The bill amends section 39.5085 of the Florida Statutes to enhance the Relative Caregiver Program by allowing relatives and nonrelatives who have a child placed in out-of-home care to begin receiving monthly payments immediately upon placement, rather than waiting for a court to determine dependency. Specifically, the bill removes the requirement that a child must be found dependent before payments can start, thereby streamlining financial support for caregivers. It also establishes a timeline for payments, ensuring that those who do not obtain a child-specific level I foster license within one month of placement will still receive payments until they achieve licensure or the child reaches permanency.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the payment structure for caregivers, specifying that the monthly payment amount for those who have not obtained a license will be determined by department rule and will be less than the amount provided to participants in the Guardianship Assistance Program. The changes aim to provide timely financial assistance to caregivers, thereby supporting the stability and well-being of children in out-of-home care. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1046 Filed: 39.5085