Established in 1935, the Alabama Department of Human Resources is a public agency that provides services for the protection, well-being and self-sufficiency of children and adults. It employs more than 4,200 state merit system staff members. The department offers child care and support, family services and assistance, foster care, adoption, and child and adult protective services. In addition, the Alabama Department of Human Resources undertakes programs for food assistance and social work recruitment. It supports and hosts various community outreach programs and sessions, as well as provides assistance with health, family and technical inquiries. The Alabama Department of Human Resources maintains a location in Opelika, Ala.