Resources and Training

Below are resources related to the prevention and reporting of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of persons with developmental disabilities.

Hotlines & Reporting Resources

Report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation:

• Department of Children and Families (DCF) Hotline
  1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873)

Report known or suspected human trafficking to Florida law enforcement:

• Florida Office of Attorney General - Human Trafficking Prevention
  1-855-FLA-SAFE (1-855-352-7233), or
  Contact your Local Law Enforcement

Support for anyone experiencing or witnessing domestic abuse:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline
  1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233)

Abuse Prevention & Training Programs

Online training for anyone required by law to report abuse:

• DCF Training | Florida DCF

Provides webinars, toolkits, and safety training focused on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities:

•  The Arc's National Center on Criminal Justice and Disability (NCCJD)

Education, resources, and a helpline focused on preventing child sexual abuse:

• Stop It Now
  1-888-PREVENT (1-888-773-8368)

Offers guidance, fact sheets, and toolkits for recognizing and reporting abuse of vulnerable adults.

• National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA)

Data, research, and evidence-based strategies for preventing abuse:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Violence Prevention
  1-800-232-4636

Ethics and abuse prevention training for direct care staff:

• The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP)
  518-605-7160

Zero Tolerance Training and Education Opportunities

The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) Zero Tolerance Training is required for all service providers. The Zero Tolerance training is available in both a classroom and online. To find free web-based training opportunities, please visit APD's training page. Self-advocates, family members, and others who may be interested in learning more, are welcome to take these courses.

Applicable Florida Statutes

• Section 825.102, Florida Statutes (F.S.) - Abuse of an Elderly Person or Disabled Adult
• Section 393.13, F.S. – Treatment of Persons with Developmental Disabilities
• Chapter 39, F.S. – Proceedings Relating to Children
• Chapter 415, F.S. – Adult Protective Services
• Section 393.135, F.S. – Developmental Disabilities Sexual Misconduct Prohibited; Reporting Required; Penalties
• Section 787.06 F.S. – Human Trafficking