Bill > S1650

This bill aims to improve the child welfare system in Florida. It has several key provisions: 1. It recognizes the responsibility of parents to comply with their case plan in order to achieve reunification with their child within 1 year, and requires the department and court to assist parents in overcoming barriers to case plan compliance. 2. It places time limits on continuances and extensions of proceedings, with limited exceptions, to help expedite permanency for children. 3. It requires the court to advise parents during dependency proceedings about what is expected of them to achieve reunification, including the need to stay in contact with their attorney and caseworker and notify parties of barriers to completing case plan tasks. 4. It amends the case plan development and amendment process to improve communication with parents about services, strategies to overcome barriers, and their obligations to make progress. 5. It requires the court to hold more frequent permanency status hearings and consider the parent's level of engagement when determining permanency. 6. It clarifies grounds for termination of parental rights based on failure to comply with the case plan. Overall, the bill aims to promote timely reunification or permanency for children in the child welfare system by increasing accountability and communication with parents.

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

Children, Families, and Elder Affairs (S), Governmental Oversight and Accountability (S), Rules (S)

http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2018/1650