This bill amends Florida Statutes to revise the definitions of "harm" and "neglect" as they pertain to child welfare. Specifically, it updates the definition of harm in section 39.01 to include a more detailed list of physical, mental, or emotional injuries that can occur to a child, emphasizing the factors that must be considered when evaluating such injuries. The bill also clarifies that neglect does not include a caregiver allowing a child to engage in independent and unsupervised activities unless such conduct is deemed reckless and endangers the child's health or safety.

Additionally, the bill modifies the definition of neglect in section 827.03 to specify that it involves a caregiver's willful failure to provide necessary care and supervision for a child's well-being. It reiterates that neglect does not encompass allowing a child to partake in independent activities unless it poses a risk to their safety. The bill also reenacts definitions related to child abuse and neglect in other sections to ensure consistency with the amendments made to section 39.01. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1286 Filed: 827.03