The bill amends sections of Florida Statutes related to the care of dependent children, specifically focusing on the coordination between the Department of Children and Families and community-based care lead agencies. It mandates that these entities meet quarterly with organizations that empower children with lived experience to discuss challenges and opportunities within the child welfare system. Each meeting must have a formal agenda, and the minutes must be made available on their respective websites. Additionally, starting in 2027, both the department and community-based care lead agencies are required to publish biannual reports on their websites detailing how they have implemented suggestions from these meetings.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a provision requiring caregivers to provide a weekly cash allowance to children in their care, starting at age six. This allowance is not to be withheld as punishment and is intended to promote financial literacy and independence among children. The specified amounts are $1 per week for children aged 6 to 12 and $20 per week for those aged 13 to 17. The bill emphasizes that children should not be expected to use their allowance for necessities that are the responsibility of the caregiver. The Department of Children and Families is authorized to adopt rules to implement these changes, with the act set to take effect on July 1, 2026.