summary
Introduced
11/10/2021
11/10/2021
In Committee
11/19/2021
11/19/2021
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
03/14/2022
03/14/2022
Introduced Session
2022 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to children and young adults in out- of-home care; amending s. 39.4085, F.S.; revising legislative findings and providing legislative intent; providing construction; specifying the rights of, rather than goals for, children and young adults in out-of-home care; providing the roles and responsibilities of the Department of Children and Families, community-based care lead agencies, and other agency staff; authorizing and encouraging district school boards to establish certain educational programs; requiring the department to adopt rules; creating s. 39.4088, F.S.; designating a children's ombudsman as an autonomous entity within the department; providing responsibilities of the ombudsman; requiring the ombudsman to collect and post certain data on the department's website; requiring the ombudsman, in consultation with the department and other specified entities and by a specified date, to develop standardized information explaining the rights of children and young adults placed in out-of-home care; requiring the department, community-based care lead agencies, and other agency staff to use the information provided by the ombudsman in carrying out specified responsibilities; requiring the department hb0563-00 HB 563 to establish a statewide toll-free telephone number for the ombudsman; requiring the department to adopt rules; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill makes significant revisions to the "Foster Children's Bill of Rights" in Florida law. It outlines the rights of children and young adults in out-of-home care, including the rights to live in a safe and healthy home, receive necessary medical and mental health services, have contact with family and siblings, attend school and participate in extracurricular activities, and be free from discrimination. The bill also establishes a children's ombudsman within the Department of Children and Families to help resolve issues related to the care, placement, or services of children and young adults in out-of-home care. The ombudsman is required to disseminate information on the rights of these children and young adults, investigate complaints, and collect and publish data on their experiences. The bill aims to empower children and young adults in out-of-home care by ensuring they are informed of their rights and have a means to address any concerns without fear of retaliation.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (12)
Kelly Skidmore (D)*,
Fentrice Driskell (D),
Anna Eskamani (D),
Juan Fernandez-Barquin (R),
Mike Gottlieb (D),
Evan Jenne (D),
Dotie Joseph (D),
Daisy Morales (D),
Angie Nixon (D),
Emily Slosberg-King (D),
Susan L. Valdés (R),
Marie Woodson (D),
Last Action
Died in Children, Families & Seniors Subcommittee (on 03/14/2022)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2022/563 |
| Bill | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2022/563/BillText/Filed/PDF |
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