Bill > S1748

This bill makes several changes to Florida's child welfare laws. Key provisions include: - Requiring child support payments to be deposited into specific trust funds based on the child's eligibility for Title IV-E funding. - Authorizing the Agency for Health Care Administration to access certain child abuse and neglect records. - Requiring documentation in a child's case plan when they are placed in a qualified residential treatment program, including the most recent assessment, treatment needs, and preparation for returning home. - Reducing the time a child can be placed in a qualified residential treatment program without the department's approval, from 18 to 12 consecutive months, or 6 months if under 13 years old. - Requiring background screenings and level 2 standards for all employees, not just direct care staff, at residential group homes. - Providing that in child support cases under Chapter 39, the presumptive child support amount is 10% of the obligor's gross income, subject to deviation. The bill is intended to improve oversight and documentation for children placed in residential treatment, strengthen background screening requirements for group home staff, and clarify child support obligations in dependency cases.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

Children, Families, and Elder Affairs (Senate)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2020/1748