The bill seeks to reform Florida's juvenile justice system by renaming Chapter 984 to "Children and Families in Need of Services; Prevention and Intervention for School Truancy and Ungovernable and Runaway Children." It introduces various amendments aimed at enhancing prevention and intervention strategies, particularly concerning school truancy and ungovernable behavior. Key provisions include the establishment of nonjudicial procedures for addressing status offenses, early truancy intervention requirements, and a court process for school boards to address truancy issues. The bill emphasizes the importance of family ties, voluntary family services, and the necessity of exhausting less restrictive alternatives before placing a child in temporary shelter. Additionally, it mandates the appointment of counsel for parents and guardians in certain situations and clarifies the confidentiality of records.

Further amendments focus on the definitions and responsibilities related to juvenile justice and child welfare, including the introduction of terms like "physically secure shelter" and "voluntary family services." The bill also modifies the jurisdictional framework for circuit courts regarding truancy and child welfare cases, allowing for a 180-day retention of jurisdiction for truant children. It emphasizes the need for tailored educational and recreational opportunities, access to preventive services, and the responsibilities of parents in supporting their children. The legislation aims to provide a more supportive and rehabilitative approach to juvenile justice, ensuring that children's rights and due process are upheld while addressing issues of truancy and delinquent behavior through supportive measures rather than punitive actions.

Statutes affected:
S 1344 Filed: 984.01, 984.02, 984.03, 984.04, 984.07, 984.071, 984.09, 984.10, 984.11, 984.12, 984.13, 984.14, 984.15, 984.151, 984.17, 984.18, 984.19, 984.20, 984.21, 984.22, 984.225, 984.226, 985.03, 985.24, 1003.26, 790.22, 985.12, 985.126, 985.25, 985.433, 985.625, 985.632, 409.2564, 419.001, 744.309, 784.075, 985.618
S 1344 c1: 984.01, 984.02, 984.03, 984.04, 984.07, 984.071, 984.09, 984.10, 984.11, 984.12, 984.13, 984.14, 984.15, 984.151, 984.17, 984.18, 984.19, 984.20, 984.21, 984.22, 984.225, 984.226, 985.03, 985.24, 1003.26, 790.22, 985.12, 985.126, 985.25, 985.433, 985.625, 985.632, 95.11, 409.2564, 419.001, 744.309, 784.075, 985.618