LEGAL
(Click on the number following any question to go to its answer. From there, click "Home" to return to this page.)
Case Participant Issues
What rights do grandparents have regarding visitation with grandchildren that have been removed from their parents? ANSWER
What are the Florida Statute and Administrative Code references for sibling placements? ANSWER
Confidentiality/Information-Sharing
Are child welfare records collected by or held by the Department of Children and Families, or contracted agency, subject to public record? ANSWER
Definitions
What is considered “egregious conduct”? ANSWER
What does the term “shelter status” mean? ANSWER
Federal and State Laws:
What are the seven outcomes that (ASFA) federal law requires states to focus on for the child’s safety, permanency and well-being? ANSWER
What is the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act that was signed into law by President Bush on July 27, 2006? ANSWER
What is the Multiethnic Placement Act (MEPA)? ANSWER
What is the intent of MEPA-IEP? ANSWER
What is ICWA? ANSWER
How do I know if a child on my caseload is protected by ICWA? ANSWER
What if a child is a member of a recognized tribe, but the tribe does not want to assume jurisdiction of the case? ANSWER
What if a child is a member of a recognized tribe, and the tribe wants to assume jurisdiction of the case? ANSWER
When does a protective investigator have to inquire if a child is American Indian or Alaskan Native? ANSWER
If a child of Indian descent is removed but later returned to the parent claiming the descent, is the Department obligated to notify the appropriate tribe of the dependency proceedings and continue to follow the process outlined in ICWA? ANSWER
According to the ICPC rules and regulations, which state (sending or receiving) is responsible for payment of a child placed in a licensed foster home? ANSWER
If a child is placed through the ICPC into a Foster Home, who determines the amount of the Board Rate to be paid, the sending state or the receiving state? ANSWER
Once a child has been placed in a Foster Home through an ICPC approval, can the receiving state bill the sending state for fees associated with the maintenance of the Foster Home? ANSWER
For a child being placed in a Foster Home through ICPC, if the placement resource needs additional supportive services to meet the needs of the child, can the receiving state negotiate a board rate above the statewide established rate? ANSWER
What Florida legislation addresses human trafficking and child abuse/dependency? ANSWER
In Florida, how many hours does one have to wait before reporting a missing child? ANSWER
Parent Issues
Does a parent still have the ability to petition the court to reopen a case when it has been closed out under Permanent Guardianship of a Dependent Child? ANSWER
Permanency Goals
What are the permanency options listed under Chapter 39? ANSWER
What is permanent guardianship? ANSWER
What is the difference between permanent guardianship and fit and willing relative? ANSWER
What are some examples of compelling reasons to recommend Another Planned Permanent Living Arrangement as the permanency goal for a child(ren)? ANSWER
Under what circumstances would expedited termination of parental rights (TPR) be filed? ANSWER
When is the goal APPLA appropriate for a child under 16? Does the Statute give a specific age and time when to apply the goal other then the criteria under 39.6241? ANSWER
Voluntary Protective Services (VPS)
Is a case plan required when a family is under voluntary protective services (VPS)? ANSWER
What case management responsibilities are not required when a family is under voluntary protective services?ANSWER