Bill > S1360

This bill makes several changes to child welfare laws in Florida: It expands the definition of "abuse" to include the birth of a new child into a family during an open dependency case when the parent or caregiver lacks the protective capacity to safely care for the children. It allows the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to establish rules for granting exemptions from fingerprinting requirements for household members with severe disabilities that prevent them from safely submitting fingerprints. It revises minimum requirements for child care personnel screening, including requiring employment history checks, criminal history record searches, and searches of sexual predator/offender registries and child abuse/neglect registries. The bill also requires parents to provide accurate contact information to DCF and make regular contact to provide information on case plan task completion. It specifies factors the court must consider when determining whether to amend a case plan. The bill also adds requirements for DCF to provide information to parents on preventing children from being unintentionally left in vehicles. Overall, this bill aims to strengthen child welfare policies and protections in Florida.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

Appropriations (S), Children, Families, and Elder Affairs (S)

http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2018/1360