New parent? Ways to get help, resources in Florida

There are a number of programs throughout Florida that either provide resources, education, and community support for parents, or can connect you to the right resources. Need help? Check out the list below.

Hotlines:

• 2-1-1: United Way hotline in most of Central Florida that can help you find local resources.
• Hope Florida (833-GET-HOPE): State-supported program that connects callers with nonprofit help, including faith-based help.
• Healthy Start Florida: 855-889-1090
• Parent HelpLine: National Parent Helpline (855-427-2736) for parents seeking help or parenting advice.

Education, training, community support

• Healthy Families Florida: Providing training to help with behavioral issues, community support for struggling parents.
• TEAM Dad: Initiative to provide training and mentoring for new fathers.
• Children’s Home Society: Provides resources and programs for parents of children of all ages.
• Healthy Start Florida: Provides a myriad of programs, including home visiting, to help parents establish healthy behavior and parenting skills.
• Strong Florida Moms: Community support and other resources for mothers.
• Family Partnerships of Central Florida: Child welfare services that offer case management and other prevention services,click here.
• Community Coordinated Care for Children: Connecting resources and programs to help children and parents of all ages.

Mental Health

• Shades of Blue Project
• Black Mamas Matter
• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
• March of Dimes
• Florida’s Maternal Behavioral Health and Social Services Resource Directory

Children’s health care resources

• Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics
• Florida Department of Health Nurse-Family Partnership
• Florida KidCare: Health insurance for eligible children.
• Florida WIC: Program that provides free healthy food, nutritional support and education and more.