The Florida Senate

39.4032  Multidisciplinary case staffing.--

(1)  When a case plan indicates the need for a multidisciplinary case staffing, the department shall conduct a multidisciplinary case staffing. The multidisciplinary case staffing function may be conducted by teleconference or other available technology designed to reduce disruption of staff schedules.

(2)  The case staffing committee shall perform a comprehensive assessment, as defined in s. 39.01, and may further develop an initial case plan if needed or may amend an existing case plan subject to the approval of the parties. Court approval of the plan and any amendments is also required if the child has been removed from the home.

(3)  The composition of the case staffing committee shall be based on the needs of the family and child, and should include, at a minimum, the parents; the child when appropriate; a representative from the areas of child welfare services, health, children's medical services, mental health, developmental services, and education; the guardian ad litem if one has been appointed; and any person recommended by the family. Counsel for any parties represented by counsel may also be included where the child has been removed from the home.

(4)  The case staffing committee shall coordinate its effort with the child protection team.

(5)  The case staffing committee shall reach a timely decision to provide the family with needed services and treatment through the development of a case plan for services or an amended case plan for services.

(6)  Upon receipt of the plan developed by the case staffing committee, the family shall indicate its acceptance or rejection of the services and provisions in writing. If the plan is accepted, it must be implemented as soon as is practicable.

(7)  A case manager shall be designated by the case staffing committee to be responsible for implementing the plan. The case manager shall periodically review the progress toward achieving the objectives of the plan in order to:

(a)  Advise the case staffing committee of the need to make adjustments to the plan or take additional action as provided in this part; or

(b)  Recommend termination by the court of the case when indicated by successful or substantial achievement of the objectives of the plan.

(8)  In the event the parent or parents fail to participate or to accept the recommendations of the case staffing committee as delineated in a case plan, the case staffing committee may:

(a)  Close the case without services;

(b)  Refer the case to mediation;

(c)  Recommend that the department file a dependency petition; or

(d)  If the child has been found by the court to be dependent, report the lack of agreement to the court and request the court to approve the plan; recommend to the court placement of the child in foster care; or recommend that the department file a petition for the termination of parental rights.

History.--s. 6, ch. 94-164; s. 9, ch. 95-228.