Division of Family Services, State of DE
The Mission of the Division of Family Services is to promote the safety and well-being of children and their families through prevention, protection, and permanency. Our vision is that our children are our future and our responsibility.
The Division of Family Services (DFS) investigates child abuse, neglect and dependency, offers treatment services, foster care, adoption, independent living and child care licensing services. Over 300 staff members are dedicated to protecting children and helping them gain a sense of well-being and to achieve permanency. DFS works closely with our sister divisions, other state and federal agencies and community child welfare partners to ensure the lives of children and families who need our services are transformed for the better.
DFS is a part of the Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families (The Delaware Children’s Department) and was established in 1983 by the General Assembly of the State of Delaware. Its primary responsibility is to provide and manage a range of services for children who have experienced abandonment, abuse, adjudication, mental illness, neglect, or substance abuse. Its services include prevention, early intervention, assessment, treatment, permanency, and after care.
Newark, DE 19702
Email:jeanette.applewhaite@delaware.gov
Phone:302-633-2500
Visit Division of Family Services, State of DE