The Florida Senate

415.5017  Family services response system; procedures.--

(1)  Upon receiving a report alleging child abuse or neglect, district staff shall when possible use a family services response system approach to assist the family in addressing the family problem.

(2)  District staff, at a minimum, shall adhere to the following procedures when requesting family assistance:

(a)  The purpose of the response shall be explained.

(b)  The name of the person responding and their office telephone number shall be provided to the caregiver.

(c)  The possible outcomes and services of the department's response shall be explained to the caregiver.

(d)  The caregiver shall be involved to the fullest extent possible in determining the nature of the allegation and the nature of any identified problem.

(e)  An assessment of risk and the perceived needs for the child and family shall be conducted in a manner that is sensitive to the social, economic, and cultural environment of the family.

(f)  Based on the information obtained from the caregiver, the risk assessment instrument must be completed within 48 hours and, if needed, a case plan developed within a maximum of 30 days.

(g)  The department shall document the outcome of its initial assessment of risk as follows:

1.  Report closed. Services were not offered to the family.

2.  Services were offered to and accepted by the family.

3.  Services were offered to, but were rejected by, the family.

4.  Either the risk to the child's safety and well-being cannot be reduced by the provision of services or the family rejected services, and a protective investigation under part IV is needed.

(3)  The department shall designate a case manager and develop a family services plan for families that have accepted services.

(4)  Services to the child and caregivers under this section shall be voluntary and of a limited duration.

(5)  At any time, as a result of additional information, findings of facts, or changing conditions, the department may pursue a child protective investigation as provided in part IV.

(6)  The department shall establish procedures for determining whether a false report of child abuse or neglect has been made and for submitting all identifying information relating to such report to the state attorney pursuant to s. 415.513.

History.--s. 3, ch. 93-25; s. 20, ch. 95-228.