Bill > H1435

This bill: - Requires the Department of Children and Families (DCF), in collaboration with sheriffs' offices and community-based care lead agencies, to develop a statewide family-finding program to identify and engage relatives and fictive kin (those with close emotional ties) for children in out-of-home care. The goal is to find permanent or long-term connections and support for these children. - Authorizes community-based care lead agencies to establish kinship navigator programs to help relative and fictive kin caregivers access a range of available services and resources. - Amends current law to require the court to request that parents consent to providing access to the child's child care, early education, or other educational records, and allows the court to order such access if the parents do not consent. - Adds provisions to ensure educational stability for children from birth to school age in out-of-home care, including allowing them to remain in their current child care or early education setting unless it is not in their best interest.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

Children, Families and Seniors Subcommittee (H), Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee (H)

http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2018/1435