CS/CS/CS/SB 1064 — Children Removed from Caregivers
by Fiscal Policy Committee; Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services; Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee; and Senator Yarborough
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee (CF)
The bill amends s. 39.523, F.S., to integrate a trauma screening into the assessment of a child removed from his or her home.
The bill adds to findings and intent that the timely identification of and response to acute presentation of symptoms indicative of trauma can reduce adverse outcomes for a child, aid in the identification of services to enhance initial placement stability and of supports to caregivers, and reduce placement disruption.
The bill adds a requirement for the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to adopt rules that require the DCF or community-based care lead agency to conduct a trauma screening as soon as practicable after a child’s removal but no later than 21 days after the shelter hearing. The bill also requires any indicated trauma assessment, services, or interventions to be provided within 30 days of the shelter hearing. To the extent possible, the screening, assessment, services, or intervention must be integrated into the child’s overall behavioral health treatment planning and services.
The bill further requires the DCF or the CBC to provide information and support to a caregiver of a child placed out-of-home to help that caregiver respond to and care for the child in a trauma-informed and therapeutic manner. Support and information may include but need not be limited to, consultation, coaching, training, and referral.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions take effect July 1, 2023.
Vote: Senate 39-0; House 114-2