Emergencies & Crises

Emergencies & Crises

Search here for information on different kinds of emergencies and crises. If you are currently having a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 9-8-8. The 988 Lifeline is a nationwide mental health crisis and suicide prevention hotline that provides immediate support and resources. It offers 24/7, confidential help for anyone in distress, ensuring quick access to trained crisis counselors.

24-Hour Crisis and Access Line
24-Hour Crisis and Access Line

The Mental Health Services Access and Crisis Line and Substance Use Disorder Access Line are confidential, free, and available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year, for individuals and family members facing a behavioral health crisis and/or substance use disorder addictions. This service is confidential.

Adult Protective Services
Adult Protective Services

The Adult Protective Services program has the serious responsibility of responding to reports of dependent adult abuse or neglect. There are no fees related to this assistance, and income and property are not considered in relation to services offered.

Child Welfare Services
Child Welfare Services

Assists families in providing preventive services when health and safety issues occur. CWS is dedicated to helping families achieve safety and stability, making sure children are protected from abusive and potentially harmful situations, and ensuring families in our system receive the services they need.

Child Welfare Services Family Advocate
Child Welfare Services Family Advocate

The Child Welfare Services (CWS) Family Advocate provides assistance to families involved in the CWS system. This may include birth parents, children, relatives, and resource families.

Communicable Disease and Other Required Reporting
Communicable Disease and Other Required Reporting

Under the California Code of Regulations, Title 17 (Section 2500), public health professionals, medical providers, and others are mandated to report approximately 85 diseases or conditions to their local health department.

Cooling and Warming Centers Live Interactive Map
Cooling and Warming Centers Live Interactive Map
Mandated Reporting
Mandated Reporting

To make a report, a mandated reporter must contact the appropriate local law enforcement or county child welfare agency, listed on this page. 

Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP)
Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP)

PHEP plays a vital role in emergency preparedness. The program focuses on preparing for and responding to events that pose a substantial risk to the health of the county’s residents, including public health threats and other emergencies.

Reporting Child Abuse
Reporting Child Abuse

If you suspect child abuse or neglect, call the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-331-1585; operators accept calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. 

Resource Family Approval
Resource Family Approval

If you are interested in becoming a resource family, our friendly staff will answer all your questions and help you gather the necessary information to take this important step in your life—and in the life of one or more children.

Safely Surrender Your Baby
Safely Surrender Your Baby

There are options. Do not abandon your baby.

No Shame | No Blame | No Names

Dial 1-877-222-9723 (1-877-BABY-SAF)

Unhoused Programs & Services
Unhoused Programs & Services

Tulare County HHSA collaborates with partners and offers a variety of programs and resources for homeless or unhoused individuals and families. We are committed to serving the unhoused population and increasing accessibility to resources to help residents thrive.


Agency News

IHSS Celebrates 50 Years

IHSS Celebrates 50 Years

Since its inception more than 50 years ago, the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program has been enabling California residents to live independently and safely in their own homes, avoiding institutionalization.

HHSA Community Holiday Drives Underway

HHSA Community Holiday Drives Underway

With the autumn season here and the holidays fast approaching, everyone seems to get busier—and Tulare County HHSA’s programs are no exception! Under Friends of Tulare County, HHSA has four current holiday drives underway. Thank you for helping to make spirits bright this holiday season!

Video: Navigating Medicare Enrollment

Video: Navigating Medicare Enrollment

The Kings/Tulare Area Agency on Aging (K/T AAA) and HICAP help Medicare consumers with things like benefit coverage, billing, consumer rights, and coordination of parts A, B, C, and D. So, how do you enroll in Medicare? Let us show you!