The Florida Senate

402.40  Child welfare training.--

(1)  LEGISLATIVE INTENT.--In order to enable the state to provide a systematic approach to staff development and training for dependency program staff that will meet the needs of such staff in their discharge of duties, it is the intent of the Legislature that the Department of Children and Family Services establish, maintain, and oversee the operation of child welfare training academies in the state. The Legislature further intends that the staff development and training programs that are established will aid in the reduction of poor staff morale and of staff turnover, will positively impact on the quality of decisions made regarding children and families who require assistance from dependency programs, and will afford better quality care of children who must be removed from their families.

(2)  DEFINITIONS.--As used in this section, the term:

(a)  "Dependency program" means any intake, preprotective services, protective services, foster care, shelter and group care, and adoption and related services program, whether operated by or contracted by the department, providing intake, counseling, supervision, or custody and care of children who are alleged to be or who have been found to be dependent pursuant to chapter 39 or who have been identified as being at risk of becoming dependent.

(b)  "Dependency program staff" means supervisory and direct care staff of a dependency program as well as support staff who have direct contact with children in a dependency program.

(3)  CHILD WELFARE TRAINING PROGRAM.--The department shall establish a program for training pursuant to the provisions of this section, and all dependency program staff shall be required to participate in and successfully complete the program of training pertinent to their areas of responsibility.

(4)  CHILD WELFARE TRAINING TRUST FUND.--

(a)  There is created within the State Treasury a Child Welfare Training Trust Fund to be used by the Department of Children and Family Services for the purpose of funding a comprehensive system of child welfare training, including the securing of consultants to develop the system and the developing of child welfare training academies that include the participation of dependency program staff.

(b)  One dollar from every noncriminal traffic infraction collected pursuant to s. 318.14(10)(b) or s. 318.18 shall be deposited into the Child Welfare Training Trust Fund.

(c)  In addition to the funds generated by paragraph (b), the trust fund shall receive funds generated from an additional fee on birth certificates and dissolution of marriage filings, as specified in ss. 382.0255 and 28.101, respectively, and may receive funds from any other public or private source.

(d)  Funds that are not expended by the end of the budget cycle or through a supplemental budget approved by the department shall revert to the trust fund.

(5)  ESTABLISHMENT OF TRAINING ACADEMIES.--The department shall contract for the operation of one or more training academies with Tallahassee Community College. The number, location, and timeframe for establishment of additional training academies shall be approved by the Secretary of Children and Family Services.

(6)  ADOPTION OF RULES.--The Department of Children and Family Services shall adopt rules necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.

History.--ss. 105, 106, ch. 86-220; s. 4, ch. 87-108; s. 68, ch. 91-221; s. 5, ch. 91-429; s. 79, ch. 95-143; s. 815, ch. 95-148; s. 83, ch. 96-175; s. 111, ch. 97-237; s. 150, ch. 99-8; ss. 40, 60, ch. 2000-139; s. 89, ch. 2000-165; s. 28, ch. 2001-89.