Bill > H0505

This bill makes several key changes to the procedures for dependency proceedings in Florida: 1. It adds a purpose to the chapter stating that, whenever possible, children should have the benefit of caring relationships with both their parents, and that prospective parents, including unmarried biological fathers, should be afforded a prompt and fair opportunity to establish a parental relationship. 2. It defines an "unmarried biological father" and establishes new requirements for such fathers to assert their parental rights in dependency and termination of parental rights proceedings, including filing a claim of paternity, legally establishing paternity, providing financial support, and developing a substantial relationship with the child. 3. It requires notice of dependency and termination of parental rights petitions to be served on any known and locatable unmarried biological fathers, and establishes the steps they must take to assert their rights or be found to have no further standing in the proceedings. 4. It allows the court to determine paternity and order child support as part of the dependency or termination proceedings, rather than requiring separate legal actions. 5. It limits the training requirements for prospective adoptive parents who do not adopt children from the child welfare system. Overall, the bill aims to ensure the rights of unmarried biological fathers are protected in dependency cases, while also expediting the process to establish permanency for children.

Health and Social Services, Justice

Children, Families and Seniors Subcommittee (H), Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee (H)

http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2018/505