenses, or housing costs that may affect eligibility.

Court documents related to custody, child support orders, or protection orders, if applicable.

If you cannot locate a document, tell the intake worker—DHR can advise on alternative verifications allowed by policy.

Ask About Accessibility and Language Support

DHR offers communication assistance for individuals with limited English proficiency or disabilities. If you need an interpreter or accommodation, request it at the start of your visit or when you first contact the office so arrangements can be made.

Know What Happens Next

After intake, you’ll receive instructions about interviews, home visits (if applicable), and next steps. Keep your contact information current and check your mail for notices about appointments, verifications, or recertification timelines. Missing a deadline can delay or interrupt benefits.

Use County Partners That Connect With DHR Work

DHR collaborates with county and state agencies every day to support court orders, arrange services, and protect public safety. While these are separate offices, they often intersect with DHR cases:

Court and records for adoption, guardianship, or vital filings. For processes that go through probate, start with the Autauga County Probate Office page on this site to orient yourself and understand local filing logistics.

Public health coordination. Children in care and families receiving services often need immunizations, WIC referrals, or communicable disease guidance. See this site’s Autauga County Health Department page for local orientation before you contact the health department directly.

Note: These internal county pages are provided for orientation; when you need DHR case action or program decisions, contact DHR through the official channels in the list below.

Navigate Investigations, Home Visits, and Court Involvement

Prepare for Interviews and Home Assessments

If your case involves CPS or APS, a worker may conduct interviews and inspect living conditions. You can expedite the process by:

Ensuring all household members are available at the scheduled time.

Gathering medications, school contacts, and the names of any caregivers who routinely provide care.

Listing relatives and family friends (potential safety plan participants or kinship caregivers).

Understand Court’s Role

Juvenile court becomes involved when a petition is filed regarding a child’s safety, support, or permanency. For adults, probate or circuit court may become involved for guardianship or protective orders in exploitation cases. DHR will explain your rights and obligations and provide you with information on hearings and required services.

Keep Your Case on Track: Tips for Clients

Stay in touch. If you move, switch phone numbers, or change jobs, update your worker promptly.

Read every notice. Appointment letters and review notices include important deadlines; missing them can delay benefits or court progress.

Document everything. Keep a folder with pay stubs, receipts, and correspondence. If you report a change, write down when and how you reported it.

Ask questions early. If a requirement is unclear, ask the county office to clarify. The earlier you raise a problem, the more options you’ll have to solve it.

Use scheduled reviews. Eligibility and case plans are reviewed periodically. Bring updated documents and be ready to discuss progress and any barriers.

Know Who Leads the Local Team

Autauga County’s DHR is led by a county director who oversees program operations, staffing, and coordination with the courts, schools, and community partners. Leadership ensures that investigations meet state standards, that assistance programs are delivered consistently, and that the office maintains capacity for after-hours emergencies. While most residents will work directly with program staff, it’s helpful to know there is a local leadership structure accountable to the state agency and to the community.

Apply Best Practices When You’re a Reporter or Caregiver

If You’re a Mandated Reporter

Teachers, medical professionals, law enforcement, and certain other roles have reporting obligations under Alabama law. When making a report to DHR, provide as much detail as possible: the child’s name and age, address, parent/caregiver names, specific concerns, known injuries or safety risks, and any immediate protective actions you’ve taken.

If You’re a Relative Caregiver or Kin

If DHR contacts you about temporarily caring for a child, ask about available supports (such as assistance with food, child care, or medical coverage) and what steps are needed to meet placement standards. DHR prioritizes kinship care because it maintains a child’s sense of identity and continuity.

Where Policy Meets Practice: Why Documentation Matters

Eligibility programs and protective investigations depend on verifiable facts: identity, residence, income, safety conditions, and court status. Policies are designed to protect both clients and the public by ensuring fairness and consistency. The fastest way to resolve a case is to bring complete, accurate documentation and to authorize DHR to verify records when permitted by law. If you cannot obtain a particular document, talk to the county office about acceptable alternatives.

Stay Informed Through Official Channels

For up-to-date statewide announcements, Requests for Proposals that may interest providers, and data summaries, use the state agency’s official communications and reports. County office pages in the statewide directory are updated when addresses, phone lines, or hours change. Always rely on official government sources rather than third-party sites or social media posts.

State program navigation: Alabama Department of Human Resources

Local office directory and after-hours guidance: County Office Contacts – Alabama Department of Human Resources

Program-specific information: Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services, Child Support Enforcement, Food Assistance

DHR Departments and Offices — Addresses and Phone Numbers

Autauga County Department of Human Resources
203 North Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067-3003
Phone: (334) 358-5000 • After-Hours/Emergency: (334) 325-4718 • Fax: (334) 365-3274

Alabama Department of Human Resources – Child Protective Services
50 N. Ripley St., P.O. Box 304000, Montgomery, AL 36130-4000
Phone: (334) 242-9500

Alabama Department of Human Resources – Adult Protective Services
50 N. Ripley St., P.O. Box 304000, Montgomery, AL 36130-4000
Phone: (334) 242-1350 • Adult Abuse Hotline: 1-800-458-7214

Alabama Department of Human Resources – Child Support Enforcement Division
50 N. Ripley St., P.O. Box 304000, Montgomery, AL 36130-4000
Phone: (334) 242-9300 • Fax: (334) 242-0606

Alabama Department of Human Resources – Family Assistance Division (TANF/JOBS)
50 N. Ripley St., P.O. Box 304000, Montgomery, AL 36130-4000
Phone: (334) 242-1773 or (334) 242-1950

Alabama Department of Human Resources – Food Assistance Division (SNAP)
50 N. Ripley St., P.O. Box 304000, Montgomery, AL 36130-4000
Montgomery Area Info Line: (334) 242-0143 • Outside Montgomery: (800) 382-0499 • Program: (833) 822-2202

Alabama Department of Human Resources – Child Care Services Division
50 N. Ripley St., P.O. Box 304000, Montgomery, AL 36130-4000
Phone: (334) 242-1425 • Licensing Intake Consultant: 1-(866) 528-1694

Alabama Department of Human Resources – Resource Management Division
50 N. Ripley St., P.O. Box 304000, Montgomery, AL 36130-4000
Phone: (334) 242-1650

Alabama Department of Human Resources – Foster Care (General Information)
50 N. Ripley St., P.O. Box 304000, Montgomery, AL 36130-4000
Phone: (334) 242-1310 • Fax: (334) 353-1115

Autauga County DHR FAQs

Where do Autauga residents begin applications for food or cash assistance?

Applications are handled locally but follow statewide policy. Review eligibility, required verifications, interview steps, EBT information, and renewal timelines on the state program page before you contact the county office to submit or complete your interview: Food Assistance. (Families seeking TANF should also review the state’s Family Assistance overview, linked from the same site.)

How are reports of child abuse or neglect addressed for Autauga families?

Reports are received and routed under statewide procedures, with county staff conducting the response. The state page outlines reporting options, screening, assessments, safety planning, and coordination with courts when necessary. Start here for policy and process details before contacting the county office: Child Protective Services.

What should Autauga parents know about child support services?

Establishing or enforcing an order is managed at the county level using statewide tools such as income withholding, modifications, and interstate coordination. For how cases move from application to enforcement—and what documents to prepare—review the state division’s guidance: Child Support Enforcement.

Who provides language or disability accommodation when working with the Autauga office?

Interpretation and communication aids are offered at no cost under Alabama’s accessibility policy. See available languages, how to request assistance, and your rights under nondiscrimination rules here before your visit or call: Free Communication Assistance.