The Florida Senate

¹39.4053  Diligent search; child in custody of department.--

(1)  Within 90 days after taking a child into custody, the department shall either identify and locate, or shall complete a diligent search for, the parents, prospective parents, and legal custodians of the child, and the next of kin of the child. The purpose of identifying and locating these persons, or of conducting a diligent search for them, is to ensure the proper placement of the child with parents, with relatives, or in the custody of the department. Any relatives who are located pursuant to this section shall be assessed as to their willingness to provide emotional support to the parents during reunification, including assisting the parents to achieve a safe, stable home, and as to their own custodial intentions toward the child who is in the custody of the department. In any search for parents or prospective parents under this section, the department shall consider the results of the inquiry conducted by the court pursuant to s. 39.4051(1).

(2)  If the department fails to place the child for adoption within 12 months after termination of parental rights becomes final, the department shall notify the persons specified in subsection (1) of the child's status unless excused by the court for good cause shown.

History.--s. 8, ch. 97-276.

¹Note.--Effective July 1, 1998.