Florida Senate - 2024                          SENATOR AMENDMENT
       Bill No. CS for CS for CS for SB 1224
       
       
       
       
       
       
                                Ì557258JÎ557258                         
       
                              LEGISLATIVE ACTION                        
                    Senate             .             House              
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                Floor: 1/AD/2R         .                                
             02/29/2024 02:40 PM       .                                
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       Senator Burton moved the following:
       
    1         Senate Amendment (with title amendment)
    2  
    3         Delete everything after the enacting clause
    4  and insert:
    5         Section 1. Paragraph (j) of subsection (1), paragraph (j)
    6  of subsection (3), and paragraph (a) of subsection (10) of
    7  section 39.001, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
    8         39.001 Purposes and intent; personnel standards and
    9  screening.—
   10         (1) PURPOSES OF CHAPTER.—The purposes of this chapter are:
   11         (j) To ensure that, when reunification or adoption is not
   12  possible, the child will be prepared for alternative permanency
   13  goals or placements, to include, but not be limited to, long
   14  term foster care, independent living, custody to a relative on a
   15  permanent basis with or without legal guardianship, or custody
   16  to a foster parent or legal custodian on a permanent basis with
   17  or without legal guardianship. Permanency for a child who is
   18  transitioning from foster care to independent living includes
   19  naturally occurring, lifelong, kin-like connections between the
   20  child and a supportive adult.
   21         (3) GENERAL PROTECTIONS FOR CHILDREN.—It is a purpose of
   22  the Legislature that the children of this state be provided with
   23  the following protections:
   24         (j) The ability to contact their guardian ad litem or
   25  attorney ad litem, if one is appointed, by having that
   26  individual’s name entered on all orders of the court.
   27         (10) PLAN FOR COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH.—
   28         (a) The office shall develop a state plan for the promotion
   29  of adoption, support of adoptive families, and prevention of
   30  abuse, abandonment, and neglect of children. The Department of
   31  Children and Families, the Department of Corrections, the
   32  Department of Education, the Department of Health, the
   33  Department of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Law
   34  Enforcement, the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office, and the
   35  Agency for Persons with Disabilities shall participate and fully
   36  cooperate in the development of the state plan at both the state
   37  and local levels. Furthermore, appropriate local agencies and
   38  organizations shall be provided an opportunity to participate in
   39  the development of the state plan at the local level.
   40  Appropriate local groups and organizations shall include, but
   41  not be limited to, community mental health centers; circuit
   42  guardian ad litem offices programs for children under the
   43  circuit court; the school boards of the local school districts;
   44  the Florida local advocacy councils; community-based care lead
   45  agencies; private or public organizations or programs with
   46  recognized expertise in working with child abuse prevention
   47  programs for children and families; private or public
   48  organizations or programs with recognized expertise in working
   49  with children who are sexually abused, physically abused,
   50  emotionally abused, abandoned, or neglected and with expertise
   51  in working with the families of such children; private or public
   52  programs or organizations with expertise in maternal and infant
   53  health care; multidisciplinary Child Protection Teams; child day
   54  care centers; law enforcement agencies; and the circuit courts,
   55  when guardian ad litem programs are not available in the local
   56  area. The state plan to be provided to the Legislature and the
   57  Governor shall include, as a minimum, the information required
   58  of the various groups in paragraph (b).
   59         Section 2. Subsection (2) of section 39.00145, Florida
   60  Statutes, is amended to read:
   61         39.00145 Records concerning children.—
   62         (2) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter,
   63  all records in a child’s case record must be made available for
   64  inspection, upon request, to the child who is the subject of the
   65  case record and to the child’s caregiver, guardian ad litem, or
   66  attorney ad litem, if one is appointed.
   67         (a) A complete and accurate copy of any record in a child’s
   68  case record must be provided, upon request and at no cost, to
   69  the child who is the subject of the case record and to the
   70  child’s caregiver, guardian ad litem, or attorney ad litem, if
   71  one is appointed.
   72         (b) The department shall release the information in a
   73  manner and setting that are appropriate to the age and maturity
   74  of the child and the nature of the information being released,
   75  which may include the release of information in a therapeutic
   76  setting, if appropriate. This paragraph does not deny the child
   77  access to his or her records.
   78         (c) If a child or the child’s caregiver, guardian ad litem,
   79  or attorney ad litem, if one is appointed, requests access to
   80  the child’s case record, any person or entity that fails to
   81  provide any record in the case record under assertion of a claim
   82  of exemption from the public records requirements of chapter
   83  119, or fails to provide access within a reasonable time, is
   84  subject to sanctions and penalties under s. 119.10.
   85         (d) For the purposes of this subsection, the term
   86  “caregiver” is limited to parents, legal custodians, permanent
   87  guardians, or foster parents; employees of a residential home,
   88  institution, facility, or agency at which the child resides; and
   89  other individuals legally responsible for a child’s welfare in a
   90  residential setting.
   91         Section 3. Paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of section
   92  39.00146, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
   93         39.00146 Case record face sheet.—
   94         (2) The case record of every child under the supervision or
   95  in the custody of the department or the department’s authorized
   96  agents, including community-based care lead agencies and their
   97  subcontracted providers, must include a face sheet containing
   98  relevant information about the child and his or her case,
   99  including at least all of the following:
  100         (a) General case information, including, but not limited
  101  to, all of the following:
  102         1. The child’s name and date of birth.;
  103         2. The current county of residence and the county of
  104  residence at the time of the referral.;
  105         3. The reason for the referral and any family safety
  106  concerns.;
  107         4. The personal identifying information of the parents or
  108  legal custodians who had custody of the child at the time of the
  109  referral, including name, date of birth, and county of
  110  residence.;
  111         5. The date of removal from the home.; and
  112         6. The name and contact information of the attorney or
  113  attorneys assigned to the case in all capacities, including the
  114  attorney or attorneys that represent the department and the
  115  parents, and the guardian ad litem, if one has been appointed.
  116         Section 4. Paragraph (b) of subsection (2) and paragraph
  117  (b) of subsection (3) of section 39.0016, Florida Statutes, are
  118  amended to read:
  119         39.0016 Education of abused, neglected, and abandoned
  120  children; agency agreements; children having or suspected of
  121  having a disability.—
  122         (2) AGENCY AGREEMENTS.—
  123         (b) The department shall enter into agreements with
  124  district school boards or other local educational entities
  125  regarding education and related services for children known to
  126  the department who are of school age and children known to the
  127  department who are younger than school age but who would
  128  otherwise qualify for services from the district school board.
  129  Such agreements must shall include, but are not limited to:
  130         1. A requirement that the department shall:
  131         a. Ensure that children known to the department are
  132  enrolled in school or in the best educational setting that meets
  133  the needs of the child. The agreement must shall provide for
  134  continuing the enrollment of a child known to the department at
  135  the school of origin when possible if it is in the best interest
  136  of the child, with the goal of minimal disruption of education.
  137         b. Notify the school and school district in which a child
  138  known to the department is enrolled of the name and phone number
  139  of the child known to the department caregiver and caseworker
  140  for child safety purposes.
  141         c. Establish a protocol for the department to share
  142  information about a child known to the department with the
  143  school district, consistent with the Family Educational Rights
  144  and Privacy Act, since the sharing of information will assist
  145  each agency in obtaining education and related services for the
  146  benefit of the child. The protocol must require the district
  147  school boards or other local educational entities to access the
  148  department’s Florida Safe Families Network to obtain information
  149  about children known to the department, consistent with the
  150  Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. s.
  151  1232g.
  152         d. Notify the school district of the department’s case
  153  planning for a child known to the department, both at the time
  154  of plan development and plan review. Within the plan development
  155  or review process, the school district may provide information
  156  regarding the child known to the department if the school
  157  district deems it desirable and appropriate.
  158         e. Show no prejudice against a caregiver who desires to
  159  educate at home a child placed in his or her home through the
  160  child welfare system.
  161         2. A requirement that the district school board shall:
  162         a. Provide the department with a general listing of the
  163  services and information available from the district school
  164  board to facilitate educational access for a child known to the
  165  department.
  166         b. Identify all educational and other services provided by
  167  the school and school district which the school district
  168  believes are reasonably necessary to meet the educational needs
  169  of a child known to the department.
  170         c. Determine whether transportation is available for a
  171  child known to the department when such transportation will
  172  avoid a change in school assignment due to a change in
  173  residential placement. Recognizing that continued enrollment in
  174  the same school throughout the time the child known to the
  175  department is in out-of-home care is preferable unless
  176  enrollment in the same school would be unsafe or otherwise
  177  impractical, the department, the district school board, and the
  178  Department of Education shall assess the availability of
  179  federal, charitable, or grant funding for such transportation.
  180         d. Provide individualized student intervention or an
  181  individual educational plan when a determination has been made
  182  through legally appropriate criteria that intervention services
  183  are required. The intervention or individual educational plan
  184  must include strategies to enable the child known to the
  185  department to maximize the attainment of educational goals.
  186         3. A requirement that the department and the district
  187  school board shall cooperate in accessing the services and
  188  supports needed for a child known to the department who has or
  189  is suspected of having a disability to receive an appropriate
  190  education consistent with the Individuals with Disabilities
  191  Education Act and state implementing laws, rules, and
  192  assurances. Coordination of services for a child known to the
  193  department who has or is suspected of having a disability may
  194  include:
  195         a. Referral for screening.
  196         b. Sharing of evaluations between the school district and
  197  the department where appropriate.
  198         c. Provision of education and related services appropriate
  199  for the needs and abilities of the child known to the
  200  department.
  201         d. Coordination of services and plans between the school
  202  and the residential setting to avoid duplication or conflicting
  203  service plans.
  204         e. Appointment of a surrogate parent, consistent with the
  205  Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and pursuant to
  206  subsection (3), for educational purposes for a child known to
  207  the department who qualifies.
  208         f. For each child known to the department 14 years of age
  209  and older, transition planning by the department and all
  210  providers, including the department’s independent living program
  211  staff and the guardian ad litem of the child, to meet the
  212  requirements of the local school district for educational
  213  purposes.
  214         (3) CHILDREN HAVING OR SUSPECTED OF HAVING A DISABILITY.—
  215         (b)1. Each district school superintendent or dependency
  216  court must appoint a surrogate parent for a child known to the
  217  department who has or is suspected of having a disability, as
  218  defined in s. 1003.01(9), when:
  219         a. After reasonable efforts, no parent can be located; or
  220         b. A court of competent jurisdiction over a child under
  221  this chapter has determined that no person has the authority
  222  under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, including
  223  the parent or parents subject to the dependency action, or that
  224  no person has the authority, willingness, or ability to serve as
  225  the educational decisionmaker for the child without judicial
  226  action.
  227         2. A surrogate parent appointed by the district school
  228  superintendent or the court must be at least 18 years old and
  229  have no personal or professional interest that conflicts with
  230  the interests of the student to be represented. Neither the
  231  district school superintendent nor the court may appoint an
  232  employee of the Department of Education, the local school
  233  district, a community-based care provider, the Department of
  234  Children and Families, or any other public or private agency
  235  involved in the education or care of the child as appointment of
  236  those persons is prohibited by federal law. This prohibition
  237  includes group home staff and therapeutic foster parents.
  238  However, a person who acts in a parental role to a child, such
  239  as a foster parent or relative caregiver, is not prohibited from
  240  serving as a surrogate parent if he or she is employed by such
  241  agency, willing to serve, and knowledgeable about the child and
  242  the exceptional student education process. The surrogate parent
  243  may be a court-appointed guardian ad litem or a relative or
  244  nonrelative adult who is involved in the child’s life regardless
  245  of whether that person has physical custody of the child. Each
  246  person appointed as a surrogate parent must have the knowledge
  247  and skills acquired by successfully completing training using
  248  materials developed and approved by the Department of Education
  249  to ensure adequate representation of the child.
  250         3. If a guardian ad litem has been appointed for a child,
  251  The district school superintendent must first consider the
  252  child’s guardian ad litem when appointing a surrogate parent.
  253  The district school superintendent must accept the appointment
  254  of the court if he or she has not previously appointed a
  255  surrogate parent. Similarly, the court must accept a surrogate
  256  parent duly appointed by a district school superintendent.
  257         4. A surrogate parent appointed by the district school
  258  superintendent or the court must be accepted by any subsequent
  259  school or school district without regard to where the child is
  260  receiving residential care so that a single surrogate parent can
  261  follow the education of the child during his or her entire time
  262  in state custody. Nothing in this paragraph or in rule shall
  263  limit or prohibit the continuance of a surrogate parent
  264  appointment when the responsibility for the student’s
  265  educational placement moves among and between public and private
  266  agencies.
  267         5. For a child known to the department, the responsibility
  268  to appoint a surrogate parent resides with both the district
  269  school superintendent and the court with jurisdiction over the
  270  child. If the court elects to appoint a surrogate parent, notice
  271  shall be provided as soon as practicable to the child’s school.
  272  At any time the court determines that it is in the best
  273  interests of a child to remove a surrogate parent, the court may
  274  appoint a new surrogate parent for educational decisionmaking
  275  purposes for that child.
  276         6. The surrogate parent shall continue in the appointed
  277  role until one of the following occurs:
  278         a. The child is determined to no longer be eligible or in
  279  need of special programs, except when termination of special
  280  programs is being contested.
  281         b. The child achieves permanency through adoption or legal
  282  guardianship and is no longer in the custody of the department.
  283         c. The parent who was previously unknown becomes known,
  284  whose whereabouts were unknown is located, or who was
  285  unavailable is determined by the court to be available.
  286         d. The appointed surrogate no longer wishes to represent
  287  the child or is unable to represent the child.
  288         e. The superintendent of the school district in which the
  289  child is attending school, the Department of Education contract
  290  designee, or the court that appointed the surrogate determines
  291  that the appointed surrogate parent no longer adequately
  292  represents the child.
  293         f. The child moves to a geographic location that is not
  294  reasonably accessible to the appointed surrogate.
  295         7. The appointment and termination of appointment of a
  296  surrogate under this paragraph shall be entered as an order of
  297  the court with a copy of the order provided to the child’s
  298  school as soon as practicable.
  299         8. The person appointed as a surrogate parent under this
  300  paragraph must:
  301         a. Be acquainted with the child and become knowledgeable
  302  about his or her disability and educational needs.
  303         b. Represent the child in all matters relating to
  304  identification, evaluation, and educational placement and the
  305  provision of a free and appropriate education to the child.
  306         c. Represent the interests and safeguard the rights of the
  307  child in educational decisions that affect the child.
  308         9. The responsibilities of the person appointed as a
  309  surrogate parent shall not extend to the care, maintenance,
  310  custody, residential placement, or any other area not
  311  specifically related to the education of the child, unless the
  312  same person is appointed by the court for such other purposes.
  313         10. A person appointed as a surrogate parent shall enjoy
  314  all of the procedural safeguards afforded a parent with respect
  315  to the identification, evaluation, and educational placement of
  316  a student with a disability or a student who is suspected of
  317  having a disability.
  318         11. A person appointed as a surrogate parent shall not be
  319  held liable for actions taken in good faith on behalf of the
  320  student in protecting the special education rights of the child.
  321         Section 5. Present subsections (8) through (30) and (31)
  322  through (87) of section 39.01, Florida Statutes, are
  323  redesignated as subsections (9) through (31) and (34) through
  324  (90), respectively, present subsections (9), (36), and (58) are
  325  amended, and new subsections (8), (32), and (33) are added to
  326  that section, to read:
  327         39.01 Definitions.—When used in this chapter, unless the
  328  context otherwise requires:
  329         (8)“Attorney ad litem” means an attorney appointed by the
  330  court to represent a child in a dependency case who has an
  331  attorney-client relationship with the child under the rules
  332  regulating The Florida Bar.
  333         (10)(9) “Caregiver” means the parent, legal custodian,
  334  permanent guardian, adult household member, or other person
  335  responsible for a child’s welfare as defined in subsection (57)
  336  (54).
  337         (32)“Guardian ad litem” means a person or an entity that
  338  is a fiduciary appointed by the court to represent a child in
  339  any civil, criminal, or administrative proceeding to which the
  340  child is a party, including, but not limited to, under this
  341  chapter, which uses a best interest standard for decisionmaking
  342  and advocacy. For purposes of this chapter, the term includes,
  343  but is not limited to, the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office,
  344  which includes all circuit guardian ad litem offices and the
  345  duly certified volunteers, staff, and attorneys assigned by the
  346  Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office to represent children; a
  347  court-appointed attorney; or a responsible adult who is
  348  appointed by the court. A guardian ad litem is a party to the
  349  judicial proceeding as a representative of the child and serves
  350  until the jurisdiction of the court over the child terminates or
  351  until excused by the court.
  352         (33)“Guardian advocate” means a person appointed by the
  353  court to act on behalf of a drug-dependent newborn under part XI
  354  of this chapter.
  355         (39)(36) “Institutional child abuse or neglect” means
  356  situations of known or suspected child abuse or neglect in which
  357  the person allegedly perpetrating the child abuse or neglect is
  358  an employee of a public or private school, public or private day
  359  care center, residential home, institution, facility, or agency
  360  or any other person at such institution responsible for the
  361  child’s welfare as defined in subsection (57) (54).
  362         (61)(58) “Party” means the parent or parents of the child,
  363  the petitioner, the department, the guardian ad litem or the
  364  representative of the guardian ad litem program when the program
  365  has been appointed, and the child. The presence of the child may
  366  be excused by order of the court when presence would not be in
  367  the child’s best interest. Notice to the child may be excused by
  368  order of the court when the age, capacity, or other condition of
  369  the child is such that the notice would be meaningless or
  370  detrimental to the child.
  371         Section 6. Subsection (11) of section 39.013, Florida
  372  Statutes, is amended to read:
  373         39.013 Procedures and jurisdiction; right to counsel;
  374  guardian ad litem.—
  375         (11) The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem at the
  376  earliest possible time to represent a child throughout the
  377  proceedings, including any appeals. The guardian ad litem may
  378  represent the child in proceedings outside of the dependency
  379  case to secure the services and benefits that provide for the
  380  care, safety, and protection of the child encourage the
  381  Statewide Guardian Ad Litem Office to provide greater
  382  representation to those children who are within 1 year of
  383  transferring out of foster care.
  384         Section 7. Paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of section
  385  39.01305, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  386         39.01305 Appointment of an attorney for a dependent child
  387  with certain special needs.—
  388         (1)
  389         (b) The Legislature recognizes the existence of
  390  organizations that provide attorney representation to children
  391  in certain jurisdictions throughout the state. Further, the
  392  Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office Program provides best
  393  interest representation for dependent children in every
  394  jurisdiction in accordance with state and federal law. The
  395  Legislature, therefore, does not intend that funding provided
  396  for representation under this section supplant proven and
  397  existing organizations representing children. Instead, the
  398  Legislature intends that funding provided for representation
  399  under this section be an additional resource for the
  400  representation of more children in these jurisdictions, to the
  401  extent necessary to meet the requirements of this chapter, with
  402  the cooperation of existing local organizations or through the
  403  expansion of those organizations. The Legislature encourages the
  404  expansion of pro bono representation for children. This section
  405  is not intended to limit the ability of a pro bono attorney to
  406  appear on behalf of a child.
  407         Section 8. Subsection (3) of section 39.0132, Florida
  408  Statutes, is amended to read:
  409         39.0132 Oaths, records, and confidential information.—
  410         (3) The clerk shall keep all court records required by this
  411  chapter separate from other records of the circuit court. All
  412  court records required by this chapter may shall not be open to
  413  inspection by the public. All records may shall be inspected
  414  only upon order of the court by persons deemed by the court to
  415  have a proper interest therein, except that, subject to the
  416  provisions of s. 63.162, a child, and the parents of the child
  417  and their attorneys, the guardian ad litem, criminal conflict
  418  and civil regional counsels, law enforcement agencies, and the
  419  department and its designees, and the attorney ad litem, if one
  420  is appointed, shall always have the right to inspect and copy
  421  any official record pertaining to the child. The Justice
  422  Administrative Commission may inspect court dockets required by
  423  this chapter as necessary to audit compensation of court
  424  appointed attorneys. If the docket is insufficient for purposes
  425  of the audit, the commission may petition the court for
  426  additional documentation as necessary and appropriate. The court
  427  may permit authorized representatives of recognized
  428  organizations compiling statistics for proper purposes to
  429  inspect and make abstracts from official records, under whatever
  430  conditions upon their use and disposition the court may deem
  431  proper, and may punish by contempt proceedings any violation of
  432  those conditions.
  433         Section 9. Paragraph (a) of subsection (3) of section
  434  39.0136, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  435         39.0136 Time limitations; continuances.—
  436         (3) The time limitations in this chapter do not include:
  437         (a) Periods of delay resulting from a continuance granted
  438  at the request of the child’s counsel, or the child’s guardian
  439  ad litem, or attorney ad litem, if one is appointed, if the
  440  child is of sufficient capacity to express reasonable consent,
  441  at the request or with the consent of the child. The court must
  442  consider the best interests of the child when determining
  443  periods of delay under this section.
  444         Section 10. Subsection (7) of section 39.01375, Florida
  445  Statutes, is amended to read:
  446         39.01375 Best interest determination for placement.—The
  447  department, community-based care lead agency, or court shall
  448  consider all of the following factors when determining whether a
  449  proposed placement under this chapter is in the child’s best
  450  interest:
  451         (7) The recommendation of the child’s guardian ad litem, if
  452  one has been appointed.
  453         Section 11. Paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (4) of
  454  section 39.0139, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
  455         39.0139 Visitation or other contact; restrictions.—
  456         (4) HEARINGS.—A person who meets any of the criteria set
  457  forth in paragraph (3)(a) who seeks to begin or resume contact
  458  with the child victim shall have the right to an evidentiary
  459  hearing to determine whether contact is appropriate.
  460         (a) Before Prior to the hearing, the court shall appoint an
  461  attorney ad litem or a guardian ad litem for the child if one
  462  has not already been appointed. The guardian ad litem and Any
  463  attorney ad litem, if one is or guardian ad litem appointed,
  464  must shall have special training in the dynamics of child sexual
  465  abuse.
  466         (b) At the hearing, the court may receive and rely upon any
  467  relevant and material evidence submitted to the extent of its
  468  probative value, including written and oral reports or
  469  recommendations from the Child Protection Team, the child’s
  470  therapist, the child’s guardian ad litem, or the child’s
  471  attorney ad litem, if one is appointed, even if these reports,
  472  recommendations, and evidence may not be admissible under the
  473  rules of evidence.
  474         Section 12. Paragraphs (d) and (t) of subsection (2) of
  475  section 39.202, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
  476         39.202 Confidentiality of reports and records in cases of
  477  child abuse or neglect; exception.—
  478         (2) Except as provided in subsection (4), access to such
  479  records, excluding the name of, or other identifying information
  480  with respect to, the reporter which may only shall be released
  481  only as provided in subsection (5), may only shall be granted
  482  only to the following persons, officials, and agencies:
  483         (d) The parent or legal custodian of any child who is
  484  alleged to have been abused, abandoned, or neglected; the child;
  485  the child’s guardian ad litem; the child’s attorney ad litem, if
  486  one is appointed; or, and the child, and their attorneys,
  487  including any attorney representing a child in civil or criminal
  488  proceedings. This access must shall be made available no later
  489  than 60 days after the department receives the initial report of
  490  abuse, neglect, or abandonment. However, any information
  491  otherwise made confidential or exempt by law may shall not be
  492  released pursuant to this paragraph.
  493         (t) Persons with whom the department is seeking to place
  494  the child or to whom placement has been granted, including
  495  foster parents for whom an approved home study has been
  496  conducted, the designee of a licensed child-caring agency as
  497  defined in s. 39.01 s. 39.01(41), an approved relative or
  498  nonrelative with whom a child is placed pursuant to s. 39.402,
  499  preadoptive parents for whom a favorable preliminary adoptive
  500  home study has been conducted, adoptive parents, or an adoption
  501  entity acting on behalf of preadoptive or adoptive parents.
  502         Section 13. Paragraph (c) of subsection (8), paragraphs (b)
  503  and (c) of subsection (11), and paragraph (a) of subsection (14)
  504  of section 39.402, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
  505         39.402 Placement in a shelter.—
  506         (8)
  507         (c) At the shelter hearing, the court shall:
  508         1. Appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the best
  509  interest of the child, unless the court finds that such
  510  representation is unnecessary;
  511         2. Inform the parents or legal custodians of their right to
  512  counsel to represent them at the shelter hearing and at each
  513  subsequent hearing or proceeding, and the right of the parents
  514  to appointed counsel, pursuant to the procedures set forth in s.
  515  39.013;
  516         3. Give the parents or legal custodians an opportunity to
  517  be heard and to present evidence; and
  518         4. Inquire of those present at the shelter hearing as to
  519  the identity and location of the legal father. In determining
  520  who the legal father of the child may be, the court shall
  521  inquire under oath of those present at the shelter hearing
  522  whether they have any of the following information:
  523         a. Whether the mother of the child was married at the
  524  probable time of conception of the child or at the time of birth
  525  of the child.
  526         b. Whether the mother was cohabiting with a male at the
  527  probable time of conception of the child.
  528         c. Whether the mother has received payments or promises of
  529  support with respect to the child or because of her pregnancy
  530  from a man who claims to be the father.
  531         d. Whether the mother has named any man as the father on
  532  the birth certificate of the child or in connection with
  533  applying for or receiving public assistance.
  534         e. Whether any man has acknowledged or claimed paternity of
  535  the child in a jurisdiction in which the mother resided at the
  536  time of or since conception of the child or in which the child
  537  has resided or resides.
  538         f. Whether a man is named on the birth certificate of the
  539  child pursuant to s. 382.013(2).
  540         g. Whether a man has been determined by a court order to be
  541  the father of the child.
  542         h. Whether a man has been determined to be the father of
  543  the child by the Department of Revenue as provided in s.
  544  409.256.
  545         (11)
  546         (b) The court shall request that the parents consent to
  547  provide access to the child’s medical records and provide
  548  information to the court, the department or its contract
  549  agencies, and the any guardian ad litem or attorney ad litem, if
  550  one is appointed, for the child. If a parent is unavailable or
  551  unable to consent or withholds consent and the court determines
  552  access to the records and information is necessary to provide
  553  services to the child, the court shall issue an order granting
  554  access. The court may also order the parents to provide all
  555  known medical information to the department and to any others
  556  granted access under this subsection.
  557         (c) The court shall request that the parents consent to
  558  provide access to the child’s child care records, early
  559  education program records, or other educational records and
  560  provide information to the court, the department or its contract
  561  agencies, and the any guardian ad litem or attorney ad litem, if
  562  one is appointed, for the child. If a parent is unavailable or
  563  unable to consent or withholds consent and the court determines
  564  access to the records and information is necessary to provide
  565  services to the child, the court shall issue an order granting
  566  access.
  567         (14) The time limitations in this section do not include:
  568         (a) Periods of delay resulting from a continuance granted
  569  at the request or with the consent of the child’s counsel or the
  570  child’s guardian ad litem or attorney ad litem, if one is has
  571  been appointed by the court, or, if the child is of sufficient
  572  capacity to express reasonable consent, at the request or with
  573  the consent of the child’s attorney or the child’s guardian ad
  574  litem, if one has been appointed by the court, and the child.
  575         Section 14. Paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (4) of
  576  section 39.4022, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
  577         39.4022 Multidisciplinary teams; staffings; assessments;
  578  report.—
  579         (4) PARTICIPANTS.—
  580         (a) Collaboration among diverse individuals who are part of
  581  the child’s network is necessary to make the most informed
  582  decisions possible for the child. A diverse team is preferable
  583  to ensure that the necessary combination of technical skills,
  584  cultural knowledge, community resources, and personal
  585  relationships is developed and maintained for the child and
  586  family. The participants necessary to achieve an appropriately
  587  diverse team for a child may vary by child and may include
  588  extended family, friends, neighbors, coaches, clergy, coworkers,
  589  or others the family identifies as potential sources of support.
  590         1. Each multidisciplinary team staffing must invite the
  591  following members:
  592         a. The child, unless he or she is not of an age or capacity
  593  to participate in the team, and the child’s guardian ad litem;
  594         b. The child’s family members and other individuals
  595  identified by the family as being important to the child,
  596  provided that a parent who has a no contact order or injunction,
  597  is alleged to have sexually abused the child, or is subject to a
  598  termination of parental rights may not participate;
  599         c. The current caregiver, provided the caregiver is not a
  600  parent who meets the criteria of one of the exceptions under
  601  sub-subparagraph b.;
  602         d. A representative from the department other than the
  603  Children’s Legal Services attorney, when the department is
  604  directly involved in the goal identified by the staffing;
  605         e. A representative from the community-based care lead
  606  agency, when the lead agency is directly involved in the goal
  607  identified by the staffing;
  608         f. The case manager for the child, or his or her case
  609  manager supervisor; and
  610         g. A representative from the Department of Juvenile
  611  Justice, if the child is dually involved with both the
  612  department and the Department of Juvenile Justice.
  613         2. The multidisciplinary team must make reasonable efforts
  614  to have all mandatory invitees attend. However, the
  615  multidisciplinary team staffing may not be delayed if the
  616  invitees in subparagraph 1. fail to attend after being provided
  617  reasonable opportunities.
  618         (b) Based on the particular goal the multidisciplinary team
  619  staffing identifies as the purpose of convening the staffing as
  620  provided under subsection (5), the department or lead agency may
  621  also invite to the meeting other professionals, including, but
  622  not limited to:
  623         1. A representative from Children’s Medical Services;
  624         2. A guardian ad litem, if one is appointed;
  625         3. A school personnel representative who has direct contact
  626  with the child;
  627         3.4. A therapist or other behavioral health professional,
  628  if applicable;
  629         4.5. A mental health professional with expertise in sibling
  630  bonding, if the department or lead agency deems such expert is
  631  necessary; or
  632         5.6. Other community providers of services to the child or
  633  stakeholders, when applicable.
  634         Section 15. Paragraph (d) of subsection (3) and paragraph
  635  (c) of subsection (4) of section 39.4023, Florida Statutes, are
  636  amended to read:
  637         39.4023 Placement and education transitions; transition
  638  plans.—
  639         (3) PLACEMENT TRANSITIONS.—
  640         (d) Transition planning.—
  641         1. If the supportive services provided pursuant to
  642  paragraph (c) have not been successful to make the maintenance
  643  of the placement suitable or if there are other circumstances
  644  that require the child to be moved, the department or the
  645  community-based care lead agency must convene a
  646  multidisciplinary team staffing as required under s. 39.4022
  647  before the child’s placement is changed, or within 72 hours of
  648  moving the child in an emergency situation, for the purpose of
  649  developing an appropriate transition plan.
  650         2. A placement change may occur immediately in an emergency
  651  situation without convening a multidisciplinary team staffing.
  652  However, a multidisciplinary team staffing must be held within
  653  72 hours after the emergency situation arises.
  654         3. The department or the community-based care lead agency
  655  must provide written notice of the planned move at least 14 days
  656  before the move or within 72 hours after an emergency situation,
  657  to the greatest extent possible and consistent with the child’s
  658  needs and preferences. The notice must include the reason a
  659  placement change is necessary. A copy of the notice must be
  660  filed with the court and be provided to all of the following:
  661         a. The child, unless he or she, due to age or capacity, is
  662  unable to comprehend the written notice, which will necessitate
  663  the department or lead agency to provide notice in an age
  664  appropriate and capacity-appropriate alternative manner.;
  665         b. The child’s parents, unless prohibited by court order.;
  666         c. The child’s out-of-home caregiver.;
  667         d. The guardian ad litem., if one is appointed;
  668         e. The attorney ad litem for the child, if one is
  669  appointed.; and
  670         f. The attorney for the department.
  671         4. The transition plan must be developed through
  672  cooperation among the persons included in subparagraph 3., and
  673  such persons must share any relevant information necessary for
  674  its development. Subject to the child’s needs and preferences,
  675  the transition plan must meet the requirements of s.
  676  409.1415(2)(b)8. and exclude any placement changes that occur
  677  between 7 p.m. and 8 a.m.
  678         5. The department or the community-based care lead agency
  679  shall file the transition plan with the court within 48 hours
  680  after the creation of such plan and provide a copy of the plan
  681  to the persons included in subparagraph 3.
  682         (4) EDUCATION TRANSITIONS.—
  683         (c) Minimizing school changes.—
  684         1. Every effort must be made to keep a child in the school
  685  of origin if it is in the child’s best interest. Any placement
  686  decision must include thoughtful consideration of which school a
  687  child will attend if a school change is necessary.
  688         2. Members of a multidisciplinary team staffing convened
  689  for a purpose other than a school change must determine the
  690  child’s best interest regarding remaining in the school or
  691  program of origin if the child’s educational options are
  692  affected by any other decision being made by the
  693  multidisciplinary team.
  694         3. The determination of whether it is in the child’s best
  695  interest to remain in the school of origin, and if not, of which
  696  school the child will attend in the future, must be made in
  697  consultation with the following individuals, including, but not
  698  limited to, the child; the parents; the caregiver; the child
  699  welfare professional; the guardian ad litem, if appointed; the
  700  educational surrogate, if appointed; child care and educational
  701  staff, including teachers and guidance counselors; and the
  702  school district representative or foster care liaison. A
  703  multidisciplinary team member may contact any of these
  704  individuals in advance of a multidisciplinary team staffing to
  705  obtain his or her recommendation. An individual may remotely
  706  attend the multidisciplinary team staffing if one of the
  707  identified goals is related to determining an educational
  708  placement. The multidisciplinary team may rely on a report from
  709  the child’s current school or program district and, if
  710  applicable, any other school district being considered for the
  711  educational placement if the required school personnel are not
  712  available to attend the multidisciplinary team staffing in
  713  person or remotely.
  714         4. The multidisciplinary team and the individuals listed in
  715  subparagraph 3. must consider, at a minimum, all of the
  716  following factors when determining whether remaining in the
  717  school or program of origin is in the child’s best interest or,
  718  if not, when selecting a new school or program:
  719         a. The child’s desire to remain in the school or program of
  720  origin.
  721         b. The preference of the child’s parents or legal
  722  guardians.
  723         c. Whether the child has siblings, close friends, or
  724  mentors at the school or program of origin.
  725         d. The child’s cultural and community connections in the
  726  school or program of origin.
  727         e. Whether the child is suspected of having a disability
  728  under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or
  729  s. 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or has begun receiving
  730  interventions under this state’s multitiered system of supports.
  731         f. Whether the child has an evaluation pending for special
  732  education and related services under IDEA or s. 504 of the
  733  Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
  734         g. Whether the child is a student with a disability under
  735  IDEA who is receiving special education and related services or
  736  a student with a disability under s. 504 of the Rehabilitation
  737  Act of 1973 who is receiving accommodations and services and, if
  738  so, whether those required services are available in a school or
  739  program other than the school or program of origin.
  740         h. Whether the child is an English Language Learner student
  741  and is receiving language services and, if so, whether those
  742  required services are available in a school or program other
  743  than the school or program of origin.
  744         i. The impact a change to the school or program of origin
  745  would have on academic credits and progress toward promotion.
  746         j. The availability of extracurricular activities important
  747  to the child.
  748         k. The child’s known individualized educational plan or
  749  other medical and behavioral health needs and whether such plan
  750  or needs are able to be met at a school or program other than
  751  the school or program of origin.
  752         l. The child’s permanency goal and timeframe for achieving
  753  permanency.
  754         m. The child’s history of school transfers and how such
  755  transfers have impacted the child academically, emotionally, and
  756  behaviorally.
  757         n. The length of the commute to the school or program from
  758  the child’s home or placement and how such commute would impact
  759  the child.
  760         o. The length of time the child has attended the school or
  761  program of origin.
  762         5. The cost of transportation cannot be a factor in making
  763  a best interest determination.
  764         Section 16. Paragraph (f) of subsection (3) of section
  765  39.407, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  766         39.407 Medical, psychiatric, and psychological examination
  767  and treatment of child; physical, mental, or substance abuse
  768  examination of person with or requesting child custody.—
  769         (3)
  770         (f)1. The department shall fully inform the court of the
  771  child’s medical and behavioral status as part of the social
  772  services report prepared for each judicial review hearing held
  773  for a child for whom psychotropic medication has been prescribed
  774  or provided under this subsection. As a part of the information
  775  provided to the court, the department shall furnish copies of
  776  all pertinent medical records concerning the child which have
  777  been generated since the previous hearing. On its own motion or
  778  on good cause shown by any party, including the any guardian ad
  779  litem, attorney, or attorney ad litem, if one is who has been
  780  appointed to represent the child or the child’s interests, the
  781  court may review the status more frequently than required in
  782  this subsection.
  783         2. The court may, in the best interests of the child, order
  784  the department to obtain a medical opinion addressing whether
  785  the continued use of the medication under the circumstances is
  786  safe and medically appropriate.
  787         Section 17. Paragraphs (m), (t), and (u) of subsection (1)
  788  of section 39.4085, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
  789         39.4085 Goals for dependent children; responsibilities;
  790  education; Office of the Children’s Ombudsman.—
  791         (1) The Legislature finds that the design and delivery of
  792  child welfare services should be directed by the principle that
  793  the health and safety of children, including the freedom from
  794  abuse, abandonment, or neglect, is of paramount concern and,
  795  therefore, establishes the following goals for children in
  796  shelter or foster care:
  797         (m) To receive meaningful case management and planning that
  798  will quickly return the child to his or her family or move the
  799  child on to other forms of permanency. For a child who is
  800  transitioning from foster care to independent living, permanency
  801  includes establishing naturally occurring, lifelong, kin-like
  802  connections between the child and a supportive adult.
  803         (t) To have a guardian ad litem appointed to represent,
  804  within reason, their best interests and, if appropriate, an
  805  attorney ad litem appointed to represent their legal interests;
  806  the guardian ad litem or and attorney ad litem, if one is
  807  appointed, shall have immediate and unlimited access to the
  808  children they represent.
  809         (u) To have all their records available for review by their
  810  guardian ad litem or and attorney ad litem, if one is appointed,
  811  if they deem such review necessary.
  812  
  813  This subsection establishes goals and not rights. This
  814  subsection does not require the delivery of any particular
  815  service or level of service in excess of existing
  816  appropriations. A person does not have a cause of action against
  817  the state or any of its subdivisions, agencies, contractors,
  818  subcontractors, or agents, based upon the adoption of or failure
  819  to provide adequate funding for the achievement of these goals
  820  by the Legislature. This subsection does not require the
  821  expenditure of funds to meet the goals established in this
  822  subsection except those funds specifically appropriated for such
  823  purpose.
  824         Section 18. Subsection (8) of section 39.502, Florida
  825  Statutes, is amended to read:
  826         39.502 Notice, process, and service.—
  827         (8) It is not necessary to the validity of a proceeding
  828  covered by this part that the parents be present if their
  829  identity or residence is unknown after a diligent search has
  830  been made; however, but in this event the petitioner must shall
  831  file an affidavit of diligent search prepared by the person who
  832  made the search and inquiry, and the court must may appoint a
  833  guardian ad litem for the child if a guardian ad litem has not
  834  previously been appointed.
  835         Section 19. Paragraph (c) of subsection (3) of section
  836  39.522, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  837         39.522 Postdisposition change of custody.—
  838         (3)
  839         (c)1. The department or community-based care lead agency
  840  must notify a current caregiver who has been in the physical
  841  custody placement for at least 9 consecutive months and who
  842  meets all the established criteria in paragraph (b) of an intent
  843  to change the physical custody of the child, and a
  844  multidisciplinary team staffing must be held in accordance with
  845  ss. 39.4022 and 39.4023 at least 21 days before the intended
  846  date for the child’s change in physical custody, unless there is
  847  an emergency situation as defined in s. 39.4022(2)(b). If there
  848  is not a unanimous consensus decision reached by the
  849  multidisciplinary team, the department’s official position must
  850  be provided to the parties within the designated time period as
  851  provided for in s. 39.4022.
  852         2. A caregiver who objects to the department’s official
  853  position on the change in physical custody must notify the court
  854  and the department or community-based care lead agency of his or
  855  her objection and the intent to request an evidentiary hearing
  856  in writing in accordance with this section within 5 days after
  857  receiving notice of the department’s official position provided
  858  under subparagraph 1. The transition of the child to the new
  859  caregiver may not begin before the expiration of the 5-day
  860  period within which the current caregiver may object.
  861         3. Upon the department or community-based care lead agency
  862  receiving written notice of the caregiver’s objection, the
  863  change to the child’s physical custody must be placed in
  864  abeyance and the child may not be transitioned to a new physical
  865  placement without a court order, unless there is an emergency
  866  situation as defined in s. 39.4022(2)(b).
  867         4. Within 7 days after receiving written notice from the
  868  caregiver, the court must conduct an initial case status
  869  hearing, at which time the court must do all of the following:
  870         a. Grant party status to the current caregiver who is
  871  seeking permanent custody and has maintained physical custody of
  872  that child for at least 9 continuous months for the limited
  873  purpose of filing a motion for a hearing on the objection and
  874  presenting evidence pursuant to this subsection.;
  875         b. Appoint an attorney for the child who is the subject of
  876  the permanent custody proceeding, in addition to the guardian ad
  877  litem, if one is appointed;
  878         b.c. Advise the caregiver of his or her right to retain
  879  counsel for purposes of the evidentiary hearing.; and
  880         c.d. Appoint a court-selected neutral and independent
  881  licensed professional with expertise in the science and research
  882  of child-parent bonding.
  883         Section 20. Paragraph (c) of subsection (1) and paragraph
  884  (c) of subsection (3) of section 39.6012, Florida Statutes, are
  885  amended to read:
  886         39.6012 Case plan tasks; services.—
  887         (1) The services to be provided to the parent and the tasks
  888  that must be completed are subject to the following:
  889         (c) If there is evidence of harm as defined in s.
  890  39.01(37)(g) s. 39.01(34)(g), the case plan must include as a
  891  required task for the parent whose actions caused the harm that
  892  the parent submit to a substance abuse disorder assessment or
  893  evaluation and participate and comply with treatment and
  894  services identified in the assessment or evaluation as being
  895  necessary.
  896         (3) In addition to any other requirement, if the child is
  897  in an out-of-home placement, the case plan must include:
  898         (c) When appropriate, for a child who is 13 years of age or
  899  older, a written description of the programs and services that
  900  will help the child prepare for the transition from foster care
  901  to independent living. The written description must include age
  902  appropriate activities for the child’s development of
  903  relationships, coping skills, and emotional well-being.
  904         Section 21. Section 39.6036, Florida Statutes, is created
  905  to read:
  906         39.6036Supportive adults for children transitioning out of
  907  foster care.—
  908         (1)The Legislature finds that a committed, caring adult
  909  provides a lifeline for a child transitioning out of foster care
  910  to live independently. Accordingly, it is the intent of the
  911  Legislature that the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office help
  912  children connect with supportive adults with the hope of
  913  creating an ongoing relationship that lasts into adulthood.
  914         (2)The Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office shall work with
  915  a child who is transitioning out of foster care to identify at
  916  least one supportive adult with whom the child can enter into a
  917  formal agreement for an ongoing relationship and document such
  918  agreement in the child’s court file. If the child cannot
  919  identify a supportive adult, the Statewide Guardian ad Litem
  920  Office shall work in coordination with the Office of Continuing
  921  Care to identify at least one supportive adult with whom the
  922  child can enter into a formal agreement for an ongoing
  923  relationship and document such agreement in the child’s court
  924  file.
  925         Section 22. Paragraph (c) of subsection (10) of section
  926  39.621, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  927         39.621 Permanency determination by the court.—
  928         (10) The permanency placement is intended to continue until
  929  the child reaches the age of majority and may not be disturbed
  930  absent a finding by the court that the circumstances of the
  931  permanency placement are no longer in the best interest of the
  932  child.
  933         (c) The court shall base its decision concerning any motion
  934  by a parent for reunification or increased contact with a child
  935  on the effect of the decision on the safety, well-being, and
  936  physical and emotional health of the child. Factors that must be
  937  considered and addressed in the findings of fact of the order on
  938  the motion must include:
  939         1. The compliance or noncompliance of the parent with the
  940  case plan;
  941         2. The circumstances which caused the child’s dependency
  942  and whether those circumstances have been resolved;
  943         3. The stability and longevity of the child’s placement;
  944         4. The preferences of the child, if the child is of
  945  sufficient age and understanding to express a preference;
  946         5. The recommendation of the current custodian; and
  947         6. Any The recommendation of the guardian ad litem, if one
  948  has been appointed.
  949         Section 23. Subsection (2) of section 39.6241, Florida
  950  Statutes, is amended to read:
  951         39.6241 Another planned permanent living arrangement.—
  952         (2) The department and the guardian ad litem must provide
  953  the court with a recommended list and description of services
  954  needed by the child, such as independent living services and
  955  medical, dental, educational, or psychological referrals, and a
  956  recommended list and description of services needed by his or
  957  her caregiver. The guardian ad litem must also advise the court
  958  whether the child has been connected with a supportive adult
  959  and, if the child has been connected with a supportive adult,
  960  whether the child has entered into a formal agreement with the
  961  adult. If the child has entered into a formal agreement pursuant
  962  to s. 39.6036, the guardian ad litem must ensure that the
  963  agreement is documented in the child’s court file.
  964         Section 24. Paragraphs (b) and (f) of subsection (1),
  965  paragraph (c) of subsection (2), subsection (3), and paragraph
  966  (e) of subsection (4) of section 39.701, Florida Statutes, are
  967  amended to read:
  968         39.701 Judicial review.—
  969         (1) GENERAL PROVISIONS.—
  970         (b)1. The court shall retain jurisdiction over a child
  971  returned to his or her parents for a minimum period of 6 months
  972  after following the reunification, but, at that time, based on a
  973  report of the social service agency and the guardian ad litem,
  974  if one has been appointed, and any other relevant factors, the
  975  court shall make a determination as to whether supervision by
  976  the department and the court’s jurisdiction shall continue or be
  977  terminated.
  978         2. Notwithstanding subparagraph 1., the court must retain
  979  jurisdiction over a child if the child is placed in the home
  980  with a parent or caregiver with an in-home safety plan and such
  981  safety plan remains necessary for the child to reside safely in
  982  the home.
  983         (f) Notice of a judicial review hearing or a citizen review
  984  panel hearing, and a copy of the motion for judicial review, if
  985  any, must be served by the clerk of the court upon all of the
  986  following persons, if available to be served, regardless of
  987  whether the person was present at the previous hearing at which
  988  the date, time, and location of the hearing was announced:
  989         1. The social service agency charged with the supervision
  990  of care, custody, or guardianship of the child, if that agency
  991  is not the movant.
  992         2. The foster parent or legal custodian in whose home the
  993  child resides.
  994         3. The parents.
  995         4. The guardian ad litem for the child, or the
  996  representative of the guardian ad litem program if the program
  997  has been appointed.
  998         5. The attorney ad litem for the child, if one is
  999  appointed.
 1000         6. The child, if the child is 13 years of age or older.
 1001         7. Any preadoptive parent.
 1002         8. Such other persons as the court may direct.
 1003         (2) REVIEW HEARINGS FOR CHILDREN YOUNGER THAN 18 YEARS OF
 1004  AGE.—
 1005         (c) Review determinations.—The court and any citizen review
 1006  panel shall take into consideration the information contained in
 1007  the social services study and investigation and all medical,
 1008  psychological, and educational records that support the terms of
 1009  the case plan; testimony by the social services agency, the
 1010  parent, the foster parent or caregiver, the guardian ad litem,
 1011  the or surrogate parent for educational decisionmaking if one
 1012  has been appointed for the child, and any other person deemed
 1013  appropriate; and any relevant and material evidence submitted to
 1014  the court, including written and oral reports to the extent of
 1015  their probative value. These reports and evidence may be
 1016  received by the court in its effort to determine the action to
 1017  be taken with regard to the child and may be relied upon to the
 1018  extent of their probative value, even though not competent in an
 1019  adjudicatory hearing. In its deliberations, the court and any
 1020  citizen review panel shall seek to determine:
 1021         1. If the parent was advised of the right to receive
 1022  assistance from any person or social service agency in the
 1023  preparation of the case plan.
 1024         2. If the parent has been advised of the right to have
 1025  counsel present at the judicial review or citizen review
 1026  hearings. If not so advised, the court or citizen review panel
 1027  shall advise the parent of such right.
 1028         3. If a guardian ad litem needs to be appointed for the
 1029  child in a case in which a guardian ad litem has not previously
 1030  been appointed or if there is a need to continue a guardian ad
 1031  litem in a case in which a guardian ad litem has been appointed.
 1032         4. Who holds the rights to make educational decisions for
 1033  the child. If appropriate, the court may refer the child to the
 1034  district school superintendent for appointment of a surrogate
 1035  parent or may itself appoint a surrogate parent under the
 1036  Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and s. 39.0016.
 1037         5. The compliance or lack of compliance of all parties with
 1038  applicable items of the case plan, including the parents’
 1039  compliance with child support orders.
 1040         6. The compliance or lack of compliance with a visitation
 1041  contract between the parent and the social service agency for
 1042  contact with the child, including the frequency, duration, and
 1043  results of the parent-child visitation and the reason for any
 1044  noncompliance.
 1045         7. The frequency, kind, and duration of contacts among
 1046  siblings who have been separated during placement, as well as
 1047  any efforts undertaken to reunite separated siblings if doing so
 1048  is in the best interests of the child.
 1049         8. The compliance or lack of compliance of the parent in
 1050  meeting specified financial obligations pertaining to the care
 1051  of the child, including the reason for failure to comply, if
 1052  applicable.
 1053         9. Whether the child is receiving safe and proper care
 1054  according to s. 39.6012, including, but not limited to, the
 1055  appropriateness of the child’s current placement, including
 1056  whether the child is in a setting that is as family-like and as
 1057  close to the parent’s home as possible, consistent with the
 1058  child’s best interests and special needs, and including
 1059  maintaining stability in the child’s educational placement, as
 1060  documented by assurances from the community-based care lead
 1061  agency that:
 1062         a. The placement of the child takes into account the
 1063  appropriateness of the current educational setting and the
 1064  proximity to the school in which the child is enrolled at the
 1065  time of placement.
 1066         b. The community-based care lead agency has coordinated
 1067  with appropriate local educational agencies to ensure that the
 1068  child remains in the school in which the child is enrolled at
 1069  the time of placement.
 1070         10. A projected date likely for the child’s return home or
 1071  other permanent placement.
 1072         11. When appropriate, the basis for the unwillingness or
 1073  inability of the parent to become a party to a case plan. The
 1074  court and the citizen review panel shall determine if the
 1075  efforts of the social service agency to secure party
 1076  participation in a case plan were sufficient.
 1077         12. For a child who has reached 13 years of age but is not
 1078  yet 18 years of age, the adequacy of the child’s preparation for
 1079  adulthood and independent living. For a child who is 15 years of
 1080  age or older, the court shall determine if appropriate steps are
 1081  being taken for the child to obtain a driver license or
 1082  learner’s driver license.
 1083         13. If amendments to the case plan are required. Amendments
 1084  to the case plan must be made under s. 39.6013.
 1085         14. If the parents and caregivers have developed a
 1086  productive relationship that includes meaningful communication
 1087  and mutual support.
 1088         (3) REVIEW HEARINGS FOR CHILDREN 16 AND 17 YEARS OF AGE.—At
 1089  each review hearing held under this subsection, the court shall
 1090  give the child and the guardian ad litem the opportunity to
 1091  address the court and provide any information relevant to the
 1092  child’s best interest, particularly in relation to independent
 1093  living transition services. The foster parent or, legal
 1094  custodian, or guardian ad litem may also provide any information
 1095  relevant to the child’s best interest to the court. In addition
 1096  to the review and report required under paragraphs (1)(a) and
 1097  (2)(a), respectively, and the review and report required under
 1098  s. 39.822(2)(a)2., the court shall:
 1099         (a) Inquire about the life skills the child has acquired
 1100  and whether those services are age appropriate, at the first
 1101  judicial review hearing held subsequent to the child’s 16th
 1102  birthday. At the judicial review hearing, the department shall
 1103  provide the court with a report that includes specific
 1104  information related to the life skills that the child has
 1105  acquired since the child’s 13th birthday or since the date the
 1106  child came into foster care, whichever came later. For any child
 1107  who may meet the requirements for appointment of a guardian
 1108  advocate under s. 393.12 or a guardian under chapter 744, the
 1109  updated case plan must be developed in a face-to-face conference
 1110  with the child, if appropriate; the child’s attorney ad litem,
 1111  if one is appointed; the child’s; any court-appointed guardian
 1112  ad litem; the temporary custodian of the child; and the parent
 1113  of the child, if the parent’s rights have not been terminated.
 1114         (b) The court shall hold a judicial review hearing within
 1115  90 days after a child’s 17th birthday. The court shall issue an
 1116  order, separate from the order on judicial review, that the
 1117  disability of nonage of the child has been removed under ss.
 1118  743.044-743.047 for any disability that the court finds is in
 1119  the child’s best interest to remove. The department shall
 1120  include in the social study report for the first judicial review
 1121  that occurs after the child’s 17th birthday written verification
 1122  that the child has:
 1123         1. A current Medicaid card and all necessary information
 1124  concerning the Medicaid program sufficient to prepare the child
 1125  to apply for coverage upon reaching the age of 18, if such
 1126  application is appropriate.
 1127         2. A certified copy of the child’s birth certificate and,
 1128  if the child does not have a valid driver license, a Florida
 1129  identification card issued under s. 322.051.
 1130         3. A social security card and information relating to
 1131  social security insurance benefits if the child is eligible for
 1132  those benefits. If the child has received such benefits and they
 1133  are being held in trust for the child, a full accounting of
 1134  these funds must be provided and the child must be informed as
 1135  to how to access those funds.
 1136         4. All relevant information related to the Road-to
 1137  Independence Program under s. 409.1451, including, but not
 1138  limited to, eligibility requirements, information on
 1139  participation, and assistance in gaining admission to the
 1140  program. If the child is eligible for the Road-to-Independence
 1141  Program, he or she must be advised that he or she may continue
 1142  to reside with the licensed family home or group care provider
 1143  with whom the child was residing at the time the child attained
 1144  his or her 18th birthday, in another licensed family home, or
 1145  with a group care provider arranged by the department.
 1146         5. An open bank account or the identification necessary to
 1147  open a bank account and to acquire essential banking and
 1148  budgeting skills.
 1149         6. Information on public assistance and how to apply for
 1150  public assistance.
 1151         7. A clear understanding of where he or she will be living
 1152  on his or her 18th birthday, how living expenses will be paid,
 1153  and the educational program or school in which he or she will be
 1154  enrolled.
 1155         8. Information related to the ability of the child to
 1156  remain in care until he or she reaches 21 years of age under s.
 1157  39.013.
 1158         9. A letter providing the dates that the child is under the
 1159  jurisdiction of the court.
 1160         10. A letter stating that the child is in compliance with
 1161  financial aid documentation requirements.
 1162         11. The child’s educational records.
 1163         12. The child’s entire health and mental health records.
 1164         13. The process for accessing the child’s case file.
 1165         14. A statement encouraging the child to attend all
 1166  judicial review hearings.
 1167         15. Information on how to obtain a driver license or
 1168  learner’s driver license.
 1169         (c) At the first judicial review hearing held subsequent to
 1170  the child’s 17th birthday, if the court determines pursuant to
 1171  chapter 744 that there is a good faith basis to believe that the
 1172  child qualifies for appointment of a guardian advocate, limited
 1173  guardian, or plenary guardian for the child and that no less
 1174  restrictive decisionmaking assistance will meet the child’s
 1175  needs:
 1176         1. The department shall complete a multidisciplinary report
 1177  which must include, but is not limited to, a psychosocial
 1178  evaluation and educational report if such a report has not been
 1179  completed within the previous 2 years.
 1180         2. The department shall identify one or more individuals
 1181  who are willing to serve as the guardian advocate under s.
 1182  393.12 or as the plenary or limited guardian under chapter 744.
 1183  Any other interested parties or participants may make efforts to
 1184  identify such a guardian advocate, limited guardian, or plenary
 1185  guardian. The child’s biological or adoptive family members,
 1186  including the child’s parents if the parents’ rights have not
 1187  been terminated, may not be considered for service as the
 1188  plenary or limited guardian unless the court enters a written
 1189  order finding that such an appointment is in the child’s best
 1190  interests.
 1191         3. Proceedings may be initiated within 180 days after the
 1192  child’s 17th birthday for the appointment of a guardian
 1193  advocate, plenary guardian, or limited guardian for the child in
 1194  a separate proceeding in the court division with jurisdiction
 1195  over guardianship matters and pursuant to chapter 744. The
 1196  Legislature encourages the use of pro bono representation to
 1197  initiate proceedings under this section.
 1198         4. In the event another interested party or participant
 1199  initiates proceedings for the appointment of a guardian
 1200  advocate, plenary guardian, or limited guardian for the child,
 1201  the department shall provide all necessary documentation and
 1202  information to the petitioner to complete a petition under s.
 1203  393.12 or chapter 744 within 45 days after the first judicial
 1204  review hearing after the child’s 17th birthday.
 1205         5. Any proceedings seeking appointment of a guardian
 1206  advocate or a determination of incapacity and the appointment of
 1207  a guardian must be conducted in a separate proceeding in the
 1208  court division with jurisdiction over guardianship matters and
 1209  pursuant to chapter 744.
 1210         (d) If the court finds at the judicial review hearing after
 1211  the child’s 17th birthday that the department has not met its
 1212  obligations to the child as stated in this part, in the written
 1213  case plan, or in the provision of independent living services,
 1214  the court may issue an order directing the department to show
 1215  cause as to why it has not done so. If the department cannot
 1216  justify its noncompliance, the court may give the department 30
 1217  days within which to comply. If the department fails to comply
 1218  within 30 days, the court may hold the department in contempt.
 1219         (e) If necessary, the court may review the status of the
 1220  child more frequently during the year before the child’s 18th
 1221  birthday. At the last review hearing before the child reaches 18
 1222  years of age, and in addition to the requirements of subsection
 1223  (2), the court shall:
 1224         1. Address whether the child plans to remain in foster
 1225  care, and, if so, ensure that the child’s transition plan
 1226  includes a plan for meeting one or more of the criteria
 1227  specified in s. 39.6251 and determine if the child has entered
 1228  into a formal agreement for an ongoing relationship with a
 1229  supportive adult.
 1230         2. Ensure that the transition plan includes a supervised
 1231  living arrangement under s. 39.6251.
 1232         3. Ensure the child has been informed of:
 1233         a. The right to continued support and services from the
 1234  department and the community-based care lead agency.
 1235         b. The right to request termination of dependency
 1236  jurisdiction and be discharged from foster care.
 1237         c. The opportunity to reenter foster care under s. 39.6251.
 1238         4. Ensure that the child, if he or she requests termination
 1239  of dependency jurisdiction and discharge from foster care, has
 1240  been informed of:
 1241         a. Services or benefits for which the child may be eligible
 1242  based on his or her former placement in foster care, including,
 1243  but not limited to, the assistance of the Office of Continuing
 1244  Care under s. 414.56.
 1245         b. Services or benefits that may be lost through
 1246  termination of dependency jurisdiction.
 1247         c. Other federal, state, local, or community-based services
 1248  or supports available to him or her.
 1249         (4) REVIEW HEARINGS FOR YOUNG ADULTS IN FOSTER CARE.—During
 1250  each period of time that a young adult remains in foster care,
 1251  the court shall review the status of the young adult at least
 1252  every 6 months and must hold a permanency review hearing at
 1253  least annually.
 1254         (e)1. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection, if
 1255  a young adult has chosen to remain in extended foster care after
 1256  he or she has reached 18 years of age, the department may not
 1257  close a case and the court may not terminate jurisdiction until
 1258  the court finds, following a hearing, that the following
 1259  criteria have been met:
 1260         a.1. Attendance of the young adult at the hearing; or
 1261         b.2. Findings by the court that:
 1262         (I)a. The young adult has been informed by the department
 1263  of his or her right to attend the hearing and has provided
 1264  written consent to waive this right; and
 1265         (II)b. The young adult has been informed of the potential
 1266  negative effects of early termination of care, the option to
 1267  reenter care before reaching 21 years of age, the procedure for,
 1268  and limitations on, reentering care, and the availability of
 1269  alternative services, and has signed a document attesting that
 1270  he or she has been so informed and understands these provisions;
 1271  or
 1272         (III)c. The young adult has voluntarily left the program,
 1273  has not signed the document in sub-subparagraph b., and is
 1274  unwilling to participate in any further court proceeding.
 1275         2.3. In all permanency hearings or hearings regarding the
 1276  transition of the young adult from care to independent living,
 1277  the court shall consult with the young adult regarding the
 1278  proposed permanency plan, case plan, and individual education
 1279  plan for the young adult and ensure that he or she has
 1280  understood the conversation. The court shall also inquire of the
 1281  young adult regarding his or her relationship with the
 1282  supportive adult with whom the young adult has entered into a
 1283  formal agreement for an ongoing relationship, if such agreement
 1284  exists.
 1285         Section 25. Paragraph (a) of subsection (3) of section
 1286  39.801, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
 1287         39.801 Procedures and jurisdiction; notice; service of
 1288  process.—
 1289         (3) Before the court may terminate parental rights, in
 1290  addition to the other requirements set forth in this part, the
 1291  following requirements must be met:
 1292         (a) Notice of the date, time, and place of the advisory
 1293  hearing for the petition to terminate parental rights; if
 1294  applicable, instructions for appearance through audio-video
 1295  communication technology; and a copy of the petition must be
 1296  personally served upon the following persons, specifically
 1297  notifying them that a petition has been filed:
 1298         1. The parents of the child.
 1299         2. The legal custodians of the child.
 1300         3. If the parents who would be entitled to notice are dead
 1301  or unknown, a living relative of the child, unless upon diligent
 1302  search and inquiry no such relative can be found.
 1303         4. Any person who has physical custody of the child.
 1304         5. Any grandparent entitled to priority for adoption under
 1305  s. 63.0425.
 1306         6. Any prospective parent who has been identified under s.
 1307  39.503 or s. 39.803, unless a court order has been entered
 1308  pursuant to s. 39.503(4) or (9) or s. 39.803(4) or (9) which
 1309  indicates no further notice is required. Except as otherwise
 1310  provided in this section, if there is not a legal father, notice
 1311  of the petition for termination of parental rights must be
 1312  provided to any known prospective father who is identified under
 1313  oath before the court or who is identified by a diligent search
 1314  of the Florida Putative Father Registry. Service of the notice
 1315  of the petition for termination of parental rights is not
 1316  required if the prospective father executes an affidavit of
 1317  nonpaternity or a consent to termination of his parental rights
 1318  which is accepted by the court after notice and opportunity to
 1319  be heard by all parties to address the best interests of the
 1320  child in accepting such affidavit.
 1321         7. The guardian ad litem for the child or the
 1322  representative of the guardian ad litem program, if the program
 1323  has been appointed.
 1324  
 1325  A party may consent to service or notice by e-mail by providing
 1326  a primary e-mail address to the clerk of the court. The document
 1327  containing the notice to respond or appear must contain, in type
 1328  at least as large as the type in the balance of the document,
 1329  the following or substantially similar language: “FAILURE TO
 1330  APPEAR AT THIS ADVISORY HEARING CONSTITUTES CONSENT TO THE
 1331  TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS OF THIS CHILD (OR CHILDREN). IF
 1332  YOU FAIL TO APPEAR ON THE DATE AND TIME SPECIFIED, YOU MAY LOSE
 1333  ALL LEGAL RIGHTS AS A PARENT TO THE CHILD OR CHILDREN NAMED IN
 1334  THE PETITION ATTACHED TO THIS NOTICE.”
 1335         Section 26. Subsection (2) of section 39.807, Florida
 1336  Statutes, is amended to read:
 1337         39.807 Right to counsel; guardian ad litem.—
 1338         (2)(a) The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem to
 1339  represent the best interest of the child in any termination of
 1340  parental rights proceedings and shall ascertain at each stage of
 1341  the proceedings whether a guardian ad litem has been appointed.
 1342         (b) The guardian ad litem has the following
 1343  responsibilities and authority specified in s. 39.822.:
 1344         1. To investigate the allegations of the petition and any
 1345  subsequent matters arising in the case and,
 1346         (c) Unless excused by the court, the guardian ad litem must
 1347  to file a written report. This report must include a statement
 1348  of the wishes of the child and the recommendations of the
 1349  guardian ad litem and must be provided to all parties and the
 1350  court at least 72 hours before the disposition hearing.
 1351         2. To be present at all court hearings unless excused by
 1352  the court.
 1353         3. To represent the best interests of the child until the
 1354  jurisdiction of the court over the child terminates or until
 1355  excused by the court.
 1356         (c) A guardian ad litem is not required to post bond but
 1357  shall file an acceptance of the office.
 1358         (d) A guardian ad litem is entitled to receive service of
 1359  pleadings and papers as provided by the Florida Rules of
 1360  Juvenile Procedure.
 1361         (d)(e) This subsection does not apply to any voluntary
 1362  relinquishment of parental rights proceeding.
 1363         Section 27. Subsection (2) of section 39.808, Florida
 1364  Statutes, is amended to read:
 1365         39.808 Advisory hearing; pretrial status conference.—
 1366         (2) At the hearing the court shall inform the parties of
 1367  their rights under s. 39.807, shall appoint counsel for the
 1368  parties in accordance with legal requirements, and shall appoint
 1369  a guardian ad litem to represent the interests of the child if
 1370  one has not already been appointed.
 1371         Section 28. Subsection (2) of section 39.815, Florida
 1372  Statutes, is amended to read:
 1373         39.815 Appeal.—
 1374         (2) An attorney for the department shall represent the
 1375  state upon appeal. When a notice of appeal is filed in the
 1376  circuit court, the clerk shall notify the attorney for the
 1377  department, together with the attorney for the parent, the
 1378  guardian ad litem, and the any attorney ad litem for the child,
 1379  if one is appointed.
 1380         Section 29. Section 39.820, Florida Statutes, is repealed.
 1381         Section 30. Subsections (1) and (3) of section 39.821,
 1382  Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
 1383         39.821 Qualifications of guardians ad litem.—
 1384         (1) Because of the special trust or responsibility placed
 1385  in a guardian ad litem, the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office
 1386  Program may use any private funds collected by the office
 1387  program, or any state funds so designated, to conduct a security
 1388  background investigation before certifying a volunteer to serve.
 1389  A security background investigation must include, but need not
 1390  be limited to, employment history checks, checks of references,
 1391  local criminal history records checks through local law
 1392  enforcement agencies, and statewide criminal history records
 1393  checks through the Department of Law Enforcement. Upon request,
 1394  an employer shall furnish a copy of the personnel record for the
 1395  employee or former employee who is the subject of a security
 1396  background investigation conducted under this section. The
 1397  information contained in the personnel record may include, but
 1398  need not be limited to, disciplinary matters and the reason why
 1399  the employee was terminated from employment. An employer who
 1400  releases a personnel record for purposes of a security
 1401  background investigation is presumed to have acted in good faith
 1402  and is not liable for information contained in the record
 1403  without a showing that the employer maliciously falsified the
 1404  record. A security background investigation conducted under this
 1405  section must ensure that a person is not certified as a guardian
 1406  ad litem if the person has an arrest awaiting final disposition
 1407  for, been convicted of, regardless of adjudication, entered a
 1408  plea of nolo contendere or guilty to, or been adjudicated
 1409  delinquent and the record has not been sealed or expunged for,
 1410  any offense prohibited under the provisions listed in s. 435.04.
 1411  All applicants must undergo a level 2 background screening
 1412  pursuant to chapter 435 before being certified to serve as a
 1413  guardian ad litem. In analyzing and evaluating the information
 1414  obtained in the security background investigation, the office
 1415  program must give particular emphasis to past activities
 1416  involving children, including, but not limited to, child-related
 1417  criminal offenses or child abuse. The office program has sole
 1418  discretion in determining whether to certify a person based on
 1419  his or her security background investigation. The information
 1420  collected pursuant to the security background investigation is
 1421  confidential and exempt from s. 119.07(1).
 1422         (3) It is a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as
 1423  provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, for any person to
 1424  willfully, knowingly, or intentionally fail, by false statement,
 1425  misrepresentation, impersonation, or other fraudulent means, to
 1426  disclose in any application for a volunteer position or for paid
 1427  employment with the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office Program,
 1428  any material fact used in making a determination as to the
 1429  applicant’s qualifications for such position.
 1430         Section 31. Section 39.822, Florida Statutes, is amended to
 1431  read:
 1432         39.822 Appointment of guardian ad litem for abused,
 1433  abandoned, or neglected child.—
 1434         (1) A guardian ad litem shall be appointed by the court at
 1435  the earliest possible time to represent the child in any child
 1436  abuse, abandonment, or neglect judicial proceeding, whether
 1437  civil or criminal. A guardian ad litem is a fiduciary and must
 1438  provide independent representation of the child using a best
 1439  interest standard of decisionmaking and advocacy.
 1440         (2)(a)A guardian ad litem must:
 1441         1.Be present at all court hearings unless excused by the
 1442  court.
 1443         2.Investigate issues related to the best interest of the
 1444  child who is the subject of the appointment, review all
 1445  disposition recommendations and changes in placement, and,
 1446  unless excused by the court, file written reports and
 1447  recommendations in accordance with general law.
 1448         3.Represent the child until the court’s jurisdiction over
 1449  the child terminates or until excused by the court.
 1450         4.Advocate for the child’s participation in the
 1451  proceedings and to report the child’s preferences to the court,
 1452  to the extent the child has the ability and desire to express
 1453  his or her preferences.
 1454         5.Perform other duties that are consistent with the scope
 1455  of the appointment.
 1456         (b)A guardian ad litem shall have immediate and unlimited
 1457  access to the children he or she represents.
 1458         (c)A guardian ad litem is not required to post bond but
 1459  must file an acceptance of the appointment.
 1460         (d)A guardian ad litem is entitled to receive service of
 1461  pleadings and papers as provided by the Florida Rules of
 1462  Juvenile Procedure.
 1463         (3) Any person participating in a civil or criminal
 1464  judicial proceeding resulting from such appointment shall be
 1465  presumed prima facie to be acting in good faith and in so doing
 1466  shall be immune from any liability, civil or criminal, that
 1467  otherwise might be incurred or imposed.
 1468         (4)(2) In those cases in which the parents are financially
 1469  able, the parent or parents of the child shall reimburse the
 1470  court, in part or in whole, for the cost of provision of
 1471  guardian ad litem representation services. Reimbursement to the
 1472  individual providing guardian ad litem representation is not
 1473  services shall not be contingent upon successful collection by
 1474  the court from the parent or parents.
 1475         (5)(3) Upon presentation by a guardian ad litem of a court
 1476  order appointing the guardian ad litem:
 1477         (a) An agency, as defined in chapter 119, shall allow the
 1478  guardian ad litem to inspect and copy records related to the
 1479  best interests of the child who is the subject of the
 1480  appointment, including, but not limited to, records made
 1481  confidential or exempt from s. 119.07(1) or s. 24(a), Art. I of
 1482  the State Constitution. The guardian ad litem shall maintain the
 1483  confidential or exempt status of any records shared by an agency
 1484  under this paragraph.
 1485         (b) A person or an organization, other than an agency under
 1486  paragraph (a), shall allow the guardian ad litem to inspect and
 1487  copy any records related to the best interests of the child who
 1488  is the subject of the appointment, including, but not limited
 1489  to, confidential records.
 1490  
 1491  For the purposes of this subsection, the term “records related
 1492  to the best interests of the child” includes, but is not limited
 1493  to, medical, mental health, substance abuse, child care,
 1494  education, law enforcement, court, social services, and
 1495  financial records.
 1496         (4) The guardian ad litem or the program representative
 1497  shall review all disposition recommendations and changes in
 1498  placements, and must be present at all critical stages of the
 1499  dependency proceeding or submit a written report of
 1500  recommendations to the court. Written reports must be filed with
 1501  the court and served on all parties whose whereabouts are known
 1502  at least 72 hours prior to the hearing.
 1503         Section 32. Subsection (4) of section 39.827, Florida
 1504  Statutes, is amended to read:
 1505         39.827 Hearing for appointment of a guardian advocate.—
 1506         (4) The hearing under this section must shall remain
 1507  confidential and closed to the public. The clerk shall keep all
 1508  court records required by this part separate from other records
 1509  of the circuit court. All court records required by this part
 1510  are shall be confidential and exempt from the provisions of s.
 1511  119.07(1). All Records may only shall be inspected only upon
 1512  order of the court by persons deemed by the court to have a
 1513  proper interest therein, except that a child and the parents or
 1514  custodians of the child and their attorneys, the guardian ad
 1515  litem, and the department and its designees, and the attorney ad
 1516  litem, if one is appointed, shall always have the right to
 1517  inspect and copy any official record pertaining to the child.
 1518  The court may permit authorized representatives of recognized
 1519  organizations compiling statistics for proper purposes to
 1520  inspect and make abstracts from official records, under whatever
 1521  conditions upon their use and disposition the court may deem
 1522  proper, and may punish by contempt proceedings any violation of
 1523  those conditions. All information obtained pursuant to this part
 1524  in the discharge of official duty by any judge, employee of the
 1525  court, or authorized agent of the department is shall be
 1526  confidential and exempt from the provisions of s. 119.07(1) and
 1527  may shall not be disclosed to anyone other than the authorized
 1528  personnel of the court or the department and its designees,
 1529  except upon order of the court.
 1530         Section 33. Paragraphs (a), (b), and (d) of subsection (1)
 1531  and subsection (2) of section 39.8296, Florida Statutes, are
 1532  amended to read:
 1533         39.8296 Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office; legislative
 1534  findings and intent; creation; appointment of executive
 1535  director; duties of office.—
 1536         (1) LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT.—
 1537         (a) The Legislature finds that for the past 20 years, the
 1538  Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office Program has been the only
 1539  mechanism for best interest representation for children in
 1540  Florida who are involved in dependency proceedings.
 1541         (b) The Legislature also finds that while the Statewide
 1542  Guardian ad Litem Office Program has been supervised by court
 1543  administration within the circuit courts since the office’s
 1544  program’s inception, there is a perceived conflict of interest
 1545  created by the supervision of program staff by the judges before
 1546  whom they appear.
 1547         (d) It is therefore the intent of the Legislature to place
 1548  the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office Program in an appropriate
 1549  place and provide a statewide infrastructure to increase
 1550  functioning and standardization among the local offices programs
 1551  currently operating in the 20 judicial circuits.
 1552         (2) STATEWIDE GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE.—There is created a
 1553  Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office within the Justice
 1554  Administrative Commission. The Justice Administrative Commission
 1555  shall provide administrative support and service to the office
 1556  to the extent requested by the executive director within the
 1557  available resources of the commission. The Statewide Guardian ad
 1558  Litem Office is not subject to control, supervision, or
 1559  direction by the Justice Administrative Commission in the
 1560  performance of its duties, but the employees of the office are
 1561  governed by the classification plan and salary and benefits plan
 1562  approved by the Justice Administrative Commission.
 1563         (a) The head of the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office is
 1564  the executive director, who shall be appointed by the Governor
 1565  from a list of a minimum of three eligible applicants submitted
 1566  by a Guardian ad Litem Qualifications Committee. The Guardian ad
 1567  Litem Qualifications Committee shall be composed of five
 1568  persons, two persons appointed by the Governor, two persons
 1569  appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and one
 1570  person appointed by the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office
 1571  Association. The committee shall provide for statewide
 1572  advertisement and the receiving of applications for the position
 1573  of executive director. The Governor shall appoint an executive
 1574  director from among the recommendations, or the Governor may
 1575  reject the nominations and request the submission of new
 1576  nominees. The executive director must have knowledge in
 1577  dependency law and knowledge of social service delivery systems
 1578  available to meet the needs of children who are abused,
 1579  neglected, or abandoned. The executive director shall serve on a
 1580  full-time basis and shall personally, or through representatives
 1581  of the office, carry out the purposes and functions of the
 1582  Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office in accordance with state and
 1583  federal law and the state’s long-established policy of
 1584  prioritizing children’s best interests. The executive director
 1585  shall report to the Governor. The executive director shall serve
 1586  a 3-year term, subject to removal for cause by the Governor. Any
 1587  person appointed to serve as the executive director may be
 1588  permitted to serve more than one term without the necessity of
 1589  convening the Guardian ad Litem Qualifications Committee.
 1590         (b) The Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office shall, within
 1591  available resources, have oversight responsibilities for and
 1592  provide technical assistance to all guardian ad litem and
 1593  attorney ad litem offices programs located within the judicial
 1594  circuits.
 1595         1. The office shall identify the resources required to
 1596  implement methods of collecting, reporting, and tracking
 1597  reliable and consistent case data.
 1598         2. The office shall review the current guardian ad litem
 1599  offices programs in Florida and other states.
 1600         3. The office, in consultation with local guardian ad litem
 1601  offices, shall develop statewide performance measures and
 1602  standards.
 1603         4. The office shall develop and maintain a guardian ad
 1604  litem training program, which must be updated regularly, which
 1605  shall include, but is not limited to, training on the
 1606  recognition of and responses to head trauma and brain injury in
 1607  a child under 6 years of age. The office shall establish a
 1608  curriculum committee to develop the training program specified
 1609  in this subparagraph. The curriculum committee shall include,
 1610  but not be limited to, dependency judges, directors of circuit
 1611  guardian ad litem programs, active certified guardians ad litem,
 1612  a mental health professional who specializes in the treatment of
 1613  children, a member of a child advocacy group, a representative
 1614  of a domestic violence advocacy group, an individual with a
 1615  degree in social work, and a social worker experienced in
 1616  working with victims and perpetrators of child abuse.
 1617         5. The office shall review the various methods of funding
 1618  guardian ad litem offices programs, maximize the use of those
 1619  funding sources to the extent possible, and review the kinds of
 1620  services being provided by circuit guardian ad litem offices
 1621  programs.
 1622         6. The office shall determine the feasibility or
 1623  desirability of new concepts of organization, administration,
 1624  financing, or service delivery designed to preserve the civil
 1625  and constitutional rights and fulfill other needs of dependent
 1626  children.
 1627         7.The office shall ensure that each child has an attorney
 1628  assigned to his or her case and, within available resources, is
 1629  represented using multidisciplinary teams that may include
 1630  volunteers, pro bono attorneys, social workers, and mentors.
 1631         8.The office shall provide oversight and technical
 1632  assistance to attorneys ad litem, including, but not limited to,
 1633  all of the following:
 1634         a.Develop an attorney ad litem training program in
 1635  collaboration with dependency court stakeholders, including, but
 1636  not limited to, dependency judges, representatives from legal
 1637  aid providing attorney ad litem representation, and an attorney
 1638  ad litem appointed from a registry maintained by the chief
 1639  judge. The training program must be updated regularly with or
 1640  without convening the stakeholders group.
 1641         b.Offer consultation and technical assistance to chief
 1642  judges in maintaining attorney registries for the selection of
 1643  attorneys ad litem.
 1644         c.Assist with recruitment, training, and mentoring of
 1645  attorneys ad litem as needed.
 1646         9.7. In an effort to promote normalcy and establish trust
 1647  between a court-appointed volunteer guardian ad litem and a
 1648  child alleged to be abused, abandoned, or neglected under this
 1649  chapter, a guardian ad litem may transport a child. However, a
 1650  guardian ad litem volunteer may not be required by a guardian ad
 1651  litem circuit office or ordered by or directed by the program or
 1652  a court to transport a child.
 1653         10.8. The office shall submit to the Governor, the
 1654  President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of
 1655  Representatives, and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court an
 1656  interim report describing the progress of the office in meeting
 1657  the goals as described in this section. The office shall submit
 1658  to the Governor, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the
 1659  House of Representatives, and the Chief Justice of the Supreme
 1660  Court a proposed plan including alternatives for meeting the
 1661  state’s guardian ad litem and attorney ad litem needs. This plan
 1662  may include recommendations for less than the entire state, may
 1663  include a phase-in system, and shall include estimates of the
 1664  cost of each of the alternatives. Each year the office shall
 1665  provide a status report and provide further recommendations to
 1666  address the need for guardian ad litem representation services
 1667  and related issues.
 1668         Section 34. Section 39.8297, Florida Statutes, is amended
 1669  to read:
 1670         39.8297 County funding for guardian ad litem employees.—
 1671         (1) A county and the executive director of the Statewide
 1672  Guardian ad Litem Office may enter into an agreement by which
 1673  the county agrees to provide funds to the local guardian ad
 1674  litem office in order to employ persons who will assist in the
 1675  operation of the guardian ad litem office program in the county.
 1676         (2) The agreement, at a minimum, must provide that:
 1677         (a) Funding for the persons who are employed will be
 1678  provided on at least a fiscal-year basis.
 1679         (b) The persons who are employed will be hired, supervised,
 1680  managed, and terminated by the executive director of the
 1681  Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office. The statewide office is
 1682  responsible for compliance with all requirements of federal and
 1683  state employment laws, and shall fully indemnify the county from
 1684  any liability under such laws, as authorized by s. 768.28(19),
 1685  to the extent such liability is the result of the acts or
 1686  omissions of the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office or its
 1687  agents or employees.
 1688         (c) The county is the employer for purposes of s. 440.10
 1689  and chapter 443.
 1690         (d) Employees funded by the county under this section and
 1691  other county employees may be aggregated for purposes of a
 1692  flexible benefits plan pursuant to s. 125 of the Internal
 1693  Revenue Code of 1986.
 1694         (e) Persons employed under this section may be terminated
 1695  after a substantial breach of the agreement or because funding
 1696  to the guardian ad litem office program has expired.
 1697         (3) Persons employed under this section may not be counted
 1698  in a formula or similar process used by the Statewide Guardian
 1699  ad Litem Office to measure personnel needs of a judicial
 1700  circuit’s guardian ad litem office program.
 1701         (4) Agreements created pursuant to this section do not
 1702  obligate the state to allocate funds to a county to employ
 1703  persons in the guardian ad litem office program.
 1704         Section 35. Subsection (6) is added to section 414.56,
 1705  Florida Statutes, to read:
 1706         414.56 Office of Continuing Care.—The department shall
 1707  establish an Office of Continuing Care to ensure young adults
 1708  who age out of the foster care system between 18 and 21 years of
 1709  age, or 22 years of age with a documented disability, have a
 1710  point of contact until the young adult reaches the age of 26 in
 1711  order to receive ongoing support and care coordination needed to
 1712  achieve self-sufficiency. Duties of the office include, but are
 1713  not limited to:
 1714         (6) In coordination with the Statewide Guardian Ad Litem
 1715  Office, identifying supportive adults for children transitioning
 1716  out of foster care to live independently in accordance with s.
 1717  39.6036.
 1718         Section 36. Section 1009.898, Florida Statutes, is created
 1719  to read:
 1720         1009.898 Fostering Prosperity grants.—
 1721         (1)Subject to the appropriation of funds for that purpose
 1722  by the Legislature, the Fostering Prosperity program shall
 1723  administer the following grants to youth and young adults aging
 1724  out of foster care:
 1725         (a)Grants to provide financial literacy instruction using
 1726  a curriculum developed by the Department of Financial Services
 1727  in consultation with the Department of Education.
 1728         (b)Grants to provide CLT, SAT, or ACT preparation,
 1729  including one-on-one support and fee waivers for the
 1730  examinations.
 1731         (c)Grants to youth and young adults planning to pursue
 1732  trade careers or paid apprenticeships.
 1733         (2)If a young adult who is aging out of foster care is
 1734  reunited with his or her parent, the grants must remain
 1735  available for the young adult for up to 1 year after
 1736  reunification.
 1737         (3)The State Board of Education shall adopt rules to
 1738  administer this section.
 1739         Section 37. Subsection (1) of section 29.008, Florida
 1740  Statutes, is amended to read:
 1741         29.008 County funding of court-related functions.—
 1742         (1) Counties are required by s. 14, Art. V of the State
 1743  Constitution to fund the cost of communications services,
 1744  existing radio systems, existing multiagency criminal justice
 1745  information systems, and the cost of construction or lease,
 1746  maintenance, utilities, and security of facilities for the
 1747  circuit and county courts, public defenders’ offices, state
 1748  attorneys’ offices, guardian ad litem offices, and the offices
 1749  of the clerks of the circuit and county courts performing court
 1750  related functions. For purposes of this section, the term
 1751  “circuit and county courts” includes the offices and staffing of
 1752  the guardian ad litem offices programs, and the term “public
 1753  defenders’ offices” includes the offices of criminal conflict
 1754  and civil regional counsel. The county designated under s.
 1755  35.05(1) as the headquarters for each appellate district shall
 1756  fund these costs for the appellate division of the public
 1757  defender’s office in that county. For purposes of implementing
 1758  these requirements, the term:
 1759         (a) “Facility” means reasonable and necessary buildings and
 1760  office space and appurtenant equipment and furnishings,
 1761  structures, real estate, easements, and related interests in
 1762  real estate, including, but not limited to, those for the
 1763  purpose of housing legal materials for use by the general public
 1764  and personnel, equipment, or functions of the circuit or county
 1765  courts, public defenders’ offices, state attorneys’ offices, and
 1766  court-related functions of the office of the clerks of the
 1767  circuit and county courts and all storage. The term “facility”
 1768  includes all wiring necessary for court reporting services. The
 1769  term also includes access to parking for such facilities in
 1770  connection with such court-related functions that may be
 1771  available free or from a private provider or a local government
 1772  for a fee. The office space provided by a county may not be less
 1773  than the standards for space allotment adopted by the Department
 1774  of Management Services, except this requirement applies only to
 1775  facilities that are leased, or on which construction commences,
 1776  after June 30, 2003. County funding must include physical
 1777  modifications and improvements to all facilities as are required
 1778  for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Upon
 1779  mutual agreement of a county and the affected entity in this
 1780  paragraph, the office space provided by the county may vary from
 1781  the standards for space allotment adopted by the Department of
 1782  Management Services.
 1783         1. As of July 1, 2005, equipment and furnishings shall be
 1784  limited to that appropriate and customary for courtrooms,
 1785  hearing rooms, jury facilities, and other public areas in
 1786  courthouses and any other facility occupied by the courts, state
 1787  attorneys, public defenders, guardians ad litem, and criminal
 1788  conflict and civil regional counsel. Court reporting equipment
 1789  in these areas or facilities is not a responsibility of the
 1790  county.
 1791         2. Equipment and furnishings under this paragraph in
 1792  existence and owned by counties on July 1, 2005, except for that
 1793  in the possession of the clerks, for areas other than
 1794  courtrooms, hearing rooms, jury facilities, and other public
 1795  areas in courthouses and any other facility occupied by the
 1796  courts, state attorneys, and public defenders, shall be
 1797  transferred to the state at no charge. This provision does not
 1798  apply to any communications services as defined in paragraph
 1799  (f).
 1800         (b) “Construction or lease” includes, but is not limited
 1801  to, all reasonable and necessary costs of the acquisition or
 1802  lease of facilities for all judicial officers, staff, jurors,
 1803  volunteers of a tenant agency, and the public for the circuit
 1804  and county courts, the public defenders’ offices, state
 1805  attorneys’ offices, and for performing the court-related
 1806  functions of the offices of the clerks of the circuit and county
 1807  courts. This includes expenses related to financing such
 1808  facilities and the existing and future cost and bonded
 1809  indebtedness associated with placing the facilities in use.
 1810         (c) “Maintenance” includes, but is not limited to, all
 1811  reasonable and necessary costs of custodial and groundskeeping
 1812  services and renovation and reconstruction as needed to
 1813  accommodate functions for the circuit and county courts, the
 1814  public defenders’ offices, and state attorneys’ offices and for
 1815  performing the court-related functions of the offices of the
 1816  clerks of the circuit and county court and for maintaining the
 1817  facilities in a condition appropriate and safe for the use
 1818  intended.
 1819         (d) “Utilities” means all electricity services for light,
 1820  heat, and power; natural or manufactured gas services for light,
 1821  heat, and power; water and wastewater services and systems,
 1822  stormwater or runoff services and systems, sewer services and
 1823  systems, all costs or fees associated with these services and
 1824  systems, and any costs or fees associated with the mitigation of
 1825  environmental impacts directly related to the facility.
 1826         (e) “Security” includes but is not limited to, all
 1827  reasonable and necessary costs of services of law enforcement
 1828  officers or licensed security guards and all electronic,
 1829  cellular, or digital monitoring and screening devices necessary
 1830  to ensure the safety and security of all persons visiting or
 1831  working in a facility; to provide for security of the facility,
 1832  including protection of property owned by the county or the
 1833  state; and for security of prisoners brought to any facility.
 1834  This includes bailiffs while providing courtroom and other
 1835  security for each judge and other quasi-judicial officers.
 1836         (f) “Communications services” are defined as any reasonable
 1837  and necessary transmission, emission, and reception of signs,
 1838  signals, writings, images, and sounds of intelligence of any
 1839  nature by wire, radio, optical, audio equipment, or other
 1840  electromagnetic systems and includes all facilities and
 1841  equipment owned, leased, or used by judges, clerks, public
 1842  defenders, state attorneys, guardians ad litem, criminal
 1843  conflict and civil regional counsel, and all staff of the state
 1844  courts system, state attorneys’ offices, public defenders’
 1845  offices, and clerks of the circuit and county courts performing
 1846  court-related functions. Such system or services shall include,
 1847  but not be limited to:
 1848         1. Telephone system infrastructure, including computer
 1849  lines, telephone switching equipment, and maintenance, and
 1850  facsimile equipment, wireless communications, cellular
 1851  telephones, pagers, and video teleconferencing equipment and
 1852  line charges. Each county shall continue to provide access to a
 1853  local carrier for local and long distance service and shall pay
 1854  toll charges for local and long distance service.
 1855         2. All computer networks, systems and equipment, including
 1856  computer hardware and software, modems, printers, wiring,
 1857  network connections, maintenance, support staff or services
 1858  including any county-funded support staff located in the offices
 1859  of the circuit court, county courts, state attorneys, public
 1860  defenders, guardians ad litem, and criminal conflict and civil
 1861  regional counsel; training, supplies, and line charges necessary
 1862  for an integrated computer system to support the operations and
 1863  management of the state courts system, the offices of the public
 1864  defenders, the offices of the state attorneys, the guardian ad
 1865  litem offices, the offices of criminal conflict and civil
 1866  regional counsel, and the offices of the clerks of the circuit
 1867  and county courts; and the capability to connect those entities
 1868  and reporting data to the state as required for the transmission
 1869  of revenue, performance accountability, case management, data
 1870  collection, budgeting, and auditing purposes. The integrated
 1871  computer system shall be operational by July 1, 2006, and, at a
 1872  minimum, permit the exchange of financial, performance
 1873  accountability, case management, case disposition, and other
 1874  data across multiple state and county information systems
 1875  involving multiple users at both the state level and within each
 1876  judicial circuit and be able to electronically exchange judicial
 1877  case background data, sentencing scoresheets, and video evidence
 1878  information stored in integrated case management systems over
 1879  secure networks. Once the integrated system becomes operational,
 1880  counties may reject requests to purchase communications services
 1881  included in this subparagraph not in compliance with standards,
 1882  protocols, or processes adopted by the board established
 1883  pursuant to former s. 29.0086.
 1884         3. Courier messenger and subpoena services.
 1885         4. Auxiliary aids and services for qualified individuals
 1886  with a disability which are necessary to ensure access to the
 1887  courts. Such auxiliary aids and services include, but are not
 1888  limited to, sign language interpretation services required under
 1889  the federal Americans with Disabilities Act other than services
 1890  required to satisfy due-process requirements and identified as a
 1891  state funding responsibility pursuant to ss. 29.004-29.007,
 1892  real-time transcription services for individuals who are hearing
 1893  impaired, and assistive listening devices and the equipment
 1894  necessary to implement such accommodations.
 1895         (g) “Existing radio systems” includes, but is not limited
 1896  to, law enforcement radio systems that are used by the circuit
 1897  and county courts, the offices of the public defenders, the
 1898  offices of the state attorneys, and for court-related functions
 1899  of the offices of the clerks of the circuit and county courts.
 1900  This includes radio systems that were operational or under
 1901  contract at the time Revision No. 7, 1998, to Art. V of the
 1902  State Constitution was adopted and any enhancements made
 1903  thereafter, the maintenance of those systems, and the personnel
 1904  and supplies necessary for operation.
 1905         (h) “Existing multiagency criminal justice information
 1906  systems” includes, but is not limited to, those components of
 1907  the multiagency criminal justice information system as defined
 1908  in s. 943.045, supporting the offices of the circuit or county
 1909  courts, the public defenders’ offices, the state attorneys’
 1910  offices, or those portions of the offices of the clerks of the
 1911  circuit and county courts performing court-related functions
 1912  that are used to carry out the court-related activities of those
 1913  entities. This includes upgrades and maintenance of the current
 1914  equipment, maintenance and upgrades of supporting technology
 1915  infrastructure and associated staff, and services and expenses
 1916  to assure continued information sharing and reporting of
 1917  information to the state. The counties shall also provide
 1918  additional information technology services, hardware, and
 1919  software as needed for new judges and staff of the state courts
 1920  system, state attorneys’ offices, public defenders’ offices,
 1921  guardian ad litem offices, and the offices of the clerks of the
 1922  circuit and county courts performing court-related functions.
 1923         Section 38. Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section
 1924  39.6011, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
 1925         39.6011 Case plan development.—
 1926         (1) The department shall prepare a draft of the case plan
 1927  for each child receiving services under this chapter. A parent
 1928  of a child may not be threatened or coerced with the loss of
 1929  custody or parental rights for failing to admit in the case plan
 1930  of abusing, neglecting, or abandoning a child. Participating in
 1931  the development of a case plan is not an admission to any
 1932  allegation of abuse, abandonment, or neglect, and it is not a
 1933  consent to a finding of dependency or termination of parental
 1934  rights. The case plan shall be developed subject to the
 1935  following requirements:
 1936         (a) The case plan must be developed in a face-to-face
 1937  conference with the parent of the child, the any court-appointed
 1938  guardian ad litem, and, if appropriate, the child and the
 1939  temporary custodian of the child.
 1940         Section 39. Subsection (8) of section 40.24, Florida
 1941  Statutes, is amended to read:
 1942         40.24 Compensation and reimbursement policy.—
 1943         (8) In circuits that elect to allow jurors to donate their
 1944  jury service fee upon conclusion of juror service, each juror
 1945  may irrevocably donate all of the juror’s compensation to the 26
 1946  U.S.C. s. 501(c)(3) organization specified by the Statewide
 1947  Guardian ad Litem Office program or to a domestic violence
 1948  shelter as specified annually on a rotating basis by the clerk
 1949  of court in the circuit for the juror’s county of residence. The
 1950  funds collected may not reduce or offset the amount of
 1951  compensation that the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office program
 1952  or domestic violence shelter would otherwise receive from the
 1953  state. The clerk of court shall ensure that all jurors are given
 1954  written notice at the conclusion of their service that they have
 1955  the option to so donate their compensation, and that the
 1956  applicable program specified by the Statewide Guardian ad Litem
 1957  Office program or a domestic violence shelter receives all funds
 1958  donated by the jurors. Any circuit guardian ad litem office
 1959  program receiving donations of juror compensation must expend
 1960  such moneys on services for children for whom guardians ad litem
 1961  have been appointed.
 1962         Section 40. Subsections (5), (6), and (7) of section 43.16,
 1963  Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
 1964         43.16 Justice Administrative Commission; membership, powers
 1965  and duties.—
 1966         (5) The duties of the commission shall include, but not be
 1967  limited to, the following:
 1968         (a) The maintenance of a central state office for
 1969  administrative services and assistance when possible to and on
 1970  behalf of the state attorneys and public defenders of Florida,
 1971  the capital collateral regional counsel of Florida, the criminal
 1972  conflict and civil regional counsel, and the Statewide Guardian
 1973  Ad Litem Office Program.
 1974         (b) Each state attorney, public defender, and criminal
 1975  conflict and civil regional counsel and the Statewide Guardian
 1976  Ad Litem Office Program shall continue to prepare necessary
 1977  budgets, vouchers that represent valid claims for reimbursement
 1978  by the state for authorized expenses, and other things
 1979  incidental to the proper administrative operation of the office,
 1980  such as revenue transmittals to the Chief Financial Officer and
 1981  automated systems plans, but will forward such items to the
 1982  commission for recording and submission to the proper state
 1983  officer. However, when requested by a state attorney, a public
 1984  defender, a criminal conflict and civil regional counsel, or the
 1985  Statewide Guardian Ad Litem Office Program, the commission will
 1986  either assist in the preparation of budget requests, voucher
 1987  schedules, and other forms and reports or accomplish the entire
 1988  project involved.
 1989         (6) The commission, each state attorney, each public
 1990  defender, the criminal conflict and civil regional counsel, the
 1991  capital collateral regional counsel, and the Statewide Guardian
 1992  Ad Litem Office Program shall establish and maintain internal
 1993  controls designed to:
 1994         (a) Prevent and detect fraud, waste, and abuse as defined
 1995  in s. 11.45(1).
 1996         (b) Promote and encourage compliance with applicable laws,
 1997  rules, contracts, grant agreements, and best practices.
 1998         (c) Support economical and efficient operations.
 1999         (d) Ensure reliability of financial records and reports.
 2000         (e) Safeguard assets.
 2001         (7) The provisions contained in This section is shall be
 2002  supplemental to those of chapter 27, relating to state
 2003  attorneys, public defenders, criminal conflict and civil
 2004  regional counsel, and capital collateral regional counsel; to
 2005  those of chapter 39, relating to the Statewide Guardian Ad Litem
 2006  Office Program; or to other laws pertaining hereto.
 2007         Section 41. Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) and subsection
 2008  (4) of section 61.402, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
 2009         61.402 Qualifications of guardians ad litem.—
 2010         (1) A person appointed as a guardian ad litem pursuant to
 2011  s. 61.401 must be:
 2012         (a) Certified by the Statewide Guardian Ad Litem Office
 2013  Program pursuant to s. 39.821;
 2014         (b) Certified by a not-for-profit legal aid organization as
 2015  defined in s. 68.096; or
 2016         (c) An attorney who is a member in good standing of The
 2017  Florida Bar.
 2018         (4) Nothing in this section requires the Statewide Guardian
 2019  Ad Litem Office Program or a not-for-profit legal aid
 2020  organization to train or certify guardians ad litem appointed
 2021  under this chapter.
 2022         Section 42. Paragraph (x) of subsection (2) of section
 2023  110.205, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
 2024         110.205 Career service; exemptions.—
 2025         (2) EXEMPT POSITIONS.—The exempt positions that are not
 2026  covered by this part include the following:
 2027         (x) All officers and employees of the Justice
 2028  Administrative Commission, Office of the State Attorney, Office
 2029  of the Public Defender, regional offices of capital collateral
 2030  counsel, offices of criminal conflict and civil regional
 2031  counsel, and Statewide Guardian Ad Litem Office, including the
 2032  circuit guardian ad litem offices programs.
 2033         Section 43. Paragraph (b) of subsection (96) of section
 2034  320.08058, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
 2035         320.08058 Specialty license plates.—
 2036         (96) GUARDIAN AD LITEM LICENSE PLATES.—
 2037         (b) The annual use fees from the sale of the plate shall be
 2038  distributed to the Florida Guardian Ad Litem Foundation, Inc., a
 2039  direct-support organization and a nonprofit corporation under s.
 2040  501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Up to 10 percent of the
 2041  proceeds may be used for administrative costs and the marketing
 2042  of the plate. The remainder of the proceeds must be used in this
 2043  state to support the mission and efforts of the Statewide
 2044  Guardian Ad Litem Office Program to represent abused, abandoned,
 2045  and neglected children and advocate for their best interests;
 2046  recruit and retain volunteer child advocates; and meet the
 2047  unique needs of the dependent children the program serves.
 2048         Section 44. Paragraph (e) of subsection (3) of section
 2049  943.053, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
 2050         943.053 Dissemination of criminal justice information;
 2051  fees.—
 2052         (3)
 2053         (e) The fee per record for criminal history information
 2054  provided pursuant to this subsection and s. 943.0542 is $24 per
 2055  name submitted, except that the fee for the Statewide Guardian
 2056  Ad Litem Office program and vendors of the Department of
 2057  Children and Families, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the
 2058  Agency for Persons with Disabilities, and the Department of
 2059  Elderly Affairs is $8 for each name submitted; the fee for a
 2060  state criminal history provided for application processing as
 2061  required by law to be performed by the Department of Agriculture
 2062  and Consumer Services is $15 for each name submitted; and the
 2063  fee for requests under s. 943.0542, which implements the
 2064  National Child Protection Act, is $18 for each volunteer name
 2065  submitted. An office of the public defender or an office of
 2066  criminal conflict and civil regional counsel may not be assessed
 2067  a fee for Florida criminal history information or wanted person
 2068  information.
 2069         Section 45. Subsection (2) of section 985.43, Florida
 2070  Statutes, is amended to read:
 2071         985.43 Predisposition reports; other evaluations.—
 2072         (2) The court shall consider the child’s entire assessment
 2073  and predisposition report and shall review the records of
 2074  earlier judicial proceedings before making a final disposition
 2075  of the case. If the child is under the jurisdiction of a
 2076  dependency court, the court may receive and consider any
 2077  information provided by the Statewide Guardian Ad Litem Office
 2078  Program and the child’s attorney ad litem, if one is appointed.
 2079  The court may, by order, require additional evaluations and
 2080  studies to be performed by the department; the county school
 2081  system; or any social, psychological, or psychiatric agency of
 2082  the state. The court shall order the educational needs
 2083  assessment completed under s. 985.18(2) to be included in the
 2084  assessment and predisposition report.
 2085         Section 46. Subsection (4) of section 985.441, Florida
 2086  Statutes, is amended to read:
 2087         985.441 Commitment.—
 2088         (4) The department may transfer a child, when necessary to
 2089  appropriately administer the child’s commitment, from one
 2090  facility or program to another facility or program operated,
 2091  contracted, subcontracted, or designated by the department,
 2092  including a postcommitment nonresidential conditional release
 2093  program, except that the department may not transfer any child
 2094  adjudicated solely for a misdemeanor to a residential program
 2095  except as provided in subsection (2). The department shall
 2096  notify the court that committed the child to the department and
 2097  any attorney of record for the child, in writing, of its intent
 2098  to transfer the child from a commitment facility or program to
 2099  another facility or program of a higher or lower restrictiveness
 2100  level. If the child is under the jurisdiction of a dependency
 2101  court, the department shall also provide notice to the
 2102  dependency court, and the Department of Children and Families,
 2103  and, if appointed, the Statewide Guardian Ad Litem Office,
 2104  Program and the child’s attorney ad litem, if one is appointed.
 2105  The court that committed the child may agree to the transfer or
 2106  may set a hearing to review the transfer. If the court does not
 2107  respond within 10 days after receipt of the notice, the transfer
 2108  of the child shall be deemed granted.
 2109         Section 47. Subsection (3) of section 985.455, Florida
 2110  Statutes, is amended to read:
 2111         985.455 Other dispositional issues.—
 2112         (3) Any commitment of a delinquent child to the department
 2113  must be for an indeterminate period of time, which may include
 2114  periods of temporary release; however, the period of time may
 2115  not exceed the maximum term of imprisonment that an adult may
 2116  serve for the same offense, except that the duration of a
 2117  minimum-risk nonresidential commitment for an offense that is a
 2118  misdemeanor of the second degree, or is equivalent to a
 2119  misdemeanor of the second degree, may be for a period not to
 2120  exceed 6 months. The duration of the child’s placement in a
 2121  commitment program of any restrictiveness level shall be based
 2122  on objective performance-based treatment planning. The child’s
 2123  treatment plan progress and adjustment-related issues shall be
 2124  reported to the court quarterly, unless the court requests
 2125  monthly reports. If the child is under the jurisdiction of a
 2126  dependency court, the court may receive and consider any
 2127  information provided by the Statewide Guardian Ad Litem Office
 2128  Program or the child’s attorney ad litem, if one is appointed.
 2129  The child’s length of stay in a commitment program may be
 2130  extended if the child fails to comply with or participate in
 2131  treatment activities. The child’s length of stay in the program
 2132  shall not be extended for purposes of sanction or punishment.
 2133  Any temporary release from such program must be approved by the
 2134  court. Any child so committed may be discharged from
 2135  institutional confinement or a program upon the direction of the
 2136  department with the concurrence of the court. The child’s
 2137  treatment plan progress and adjustment-related issues must be
 2138  communicated to the court at the time the department requests
 2139  the court to consider releasing the child from the commitment
 2140  program. The department shall give the court that committed the
 2141  child to the department reasonable notice, in writing, of its
 2142  desire to discharge the child from a commitment facility. The
 2143  court that committed the child may thereafter accept or reject
 2144  the request. If the court does not respond within 10 days after
 2145  receipt of the notice, the request of the department shall be
 2146  deemed granted. This section does not limit the department’s
 2147  authority to revoke a child’s temporary release status and
 2148  return the child to a commitment facility for any violation of
 2149  the terms and conditions of the temporary release.
 2150         Section 48. Paragraph (b) of subsection (4) of section
 2151  985.461, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
 2152         985.461 Transition to adulthood.—
 2153         (4) As part of the child’s treatment plan, the department
 2154  may provide transition-to-adulthood services to children
 2155  released from residential commitment. To support participation
 2156  in transition-to-adulthood services and subject to
 2157  appropriation, the department may:
 2158         (b) Use community reentry teams to assist in the
 2159  development of a list of age-appropriate activities and
 2160  responsibilities to be incorporated in the child’s written case
 2161  plan for any youth who is under the custody or supervision of
 2162  the department. Community reentry teams may include
 2163  representatives from school districts, law enforcement,
 2164  workforce development services, community-based service
 2165  providers, the Statewide Guardian Ad Litem Office Program, and
 2166  the youth’s family. Such community reentry teams must be created
 2167  within existing resources provided to the department. Activities
 2168  may include, but are not limited to, life skills training,
 2169  including training to develop banking and budgeting skills,
 2170  interviewing and career planning skills, parenting skills,
 2171  personal health management, and time management or
 2172  organizational skills; educational support; employment training;
 2173  and counseling.
 2174         Section 49. Subsection (11) of section 985.48, Florida
 2175  Statutes, is amended to read:
 2176         985.48 Juvenile sexual offender commitment programs; sexual
 2177  abuse intervention networks.—
 2178         (11) Membership of a sexual abuse intervention network
 2179  shall include, but is not limited to, representatives from:
 2180         (a) Local law enforcement agencies;
 2181         (b) Local school boards;
 2182         (c) Child protective investigators;
 2183         (d) The office of the state attorney;
 2184         (e) The office of the public defender;
 2185         (f) The juvenile division of the circuit court;
 2186         (g) Professionals licensed under chapter 458, chapter 459,
 2187  s. 490.0145, or s. 491.0144 providing treatment for juvenile
 2188  sexual offenders or their victims;
 2189         (h) The Statewide Guardian Ad Litem Office program;
 2190         (i) The Department of Juvenile Justice; and
 2191         (j) The Department of Children and Families.
 2192         Section 50. Subsection (1) of section 39.302, Florida
 2193  Statutes, is amended to read:
 2194         39.302 Protective investigations of institutional child
 2195  abuse, abandonment, or neglect.—
 2196         (1) The department shall conduct a child protective
 2197  investigation of each report of institutional child abuse,
 2198  abandonment, or neglect. Upon receipt of a report that alleges
 2199  that an employee or agent of the department, or any other entity
 2200  or person covered by s. 39.01(39) or (57) s. 39.01(36) or (54),
 2201  acting in an official capacity, has committed an act of child
 2202  abuse, abandonment, or neglect, the department shall initiate a
 2203  child protective investigation within the timeframe established
 2204  under s. 39.101(2) and notify the appropriate state attorney,
 2205  law enforcement agency, and licensing agency, which shall
 2206  immediately conduct a joint investigation, unless independent
 2207  investigations are more feasible. When conducting investigations
 2208  or having face-to-face interviews with the child, investigation
 2209  visits shall be unannounced unless it is determined by the
 2210  department or its agent that unannounced visits threaten the
 2211  safety of the child. If a facility is exempt from licensing, the
 2212  department shall inform the owner or operator of the facility of
 2213  the report. Each agency conducting a joint investigation is
 2214  entitled to full access to the information gathered by the
 2215  department in the course of the investigation. A protective
 2216  investigation must include an interview with the child’s parent
 2217  or legal guardian. The department shall make a full written
 2218  report to the state attorney within 3 business days after making
 2219  the oral report. A criminal investigation shall be coordinated,
 2220  whenever possible, with the child protective investigation of
 2221  the department. Any interested person who has information
 2222  regarding the offenses described in this subsection may forward
 2223  a statement to the state attorney as to whether prosecution is
 2224  warranted and appropriate. Within 15 days after the completion
 2225  of the investigation, the state attorney shall report the
 2226  findings to the department and shall include in the report a
 2227  determination of whether or not prosecution is justified and
 2228  appropriate in view of the circumstances of the specific case.
 2229         Section 51. Paragraph (c) of subsection (1) of section
 2230  39.521, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
 2231         39.521 Disposition hearings; powers of disposition.—
 2232         (1) A disposition hearing shall be conducted by the court,
 2233  if the court finds that the facts alleged in the petition for
 2234  dependency were proven in the adjudicatory hearing, or if the
 2235  parents or legal custodians have consented to the finding of
 2236  dependency or admitted the allegations in the petition, have
 2237  failed to appear for the arraignment hearing after proper
 2238  notice, or have not been located despite a diligent search
 2239  having been conducted.
 2240         (c) When any child is adjudicated by a court to be
 2241  dependent, the court having jurisdiction of the child has the
 2242  power by order to:
 2243         1. Require the parent and, when appropriate, the legal
 2244  guardian or the child to participate in treatment and services
 2245  identified as necessary. The court may require the person who
 2246  has custody or who is requesting custody of the child to submit
 2247  to a mental health or substance abuse disorder assessment or
 2248  evaluation. The order may be made only upon good cause shown and
 2249  pursuant to notice and procedural requirements provided under
 2250  the Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure. The mental health
 2251  assessment or evaluation must be administered by a qualified
 2252  professional as defined in s. 39.01, and the substance abuse
 2253  assessment or evaluation must be administered by a qualified
 2254  professional as defined in s. 397.311. The court may also
 2255  require such person to participate in and comply with treatment
 2256  and services identified as necessary, including, when
 2257  appropriate and available, participation in and compliance with
 2258  a mental health court program established under chapter 394 or a
 2259  treatment-based drug court program established under s. 397.334.
 2260  Adjudication of a child as dependent based upon evidence of harm
 2261  as defined in s. 39.01(37)(g) s. 39.01(34)(g) demonstrates good
 2262  cause, and the court shall require the parent whose actions
 2263  caused the harm to submit to a substance abuse disorder
 2264  assessment or evaluation and to participate and comply with
 2265  treatment and services identified in the assessment or
 2266  evaluation as being necessary. In addition to supervision by the
 2267  department, the court, including the mental health court program
 2268  or the treatment-based drug court program, may oversee the
 2269  progress and compliance with treatment by a person who has
 2270  custody or is requesting custody of the child. The court may
 2271  impose appropriate available sanctions for noncompliance upon a
 2272  person who has custody or is requesting custody of the child or
 2273  make a finding of noncompliance for consideration in determining
 2274  whether an alternative placement of the child is in the child’s
 2275  best interests. Any order entered under this subparagraph may be
 2276  made only upon good cause shown. This subparagraph does not
 2277  authorize placement of a child with a person seeking custody of
 2278  the child, other than the child’s parent or legal custodian, who
 2279  requires mental health or substance abuse disorder treatment.
 2280         2. Require, if the court deems necessary, the parties to
 2281  participate in dependency mediation.
 2282         3. Require placement of the child either under the
 2283  protective supervision of an authorized agent of the department
 2284  in the home of one or both of the child’s parents or in the home
 2285  of a relative of the child or another adult approved by the
 2286  court, or in the custody of the department. Protective
 2287  supervision continues until the court terminates it or until the
 2288  child reaches the age of 18, whichever date is first. Protective
 2289  supervision shall be terminated by the court whenever the court
 2290  determines that permanency has been achieved for the child,
 2291  whether with a parent, another relative, or a legal custodian,
 2292  and that protective supervision is no longer needed. The
 2293  termination of supervision may be with or without retaining
 2294  jurisdiction, at the court’s discretion, and shall in either
 2295  case be considered a permanency option for the child. The order
 2296  terminating supervision by the department must set forth the
 2297  powers of the custodian of the child and include the powers
 2298  ordinarily granted to a guardian of the person of a minor unless
 2299  otherwise specified. Upon the court’s termination of supervision
 2300  by the department, further judicial reviews are not required if
 2301  permanency has been established for the child.
 2302         4. Determine whether the child has a strong attachment to
 2303  the prospective permanent guardian and whether such guardian has
 2304  a strong commitment to permanently caring for the child.
 2305         Section 52. Paragraph (c) of subsection (2) of section
 2306  61.13, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
 2307         61.13 Support of children; parenting and time-sharing;
 2308  powers of court.—
 2309         (2)
 2310         (c) The court shall determine all matters relating to
 2311  parenting and time-sharing of each minor child of the parties in
 2312  accordance with the best interests of the child and in
 2313  accordance with the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and
 2314  Enforcement Act, except that modification of a parenting plan
 2315  and time-sharing schedule requires a showing of a substantial
 2316  and material change of circumstances.
 2317         1. It is the public policy of this state that each minor
 2318  child has frequent and continuing contact with both parents
 2319  after the parents separate or the marriage of the parties is
 2320  dissolved and to encourage parents to share the rights and
 2321  responsibilities, and joys, of childrearing. Unless otherwise
 2322  provided in this section or agreed to by the parties, there is a
 2323  rebuttable presumption that equal time-sharing of a minor child
 2324  is in the best interests of the minor child. To rebut this
 2325  presumption, a party must prove by a preponderance of the
 2326  evidence that equal time-sharing is not in the best interests of
 2327  the minor child. Except when a time-sharing schedule is agreed
 2328  to by the parties and approved by the court, the court must
 2329  evaluate all of the factors set forth in subsection (3) and make
 2330  specific written findings of fact when creating or modifying a
 2331  time-sharing schedule.
 2332         2. The court shall order that the parental responsibility
 2333  for a minor child be shared by both parents unless the court
 2334  finds that shared parental responsibility would be detrimental
 2335  to the child. In determining detriment to the child, the court
 2336  shall consider:
 2337         a. Evidence of domestic violence, as defined in s. 741.28;
 2338         b. Whether either parent has or has had reasonable cause to
 2339  believe that he or she or his or her minor child or children are
 2340  or have been in imminent danger of becoming victims of an act of
 2341  domestic violence as defined in s. 741.28 or sexual violence as
 2342  defined in s. 784.046(1)(c) by the other parent against the
 2343  parent or against the child or children whom the parents share
 2344  in common regardless of whether a cause of action has been
 2345  brought or is currently pending in the court;
 2346         c. Whether either parent has or has had reasonable cause to
 2347  believe that his or her minor child or children are or have been
 2348  in imminent danger of becoming victims of an act of abuse as
 2349  defined in s. 39.01(2), abandonment as defined in s. 39.01(1),
 2350  or neglect, as those terms are defined in s. 39.01, s. 39.01(50)
 2351  by the other parent against the child or children whom the
 2352  parents share in common regardless of whether a cause of action
 2353  has been brought or is currently pending in the court; and
 2354         d. Any other relevant factors.
 2355         3. The following evidence creates a rebuttable presumption
 2356  that shared parental responsibility is detrimental to the child:
 2357         a. A parent has been convicted of a misdemeanor of the
 2358  first degree or higher involving domestic violence, as defined
 2359  in s. 741.28 and chapter 775;
 2360         b. A parent meets the criteria of s. 39.806(1)(d); or
 2361         c. A parent has been convicted of or had adjudication
 2362  withheld for an offense enumerated in s. 943.0435(1)(h)1.a., and
 2363  at the time of the offense:
 2364         (I) The parent was 18 years of age or older.
 2365         (II) The victim was under 18 years of age or the parent
 2366  believed the victim to be under 18 years of age.
 2367  
 2368  If the presumption is not rebutted after the convicted parent is
 2369  advised by the court that the presumption exists, shared
 2370  parental responsibility, including time-sharing with the child,
 2371  and decisions made regarding the child, may not be granted to
 2372  the convicted parent. However, the convicted parent is not
 2373  relieved of any obligation to provide financial support. If the
 2374  court determines that shared parental responsibility would be
 2375  detrimental to the child, it may order sole parental
 2376  responsibility and make such arrangements for time-sharing as
 2377  specified in the parenting plan as will best protect the child
 2378  or abused spouse from further harm. Whether or not there is a
 2379  conviction of any offense of domestic violence or child abuse or
 2380  the existence of an injunction for protection against domestic
 2381  violence, the court shall consider evidence of domestic violence
 2382  or child abuse as evidence of detriment to the child.
 2383         4. In ordering shared parental responsibility, the court
 2384  may consider the expressed desires of the parents and may grant
 2385  to one party the ultimate responsibility over specific aspects
 2386  of the child’s welfare or may divide those responsibilities
 2387  between the parties based on the best interests of the child.
 2388  Areas of responsibility may include education, health care, and
 2389  any other responsibilities that the court finds unique to a
 2390  particular family.
 2391         5. The court shall order sole parental responsibility for a
 2392  minor child to one parent, with or without time-sharing with the
 2393  other parent if it is in the best interests of the minor child.
 2394         6. There is a rebuttable presumption against granting time
 2395  sharing with a minor child if a parent has been convicted of or
 2396  had adjudication withheld for an offense enumerated in s.
 2397  943.0435(1)(h)1.a., and at the time of the offense:
 2398         a. The parent was 18 years of age or older.
 2399         b. The victim was under 18 years of age or the parent
 2400  believed the victim to be under 18 years of age.
 2401  
 2402  A parent may rebut the presumption upon a specific finding in
 2403  writing by the court that the parent poses no significant risk
 2404  of harm to the child and that time-sharing is in the best
 2405  interests of the minor child. If the presumption is rebutted,
 2406  the court must consider all time-sharing factors in subsection
 2407  (3) when developing a time-sharing schedule.
 2408         7. Access to records and information pertaining to a minor
 2409  child, including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and
 2410  school records, may not be denied to either parent. Full rights
 2411  under this subparagraph apply to either parent unless a court
 2412  order specifically revokes these rights, including any
 2413  restrictions on these rights as provided in a domestic violence
 2414  injunction. A parent having rights under this subparagraph has
 2415  the same rights upon request as to form, substance, and manner
 2416  of access as are available to the other parent of a child,
 2417  including, without limitation, the right to in-person
 2418  communication with medical, dental, and education providers.
 2419         Section 53. Paragraph (d) of subsection (4) of section
 2420  119.071, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
 2421         119.071 General exemptions from inspection or copying of
 2422  public records.—
 2423         (4) AGENCY PERSONNEL INFORMATION.—
 2424         (d)1. For purposes of this paragraph, the term:
 2425         a. “Home addresses” means the dwelling location at which an
 2426  individual resides and includes the physical address, mailing
 2427  address, street address, parcel identification number, plot
 2428  identification number, legal property description, neighborhood
 2429  name and lot number, GPS coordinates, and any other descriptive
 2430  property information that may reveal the home address.
 2431         b. “Judicial assistant” means a court employee assigned to
 2432  the following class codes: 8140, 8150, 8310, and 8320.
 2433         c. “Telephone numbers” includes home telephone numbers,
 2434  personal cellular telephone numbers, personal pager telephone
 2435  numbers, and telephone numbers associated with personal
 2436  communications devices.
 2437         2.a. The home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth,
 2438  and photographs of active or former sworn law enforcement
 2439  personnel or of active or former civilian personnel employed by
 2440  a law enforcement agency, including correctional and
 2441  correctional probation officers, personnel of the Department of
 2442  Children and Families whose duties include the investigation of
 2443  abuse, neglect, exploitation, fraud, theft, or other criminal
 2444  activities, personnel of the Department of Health whose duties
 2445  are to support the investigation of child abuse or neglect, and
 2446  personnel of the Department of Revenue or local governments
 2447  whose responsibilities include revenue collection and
 2448  enforcement or child support enforcement; the names, home
 2449  addresses, telephone numbers, photographs, dates of birth, and
 2450  places of employment of the spouses and children of such
 2451  personnel; and the names and locations of schools and day care
 2452  facilities attended by the children of such personnel are exempt
 2453  from s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State
 2454  Constitution.
 2455         b. The home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth,
 2456  and photographs of current or former nonsworn investigative
 2457  personnel of the Department of Financial Services whose duties
 2458  include the investigation of fraud, theft, workers’ compensation
 2459  coverage requirements and compliance, other related criminal
 2460  activities, or state regulatory requirement violations; the
 2461  names, home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, and
 2462  places of employment of the spouses and children of such
 2463  personnel; and the names and locations of schools and day care
 2464  facilities attended by the children of such personnel are exempt
 2465  from s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State
 2466  Constitution.
 2467         c. The home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth,
 2468  and photographs of current or former nonsworn investigative
 2469  personnel of the Office of Financial Regulation’s Bureau of
 2470  Financial Investigations whose duties include the investigation
 2471  of fraud, theft, other related criminal activities, or state
 2472  regulatory requirement violations; the names, home addresses,
 2473  telephone numbers, dates of birth, and places of employment of
 2474  the spouses and children of such personnel; and the names and
 2475  locations of schools and day care facilities attended by the
 2476  children of such personnel are exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s.
 2477  24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.
 2478         d. The home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth,
 2479  and photographs of current or former firefighters certified in
 2480  compliance with s. 633.408; the names, home addresses, telephone
 2481  numbers, photographs, dates of birth, and places of employment
 2482  of the spouses and children of such firefighters; and the names
 2483  and locations of schools and day care facilities attended by the
 2484  children of such firefighters are exempt from s. 119.07(1) and
 2485  s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.
 2486         e. The home addresses, dates of birth, and telephone
 2487  numbers of current or former justices of the Supreme Court,
 2488  district court of appeal judges, circuit court judges, and
 2489  county court judges, and of current judicial assistants; the
 2490  names, home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, and
 2491  places of employment of the spouses and children of current or
 2492  former justices and judges and of current judicial assistants;
 2493  and the names and locations of schools and day care facilities
 2494  attended by the children of current or former justices and
 2495  judges and of current judicial assistants are exempt from s.
 2496  119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. This
 2497  sub-subparagraph is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review
 2498  Act in accordance with s. 119.15 and shall stand repealed on
 2499  October 2, 2028, unless reviewed and saved from repeal through
 2500  reenactment by the Legislature.
 2501         f. The home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth,
 2502  and photographs of current or former state attorneys, assistant
 2503  state attorneys, statewide prosecutors, or assistant statewide
 2504  prosecutors; the names, home addresses, telephone numbers,
 2505  photographs, dates of birth, and places of employment of the
 2506  spouses and children of current or former state attorneys,
 2507  assistant state attorneys, statewide prosecutors, or assistant
 2508  statewide prosecutors; and the names and locations of schools
 2509  and day care facilities attended by the children of current or
 2510  former state attorneys, assistant state attorneys, statewide
 2511  prosecutors, or assistant statewide prosecutors are exempt from
 2512  s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.
 2513         g. The home addresses, dates of birth, and telephone
 2514  numbers of general magistrates, special magistrates, judges of
 2515  compensation claims, administrative law judges of the Division
 2516  of Administrative Hearings, and child support enforcement
 2517  hearing officers; the names, home addresses, telephone numbers,
 2518  dates of birth, and places of employment of the spouses and
 2519  children of general magistrates, special magistrates, judges of
 2520  compensation claims, administrative law judges of the Division
 2521  of Administrative Hearings, and child support enforcement
 2522  hearing officers; and the names and locations of schools and day
 2523  care facilities attended by the children of general magistrates,
 2524  special magistrates, judges of compensation claims,
 2525  administrative law judges of the Division of Administrative
 2526  Hearings, and child support enforcement hearing officers are
 2527  exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State
 2528  Constitution.
 2529         h. The home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth,
 2530  and photographs of current or former human resource, labor
 2531  relations, or employee relations directors, assistant directors,
 2532  managers, or assistant managers of any local government agency
 2533  or water management district whose duties include hiring and
 2534  firing employees, labor contract negotiation, administration, or
 2535  other personnel-related duties; the names, home addresses,
 2536  telephone numbers, dates of birth, and places of employment of
 2537  the spouses and children of such personnel; and the names and
 2538  locations of schools and day care facilities attended by the
 2539  children of such personnel are exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s.
 2540  24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.
 2541         i. The home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth,
 2542  and photographs of current or former code enforcement officers;
 2543  the names, home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth,
 2544  and places of employment of the spouses and children of such
 2545  personnel; and the names and locations of schools and day care
 2546  facilities attended by the children of such personnel are exempt
 2547  from s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State
 2548  Constitution.
 2549         j. The home addresses, telephone numbers, places of
 2550  employment, dates of birth, and photographs of current or former
 2551  guardians ad litem, as defined in s. 39.01 s. 39.820; the names,
 2552  home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, and places of
 2553  employment of the spouses and children of such persons; and the
 2554  names and locations of schools and day care facilities attended
 2555  by the children of such persons are exempt from s. 119.07(1) and
 2556  s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.
 2557         k. The home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth,
 2558  and photographs of current or former juvenile probation
 2559  officers, juvenile probation supervisors, detention
 2560  superintendents, assistant detention superintendents, juvenile
 2561  justice detention officers I and II, juvenile justice detention
 2562  officer supervisors, juvenile justice residential officers,
 2563  juvenile justice residential officer supervisors I and II,
 2564  juvenile justice counselors, juvenile justice counselor
 2565  supervisors, human services counselor administrators, senior
 2566  human services counselor administrators, rehabilitation
 2567  therapists, and social services counselors of the Department of
 2568  Juvenile Justice; the names, home addresses, telephone numbers,
 2569  dates of birth, and places of employment of spouses and children
 2570  of such personnel; and the names and locations of schools and
 2571  day care facilities attended by the children of such personnel
 2572  are exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State
 2573  Constitution.
 2574         l. The home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth,
 2575  and photographs of current or former public defenders, assistant
 2576  public defenders, criminal conflict and civil regional counsel,
 2577  and assistant criminal conflict and civil regional counsel; the
 2578  names, home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, and
 2579  places of employment of the spouses and children of current or
 2580  former public defenders, assistant public defenders, criminal
 2581  conflict and civil regional counsel, and assistant criminal
 2582  conflict and civil regional counsel; and the names and locations
 2583  of schools and day care facilities attended by the children of
 2584  current or former public defenders, assistant public defenders,
 2585  criminal conflict and civil regional counsel, and assistant
 2586  criminal conflict and civil regional counsel are exempt from s.
 2587  119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.
 2588         m. The home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth,
 2589  and photographs of current or former investigators or inspectors
 2590  of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation; the
 2591  names, home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, and
 2592  places of employment of the spouses and children of such current
 2593  or former investigators and inspectors; and the names and
 2594  locations of schools and day care facilities attended by the
 2595  children of such current or former investigators and inspectors
 2596  are exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State
 2597  Constitution.
 2598         n. The home addresses, telephone numbers, and dates of
 2599  birth of county tax collectors; the names, home addresses,
 2600  telephone numbers, dates of birth, and places of employment of
 2601  the spouses and children of such tax collectors; and the names
 2602  and locations of schools and day care facilities attended by the
 2603  children of such tax collectors are exempt from s. 119.07(1) and
 2604  s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.
 2605         o. The home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth,
 2606  and photographs of current or former personnel of the Department
 2607  of Health whose duties include, or result in, the determination
 2608  or adjudication of eligibility for social security disability
 2609  benefits, the investigation or prosecution of complaints filed
 2610  against health care practitioners, or the inspection of health
 2611  care practitioners or health care facilities licensed by the
 2612  Department of Health; the names, home addresses, telephone
 2613  numbers, dates of birth, and places of employment of the spouses
 2614  and children of such personnel; and the names and locations of
 2615  schools and day care facilities attended by the children of such
 2616  personnel are exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of
 2617  the State Constitution.
 2618         p. The home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth,
 2619  and photographs of current or former impaired practitioner
 2620  consultants who are retained by an agency or current or former
 2621  employees of an impaired practitioner consultant whose duties
 2622  result in a determination of a person’s skill and safety to
 2623  practice a licensed profession; the names, home addresses,
 2624  telephone numbers, dates of birth, and places of employment of
 2625  the spouses and children of such consultants or their employees;
 2626  and the names and locations of schools and day care facilities
 2627  attended by the children of such consultants or employees are
 2628  exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State
 2629  Constitution.
 2630         q. The home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth,
 2631  and photographs of current or former emergency medical
 2632  technicians or paramedics certified under chapter 401; the
 2633  names, home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, and
 2634  places of employment of the spouses and children of such
 2635  emergency medical technicians or paramedics; and the names and
 2636  locations of schools and day care facilities attended by the
 2637  children of such emergency medical technicians or paramedics are
 2638  exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State
 2639  Constitution.
 2640         r. The home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth,
 2641  and photographs of current or former personnel employed in an
 2642  agency’s office of inspector general or internal audit
 2643  department whose duties include auditing or investigating waste,
 2644  fraud, abuse, theft, exploitation, or other activities that
 2645  could lead to criminal prosecution or administrative discipline;
 2646  the names, home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth,
 2647  and places of employment of spouses and children of such
 2648  personnel; and the names and locations of schools and day care
 2649  facilities attended by the children of such personnel are exempt
 2650  from s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State
 2651  Constitution.
 2652         s. The home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth,
 2653  and photographs of current or former directors, managers,
 2654  supervisors, nurses, and clinical employees of an addiction
 2655  treatment facility; the home addresses, telephone numbers,
 2656  photographs, dates of birth, and places of employment of the
 2657  spouses and children of such personnel; and the names and
 2658  locations of schools and day care facilities attended by the
 2659  children of such personnel are exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s.
 2660  24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. For purposes of this
 2661  sub-subparagraph, the term “addiction treatment facility” means
 2662  a county government, or agency thereof, that is licensed
 2663  pursuant to s. 397.401 and provides substance abuse prevention,
 2664  intervention, or clinical treatment, including any licensed
 2665  service component described in s. 397.311(26).
 2666         t. The home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth,
 2667  and photographs of current or former directors, managers,
 2668  supervisors, and clinical employees of a child advocacy center
 2669  that meets the standards of s. 39.3035(2) and fulfills the
 2670  screening requirement of s. 39.3035(3), and the members of a
 2671  Child Protection Team as described in s. 39.303 whose duties
 2672  include supporting the investigation of child abuse or sexual
 2673  abuse, child abandonment, child neglect, and child exploitation
 2674  or to provide services as part of a multidisciplinary case
 2675  review team; the names, home addresses, telephone numbers,
 2676  photographs, dates of birth, and places of employment of the
 2677  spouses and children of such personnel and members; and the
 2678  names and locations of schools and day care facilities attended
 2679  by the children of such personnel and members are exempt from s.
 2680  119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.
 2681         u. The home addresses, telephone numbers, places of
 2682  employment, dates of birth, and photographs of current or former
 2683  staff and domestic violence advocates, as defined in s.
 2684  90.5036(1)(b), of domestic violence centers certified by the
 2685  Department of Children and Families under chapter 39; the names,
 2686  home addresses, telephone numbers, places of employment, dates
 2687  of birth, and photographs of the spouses and children of such
 2688  personnel; and the names and locations of schools and day care
 2689  facilities attended by the children of such personnel are exempt
 2690  from s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State
 2691  Constitution.
 2692         v. The home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth,
 2693  and photographs of current or former inspectors or investigators
 2694  of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; the
 2695  names, home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, and
 2696  places of employment of the spouses and children of current or
 2697  former inspectors or investigators; and the names and locations
 2698  of schools and day care facilities attended by the children of
 2699  current or former inspectors or investigators are exempt from s.
 2700  119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. This
 2701  sub-subparagraph is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review
 2702  Act in accordance with s. 119.15 and shall stand repealed on
 2703  October 2, 2028, unless reviewed and saved from repeal through
 2704  reenactment by the Legislature.
 2705         3. An agency that is the custodian of the information
 2706  specified in subparagraph 2. and that is not the employer of the
 2707  officer, employee, justice, judge, or other person specified in
 2708  subparagraph 2. must maintain the exempt status of that
 2709  information only if the officer, employee, justice, judge, other
 2710  person, or employing agency of the designated employee submits a
 2711  written and notarized request for maintenance of the exemption
 2712  to the custodial agency. The request must state under oath the
 2713  statutory basis for the individual’s exemption request and
 2714  confirm the individual’s status as a party eligible for exempt
 2715  status.
 2716         4.a. A county property appraiser, as defined in s.
 2717  192.001(3), or a county tax collector, as defined in s.
 2718  192.001(4), who receives a written and notarized request for
 2719  maintenance of the exemption pursuant to subparagraph 3. must
 2720  comply by removing the name of the individual with exempt status
 2721  and the instrument number or Official Records book and page
 2722  number identifying the property with the exempt status from all
 2723  publicly available records maintained by the property appraiser
 2724  or tax collector. For written requests received on or before
 2725  July 1, 2021, a county property appraiser or county tax
 2726  collector must comply with this sub-subparagraph by October 1,
 2727  2021. A county property appraiser or county tax collector may
 2728  not remove the street address, legal description, or other
 2729  information identifying real property within the agency’s
 2730  records so long as a name or personal information otherwise
 2731  exempt from inspection and copying pursuant to this section is
 2732  not associated with the property or otherwise displayed in the
 2733  public records of the agency.
 2734         b. Any information restricted from public display,
 2735  inspection, or copying under sub-subparagraph a. must be
 2736  provided to the individual whose information was removed.
 2737         5. An officer, an employee, a justice, a judge, or other
 2738  person specified in subparagraph 2. may submit a written request
 2739  for the release of his or her exempt information to the
 2740  custodial agency. The written request must be notarized and must
 2741  specify the information to be released and the party authorized
 2742  to receive the information. Upon receipt of the written request,
 2743  the custodial agency must release the specified information to
 2744  the party authorized to receive such information.
 2745         6. The exemptions in this paragraph apply to information
 2746  held by an agency before, on, or after the effective date of the
 2747  exemption.
 2748         7. Information made exempt under this paragraph may be
 2749  disclosed pursuant to s. 28.2221 to a title insurer authorized
 2750  pursuant to s. 624.401 and its affiliates as defined in s.
 2751  624.10; a title insurance agent or title insurance agency as
 2752  defined in s. 626.841(1) or (2), respectively; or an attorney
 2753  duly admitted to practice law in this state and in good standing
 2754  with The Florida Bar.
 2755         8. The exempt status of a home address contained in the
 2756  Official Records is maintained only during the period when a
 2757  protected party resides at the dwelling location. Upon
 2758  conveyance of real property after October 1, 2021, and when such
 2759  real property no longer constitutes a protected party’s home
 2760  address as defined in sub-subparagraph 1.a., the protected party
 2761  must submit a written request to release the removed information
 2762  to the county recorder. The written request to release the
 2763  removed information must be notarized, must confirm that a
 2764  protected party’s request for release is pursuant to a
 2765  conveyance of his or her dwelling location, and must specify the
 2766  Official Records book and page, instrument number, or clerk’s
 2767  file number for each document containing the information to be
 2768  released.
 2769         9. Upon the death of a protected party as verified by a
 2770  certified copy of a death certificate or court order, any party
 2771  can request the county recorder to release a protected
 2772  decedent’s removed information unless there is a related request
 2773  on file with the county recorder for continued removal of the
 2774  decedent’s information or unless such removal is otherwise
 2775  prohibited by statute or by court order. The written request to
 2776  release the removed information upon the death of a protected
 2777  party must attach the certified copy of a death certificate or
 2778  court order and must be notarized, must confirm the request for
 2779  release is due to the death of a protected party, and must
 2780  specify the Official Records book and page number, instrument
 2781  number, or clerk’s file number for each document containing the
 2782  information to be released. A fee may not be charged for the
 2783  release of any document pursuant to such request.
 2784         10. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this
 2785  paragraph, this paragraph is subject to the Open Government
 2786  Sunset Review Act in accordance with s. 119.15 and shall stand
 2787  repealed on October 2, 2024, unless reviewed and saved from
 2788  repeal through reenactment by the Legislature.
 2789         Section 54. Subsection (4) of section 322.09, Florida
 2790  Statutes, is amended to read:
 2791         322.09 Application of minors; responsibility for negligence
 2792  or misconduct of minor.—
 2793         (4) Notwithstanding subsections (1) and (2), if a caregiver
 2794  of a minor who is under the age of 18 years and is in out-of
 2795  home care as defined in s. 39.01 s. 39.01(55), an authorized
 2796  representative of a residential group home at which such a minor
 2797  resides, the caseworker at the agency at which the state has
 2798  placed the minor, or a guardian ad litem specifically authorized
 2799  by the minor’s caregiver to sign for a learner’s driver license
 2800  signs the minor’s application for a learner’s driver license,
 2801  that caregiver, group home representative, caseworker, or
 2802  guardian ad litem does not assume any obligation or become
 2803  liable for any damages caused by the negligence or willful
 2804  misconduct of the minor by reason of having signed the
 2805  application. Before signing the application, the caseworker,
 2806  authorized group home representative, or guardian ad litem shall
 2807  notify the caregiver or other responsible party of his or her
 2808  intent to sign and verify the application.
 2809         Section 55. Paragraph (p) of subsection (4) of section
 2810  394.495, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
 2811         394.495 Child and adolescent mental health system of care;
 2812  programs and services.—
 2813         (4) The array of services may include, but is not limited
 2814  to:
 2815         (p) Trauma-informed services for children who have suffered
 2816  sexual exploitation as defined in s. 39.01(80)(g) s.
 2817  39.01(77)(g).
 2818         Section 56. Section 627.746, Florida Statutes, is amended
 2819  to read:
 2820         627.746 Coverage for minors who have a learner’s driver
 2821  license; additional premium prohibited.—An insurer that issues
 2822  an insurance policy on a private passenger motor vehicle to a
 2823  named insured who is a caregiver of a minor who is under the age
 2824  of 18 years and is in out-of-home care as defined in s. 39.01 s.
 2825  39.01(55) may not charge an additional premium for coverage of
 2826  the minor while the minor is operating the insured vehicle, for
 2827  the period of time that the minor has a learner’s driver
 2828  license, until such time as the minor obtains a driver license.
 2829         Section 57. Paragraph (c) of subsection (1) of section
 2830  934.255, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
 2831         934.255 Subpoenas in investigations of sexual offenses.—
 2832         (1) As used in this section, the term:
 2833         (c) “Sexual abuse of a child” means a criminal offense
 2834  based on any conduct described in s. 39.01(80) s. 39.01(77).
 2835         Section 58. Subsection (5) of section 960.065, Florida
 2836  Statutes, is amended to read:
 2837         960.065 Eligibility for awards.—
 2838         (5) A person is not ineligible for an award pursuant to
 2839  paragraph (2)(a), paragraph (2)(b), or paragraph (2)(c) if that
 2840  person is a victim of sexual exploitation of a child as defined
 2841  in s. 39.01(80)(g) s. 39.01(77)(g).
 2842         Section 59. Section 741.29, Florida Statutes, is amended to
 2843  read:
 2844         741.29 Domestic violence; investigation of incidents;
 2845  notice to victims of legal rights and remedies; reporting.—
 2846         (1) Any law enforcement officer who investigates an alleged
 2847  incident of domestic violence shall:
 2848         (a) Assist the victim to obtain medical treatment if such
 2849  is required as a result of the alleged incident to which the
 2850  officer responds;. Any law enforcement officer who investigates
 2851  an alleged incident of domestic violence shall
 2852         (b) Advise the victim of such violence that there is a
 2853  domestic violence center from which the victim may receive
 2854  services;.
 2855         (c)Administer a lethality assessment consistent with the
 2856  requirements established in subsection (2) if the allegation of
 2857  domestic violence is against an intimate partner, regardless of
 2858  whether an arrest is made; and
 2859         (d)The law enforcement officer shall Give the victim
 2860  immediate notice of the legal rights and remedies available on a
 2861  standard form developed and distributed by the department. As
 2862  necessary, the department shall revise the Legal Rights and
 2863  Remedies Notice to Victims to include a general summary of s.
 2864  741.30 using simple English as well as Spanish, and shall
 2865  distribute the notice as a model form to be used by all law
 2866  enforcement agencies throughout this the state. The notice must
 2867  shall include:
 2868         1.(a) The resource listing, including telephone number, for
 2869  the area domestic violence center designated by the Department
 2870  of Children and Families; and
 2871         2.(b) A copy of the following statement:
 2872  
 2873         IF YOU ARE THE VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, you may
 2874         ask the state attorney to file a criminal complaint.
 2875         You also have the right to go to court and file a
 2876         petition requesting an injunction for protection from
 2877         domestic violence which may include, but need not be
 2878         limited to, provisions which restrain the abuser from
 2879         further acts of abuse; direct the abuser to leave your
 2880         household; prevent the abuser from entering your
 2881         residence, school, business, or place of employment;
 2882         award you custody of your minor child or children; and
 2883         direct the abuser to pay support to you and the minor
 2884         children if the abuser has a legal obligation to do
 2885         so.
 2886  
 2887         (2)The department shall consult with the Department of
 2888  Children and Families and at least one domestic violence
 2889  advocacy organization and may consult with the Florida Sheriffs
 2890  Association, the Florida Police Chiefs Association, and the
 2891  Florida Partnership to End Domestic Violence to develop the
 2892  policies, procedures, and training necessary for implementation
 2893  of a statewide evidence-based lethality assessment. Such
 2894  policies, procedures, and training must establish how to
 2895  determine whether a victim and aggressor are intimate partners
 2896  and establish a statewide process for referring a victim to a
 2897  certified domestic violence center. By January 1, 2025, the
 2898  department must adopt a statewide lethality assessment form that
 2899  includes all the information in paragraph (c). Training on how
 2900  to administer a lethality assessment and the approved lethality
 2901  assessment form must be accessible to a law enforcement officer
 2902  in an online format.
 2903         (a)The department must monitor evidence-based standards
 2904  relating to administering a lethality assessment or the
 2905  lethality assessment form. If the department identifies changes
 2906  in such evidence-based standards, the department shall submit a
 2907  report to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the
 2908  House of Representatives which must include the current policies
 2909  and procedures for administering a lethality assessment, any
 2910  proposed statutory changes necessary for statewide
 2911  implementation, and any proposed changes to the lethality
 2912  assessment or the lethality assessment form to maintain
 2913  compliance with evidence-based standards.
 2914         (b)The Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission
 2915  shall require by rule that all law enforcement officers receive
 2916  instruction on the policies and procedures for administering a
 2917  lethality assessment as part of basic recruit training or as
 2918  part of the required instruction for continued employment. A law
 2919  enforcement officer may not administer a lethality assessment to
 2920  a victim if the officer has not received training on
 2921  administering a lethality assessment. All of the following
 2922  requirements for training on administering a lethality
 2923  assessment must be met by October 1, 2026:
 2924         1.Commission-approved basic recruit training programs
 2925  required by s. 943.13(9) and continuing training or education
 2926  required by s. 943.135 must incorporate the training required by
 2927  this subsection.
 2928         2.All law enforcement officers must successfully complete
 2929  the training required by this subsection, including officers who
 2930  received an exemption from completing the commission-approved
 2931  basic recruit training program under s. 943.131, as part of
 2932  their basic recruit training or the continued training or
 2933  education required under s. 943.135(1), as applicable. An
 2934  officer’s employing agency must place the officer’s
 2935  certification on inactive status if the officer fails to
 2936  complete the training required under this subsection. The
 2937  officer’s certification will remain inactive until the officer
 2938  completes the training and the officer’s employing agency
 2939  notifies the commission that he or she has completed the
 2940  training.
 2941         (c)To administer a lethality assessment, a law enforcement
 2942  officer shall ask the victim, in the same or similar wording and
 2943  in the same order, all of the following questions:
 2944         1.Did the aggressor ever use a weapon against you or
 2945  threaten you with a weapon?
 2946         2.Did the aggressor ever threaten to kill you or your
 2947  children?
 2948         3.Do you believe the aggressor will try to kill you?
 2949         4.Has the aggressor ever choked you or attempted to choke
 2950  you?
 2951         5.Does the aggressor have a gun or could the aggressor
 2952  easily obtain a gun?
 2953         6.Is the aggressor violently or constantly jealous, or
 2954  does the aggressor control most of your daily activities?
 2955         7.Did you leave or separate from the aggressor after you
 2956  were living together or married?
 2957         8.Is the aggressor unemployed?
 2958         9.To the best of your knowledge, has the aggressor ever
 2959  attempted suicide?
 2960         10.Do you have a child whom the aggressor believes is not
 2961  the aggressor’s biological child?
 2962         11.Has the aggressor ever followed, spied on, or left
 2963  threatening messages for you?
 2964         12.Is there anything else that worries you about your
 2965  safety and, if so, what worries you?
 2966         (d)A law enforcement officer shall advise a victim of the
 2967  results of the assessment and refer the victim to the nearest
 2968  locally certified domestic violence center if:
 2969         1.The victim answers affirmatively to any of the questions
 2970  provided in subparagraphs (c)1.-4.;
 2971         2.The victim answers negatively to the questions provided
 2972  in subparagraphs (c)1.-4., but affirmatively to at least four of
 2973  the questions provided in subparagraphs (c)5.-11.; or
 2974         3.As a result of the victim’s response to subparagraph
 2975  (c)12., the law enforcement officer believes the victim is in a
 2976  potentially lethal situation.
 2977         (e)If a victim does not, or is unable to, provide
 2978  information to a law enforcement officer sufficient to allow the
 2979  law enforcement officer to administer a lethality assessment,
 2980  the law enforcement officer must document the lack of a
 2981  lethality assessment in the written police report required in
 2982  subsection (3) and refer the victim to the nearest locally
 2983  certified domestic violence center.
 2984         (f)A law enforcement officer may not include in a probable
 2985  cause statement, written police report, or incident report the
 2986  domestic violence center to which a victim was referred.
 2987         (3)(2) When a law enforcement officer investigates an
 2988  allegation that an incident of domestic violence has occurred,
 2989  the officer shall handle the incident pursuant to the arrest
 2990  policy provided in s. 901.15(7), and as developed in accordance
 2991  with subsections (4), (5), and (6) (3), (4), and (5). Regardless
 2992  of whether or not an arrest is made, the officer shall make a
 2993  written police report that is complete and clearly indicates the
 2994  alleged offense was an incident of domestic violence. Such
 2995  report must shall be given to the officer’s supervisor and filed
 2996  with the law enforcement agency in a manner that will permit
 2997  data on domestic violence cases to be compiled. Such report must
 2998  include all of the following:
 2999         (a) A description of physical injuries observed, if any.
 3000         (b) If a law enforcement officer decides not to make an
 3001  arrest or decides to arrest two or more parties, the officer
 3002  shall include in the report the grounds for not arresting anyone
 3003  or for arresting two or more parties.
 3004         (c) A statement which indicates that a copy of the legal
 3005  rights and remedies notice was given to the victim.
 3006         (d)A notation of the score of a lethality assessment, if
 3007  one was administered pursuant to paragraph (1)(c).
 3008  
 3009  Whenever possible, the law enforcement officer shall obtain a
 3010  written statement from the victim and witnesses concerning the
 3011  alleged domestic violence. The officer shall submit the report
 3012  to the supervisor or other person to whom the employer’s rules
 3013  or policies require reports of similar allegations of criminal
 3014  activity to be made. The law enforcement agency shall, without
 3015  charge, send a copy of the initial police report, as well as any
 3016  subsequent, supplemental, or related report, which excludes
 3017  victim/witness statements or other materials that are part of an
 3018  active criminal investigation and are exempt from disclosure
 3019  under chapter 119, to the nearest locally certified domestic
 3020  violence center within 24 hours after the agency’s receipt of
 3021  the report. The report furnished to the domestic violence center
 3022  must include a narrative description of the domestic violence
 3023  incident.
 3024         (4)(3) Whenever a law enforcement officer determines upon
 3025  probable cause that an act of domestic violence has been
 3026  committed within the jurisdiction the officer may arrest the
 3027  person or persons suspected of its commission and charge such
 3028  person or persons with the appropriate crime. The decision to
 3029  arrest and charge shall not require consent of the victim or
 3030  consideration of the relationship of the parties.
 3031         (5)(a)(4)(a) When complaints are received from two or more
 3032  parties, the officers shall evaluate each complaint separately
 3033  to determine whether there is probable cause for arrest.
 3034         (b) If a law enforcement officer has probable cause to
 3035  believe that two or more persons have committed a misdemeanor or
 3036  felony, or if two or more persons make complaints to the
 3037  officer, the officer must shall try to determine who was the
 3038  primary aggressor. Arrest is the preferred response only with
 3039  respect to the primary aggressor and not the preferred response
 3040  with respect to a person who acts in a reasonable manner to
 3041  protect or defend oneself or another family or household member
 3042  from domestic violence.
 3043         (6)(5)A No law enforcement officer may not shall be held
 3044  liable, in any civil action, for an arrest based on probable
 3045  cause, enforcement in good faith of a court order, or service of
 3046  process in good faith under this chapter arising from an alleged
 3047  incident of domestic violence brought by any party to the
 3048  incident.
 3049         (7)(6) A person who willfully violates a condition of
 3050  pretrial release provided in s. 903.047, when the original
 3051  arrest was for an act of domestic violence as defined in s.
 3052  741.28, commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as
 3053  provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, and shall be held in
 3054  custody until his or her first appearance.
 3055         Section 60. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment
 3056  made by this act to section 741.29, Florida Statutes, in a
 3057  reference thereto, section 39.906, Florida Statutes, is
 3058  reenacted to read:
 3059         39.906 Referral to centers and notice of rights.—Any law
 3060  enforcement officer who investigates an alleged incident of
 3061  domestic violence shall advise the victim of such violence that
 3062  there is a domestic violence center from which the victim may
 3063  receive services. The law enforcement officer shall give the
 3064  victim immediate notice of the legal rights and remedies
 3065  available in accordance with the provisions of s. 741.29.
 3066         Section 61. The Division of Law Revision is requested to
 3067  prepare a reviser’s bill for the 2025 Regular Session of the
 3068  Legislature to substitute the term “Statewide Guardian ad Litem
 3069  Office” for the term “Guardian ad Litem Program” or “Statewide
 3070  Guardian ad Litem Program” throughout the Florida Statutes.
 3071         Section 62. This act shall take effect July 1, 2024.
 3072  
 3073  ================= T I T L E  A M E N D M E N T ================
 3074  And the title is amended as follows:
 3075         Delete everything before the enacting clause
 3076  and insert:
 3077                        A bill to be entitled                      
 3078         An act relating to the protection of children and
 3079         victims of crime; amending s. 39.001, F.S.; revising
 3080         the purposes of ch. 39, F.S.; requiring the Statewide
 3081         Guardian ad Litem Office and circuit guardian ad litem
 3082         offices to participate in the development of a certain
 3083         state plan; conforming a provision to changes made by
 3084         the act; amending s. 39.00145, F.S.; authorizing a
 3085         child’s attorney ad litem to inspect certain records;
 3086         amending s. 39.00146, F.S.; conforming provisions to
 3087         changes made by the act; amending s. 39.0016, F.S.;
 3088         requiring a child’s guardian ad litem be included in
 3089         the coordination of certain educational services;
 3090         amending s. 39.01, F.S.; providing and revising
 3091         definitions; amending s. 39.013, F.S.; requiring the
 3092         court to appoint a guardian ad litem for a child at
 3093         the earliest possible time; authorizing a guardian ad
 3094         litem to represent a child in other proceedings to
 3095         secure certain services and benefits; amending s.
 3096         39.01305, F.S.; conforming a provision to changes made
 3097         by the act; amending s. 39.0132, F.S.; authorizing a
 3098         child’s attorney ad litem to inspect certain records;
 3099         amending s. 39.0136, F.S.; revising the parties who
 3100         may request a continuance in a proceeding; amending s.
 3101         39.01375, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made
 3102         by the act; amending s. 39.0139, F.S.; conforming
 3103         provisions to changes made by the act; amending s.
 3104         39.202, F.S.; requiring that certain confidential
 3105         records be released to the guardian ad litem and
 3106         attorney ad litem; conforming a cross-reference;
 3107         amending s. 39.402, F.S.; requiring parents to consent
 3108         to provide certain information to the guardian ad
 3109         litem and attorney ad litem; conforming provisions to
 3110         changes made by the act; amending s. 39.4022, F.S.;
 3111         revising the participants who must be invited to a
 3112         multidisciplinary team staffing; amending s. 39.4023,
 3113         F.S.; requiring that notice of a multidisciplinary
 3114         team staffing be provided to a child’s guardian ad
 3115         litem and attorney ad litem; conforming provisions to
 3116         changes made by the act; amending s. 39.407, F.S.;
 3117         conforming provisions to changes made by the act;
 3118         amending s. 39.4085, F.S.; providing a goal of
 3119         permanency; conforming provisions to changes made by
 3120         the act; amending ss. 39.502 and 39.522, F.S.;
 3121         conforming provisions to changes made by the act;
 3122         amending s. 39.6012, F.S.; requiring a case plan to
 3123         include written descriptions of certain activities;
 3124         conforming a cross-reference; creating s. 39.6036,
 3125         F.S.; providing legislative findings and intent;
 3126         requiring the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office to
 3127         work with certain children to identify a supportive
 3128         adult to enter into a specified agreement; requiring
 3129         such agreement be documented in the child’s court
 3130         file; requiring the office to coordinate with the
 3131         Office of Continuing Care for a specified purpose;
 3132         amending s. 39.621, F.S.; conforming provisions to
 3133         changes made by the act; amending s. 39.6241, F.S.;
 3134         requiring a guardian ad litem to advise the court
 3135         regarding certain information and to ensure a certain
 3136         agreement has been documented in the child’s court
 3137         file; amending s. 39.701, F.S.; requiring certain
 3138         notice be given to an attorney ad litem; requiring a
 3139         court to give a guardian ad litem an opportunity to
 3140         address the court in certain proceedings; requiring
 3141         the court to inquire and determine if a child has a
 3142         certain agreement documented in his or her court file
 3143         at a specified hearing; conforming provisions to
 3144         changes made by the act; amending s. 39.801, F.S.;
 3145         conforming provisions to changes made by the act;
 3146         amending s. 39.807, F.S.; requiring a court to appoint
 3147         a guardian ad litem to represent a child in certain
 3148         proceedings; revising a guardian ad litem’s
 3149         responsibilities and authorities; deleting provisions
 3150         relating to bonds and service of pleadings or papers;
 3151         amending s. 39.808, F.S.; conforming provisions to
 3152         changes made by the act; amending s. 39.815, F.S.;
 3153         conforming provisions to changes made by the act;
 3154         repealing s. 39.820, F.S., relating to definitions of
 3155         the terms “guardian ad litem” and “guardian advocate”;
 3156         amending s. 39.821, F.S.; conforming provisions to
 3157         changes made by the act; amending s. 39.822, F.S.;
 3158         declaring that a guardian ad litem is a fiduciary and
 3159         must provide independent representation of a child;
 3160         revising responsibilities of a guardian ad litem;
 3161         requiring that guardians ad litem have certain access
 3162         to the children they represent; providing actions that
 3163         a guardian ad litem does and does not have to fulfill;
 3164         making technical changes; amending s. 39.827, F.S.;
 3165         authorizing a child’s guardian ad litem and attorney
 3166         ad litem to inspect certain records; amending s.
 3167         39.8296, F.S.; revising the duties and appointment of
 3168         the executive director of the Statewide Guardian ad
 3169         Litem Office; requiring the training program for
 3170         guardians ad litem to be maintained and updated
 3171         regularly; deleting provisions regarding the training
 3172         curriculum and the establishment of a curriculum
 3173         committee; requiring the office to provide oversight
 3174         and technical assistance to attorneys ad litem;
 3175         specifying certain requirements of the office;
 3176         amending s. 39.8297, F.S.; conforming provisions to
 3177         changes made by the act; amending s. 414.56, F.S.;
 3178         revising the duties of the Office of Continuing Care;
 3179         creating s. 1009.898, F.S.; authorizing, subject to
 3180         appropriation, the Fostering Prosperity program to
 3181         provide certain grants to youth and young adults who
 3182         are aging out of foster care; requiring that such
 3183         grants remain available for a certain period of time
 3184         after reunification of a young adult with his or her
 3185         parent; requiring the State Board of Education to
 3186         adopt certain rules; amending ss. 29.008, 39.6011,
 3187         40.24, 43.16, 61.402, 110.205, 320.08058, 943.053,
 3188         985.43, 985.441, 985.455, 985.461, and 985.48, F.S.;
 3189         conforming provisions to changes made by the act;
 3190         amending ss. 39.302, 39.521, 61.13, 119.071, 322.09,
 3191         394.495, 627.746, 934.255, and 960.065, F.S.;
 3192         conforming cross-references; amending s. 741.29, F.S.;
 3193         requiring law enforcement officers who investigate an
 3194         alleged incident of domestic violence to administer a
 3195         lethality assessment under certain circumstances;
 3196         requiring the Department of Law Enforcement to consult
 3197         with specified entities, and authorizing the
 3198         department to consult with other specified entities,
 3199         to develop certain policies, procedures, and training
 3200         necessary for the implementation of a statewide
 3201         evidence-based lethality assessment; requiring such
 3202         policies, procedures, and training to establish how to
 3203         determine whether a victim and aggressor are intimate
 3204         partners and establish a statewide process for
 3205         referring a victim to a certified domestic violence
 3206         center; requiring the department to adopt a statewide
 3207         lethality assessment form by a specified date;
 3208         requiring that training on administering lethality
 3209         assessments be available to law enforcement officers
 3210         in an online format; requiring the department to
 3211         submit a specified report to the Legislature upon
 3212         certain circumstances; requiring the Criminal Justice
 3213         Standards and Training Commission to require by rule
 3214         that law enforcement officers receive instruction on
 3215         the policies and procedures for administering a
 3216         lethality assessment as part of basic recruit training
 3217         or required instruction for continued employment;
 3218         prohibiting a law enforcement officer from
 3219         administering a lethality assessment if he or she has
 3220         not received specified training; requiring that basic
 3221         recruit training programs and continuing training or
 3222         education requirements incorporate such training, and
 3223         that all law enforcement officers successfully
 3224         complete such training, by a specified date; requiring
 3225         law enforcement agencies to place officers’
 3226         certification on inactive status if they fail to
 3227         timely complete the required training; providing that
 3228         such officers’ certification remains inactive until
 3229         they complete the training and their employing agency
 3230         notifies the commission of such completion; requiring
 3231         law enforcement officers administering a lethality
 3232         assessment to ask a victim specified questions;
 3233         requiring law enforcement officers to advise the
 3234         victim of the results of the lethality assessment and
 3235         refer the victim to certain domestic violence centers
 3236         if certain conditions are met; requiring law
 3237         enforcement officers to document in the written police
 3238         report a victim’s refusal or inability to provide
 3239         information necessary for the lethality assessment;
 3240         prohibiting law enforcement officers from disclosing
 3241         in certain statements and reports the domestic
 3242         violence center to which the victim was referred;
 3243         requiring that written police reports for domestic
 3244         violence incidents include the results of the
 3245         lethality assessment, if one was administered; making
 3246         technical changes; reenacting s. 39.906, F.S.,
 3247         relating to referral to domestic violence centers and
 3248         notice of rights, to incorporate the amendment made to
 3249         s. 741.29, F.S., in a reference thereto; providing a
 3250         directive to the Division of Law Revision; providing
 3251         an effective date.