Bill > H7085

This bill makes several changes to dependency proceedings and child protection services in Florida: - It removes a reporting requirement for the Department of Children and Families (the department) to the legislature regarding false reports of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect. - It transfers certain duties related to the residential treatment of children in the department's custody from the Agency for Health Care Administration to the department. - It creates new procedures and requirements for situations where both parents of a child are deceased and a legal custodian has not been appointed through a probate or guardianship proceeding. This includes allowing a petition for adjudication and permanent commitment to be filed in such cases. - It revises timeframes for when case plans must be filed with the court and provided to certain parties. - It modifies the conditions under which a court can determine permanent guardian placement for a child. - It provides that reasonable efforts to preserve or reunify a family are not required under certain circumstances. - It clarifies the court's jurisdiction and review process after termination of parental rights or a permanent commitment order. - It establishes a process for a denied adoption applicant to seek court review of the department's denial of their application. - It requires the department's consent for certain adoptions and removes an exemption from the home study requirement for stepparents or relatives in some cases. - It removes a reporting requirement for the department and the Independent Living Services Advisory Council. The bill is intended to make various changes to dependency proceedings and child protection services in Florida.

Health and Social Services

Children, Families and Seniors Subcommittee (House)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2020/7085