The bill CS/CS/HB 1405 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 emphasizes the need for both judicial and nonjudicial procedures to address status offenses like truancy and runaway behavior, introducing provisions for early truancy intervention, the appointment of counsel for parents and guardians, and the requirement for state departments to provide information on juvenile procedures online. The bill also mandates that parents utilize available health care insurance and outlines conditions for placing children in temporary shelters. Significant deletions include repealing sections related to attorney fees and sheltering unmarried minors, while the bill emphasizes preserving family ties and providing voluntary family services.

Additionally, the bill modifies definitions and procedures related to child welfare, clarifying the roles of parents, legal guardians, and custodians in the juvenile justice process. It introduces new terms such as "voluntary family services" and "early truancy intervention," and establishes a framework for addressing truancy and ungovernable behavior. The legislation aims to enhance legal protections for children, ensuring they have access to preventive services and representation during court proceedings. It also outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Children and Families in providing necessary services and emphasizes the importance of parental involvement in addressing truancy. Overall, the bill aims to create a more supportive and rehabilitative environment for children, focusing on prevention and intervention rather than punitive measures.

Statutes affected:
H 1405 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, 985.632, 409.2564, 95.11, 419.001, 744.309, 784.075, 985.618
H 1405 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, 985.632, 409.2564, 95.11, 419.001, 744.309, 784.075, 985.618
H 1405 c2: 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, 985.24, 1003.26, 985.12, 985.126, 985.25, 985.433, 985.632, 95.11, 409.2564, 419.001, 744.309, 784.075, 985.618