Created by The COLOURS Organization, Inc. this guide is one of many steps the city is taking to more directly address your particular service needs as members of the gay and lesbian community.

While our city offers an array of programs available to all children and youth in Philadelphia, this guide specially highlights those programs that are sensitive to the specific challenges experienced by lesbian and gay youth.

For Philadelphia to continue its evolution into a world-class city, we must ensure that all youth - no matter their sexual orientation, race, religion or ethnicity - have access to a multitude of resources and programs. This guide is a first step in raising awareness among the gay and lesbian youth community that accessible resources do exist and that you are welcomed and encouraged to utilize them.

Parents play a vital role in the development and growth of their children, and this directory has been improved to offer you information on how to find parenting education resources in your neighborhood. All parents and caregivers can benefit from the kind of information, advice, and support offered by the programs listed in this directory.

Helping Hands reflects many of the programs offered by DHS and our service providers. We dedicated a section of this parenting resource to the Parenting Collaborative, a network of parenting education programs funded by DHS as part of its effort to expand and enhance community-based services for families and children with a special focus on parents who are working towards reunification with their children. We included the Father’s Directory in Helping Hands because we understand the importance fathers play in the lives of their children.

White-Williams Scholars created Teen Philly, a great resource guide for high school students and youth workers. Teen Philly is a "road map" to assist teens in locating services. It includes information on local organizations and topics like jobs, sports, arts, tutoring, and health and family services.

The Teen Philly Resource Guide is divided by topic and the majority of programs and services listed are available at no cost. Many of these programs also provide services to people of all ages in addition to their teen programming.

A step-by-step guide explaining the placement process to parents whose children are in DHS’ custody. This guide is given to every parent involved with the Department, and explains the role of each player from DHS social workers, and child advocates to the judges and outlines the permanency plans for children.
Available in English and Spanish

To order a copy call 215-683-4DHS and ask for the Communications Office.

A comprehensive handbook for foster parents and those considering foster parenting. The Foster Parent Handbook outlines the many laws and policies that guide foster parenting and offers helpful hints on handling various scenarios, information on training and a resource guide to help foster parents support and care for foster children.

To order a copy call 215-683-4DHS and ask for the Communications Office.

An informative postcard outlining how to spot child abuse or neglect, where to call, and who is required by law to report.
Available in English and Spanish

To order a copy call 215-683-4DHS and ask for the Communications Office.