The bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes to enhance the placement options for children in situations involving domestic violence. It revises the definition of "shelter" to include certified domestic violence centers, thereby allowing these centers to be considered a priority placement option for children who cannot safely remain at home. The bill also stipulates that the Department of Children and Families (DCF) is not required to conduct a home study for placements in certified domestic violence centers, streamlining the process for placing children in these safe environments. Additionally, it allows the court to place a child and their proposed legal custodian in a certified domestic violence center under specific conditions, such as when the custodian is fleeing domestic violence.

Furthermore, the bill establishes that placement of a minor in a certified domestic violence center is considered an at-risk placement and waives preliminary home study requirements under certain circumstances. It mandates that the DCF must initiate a preliminary home study within 15 business days of placement and complete final approval within 30 days. The bill also prohibits the department from compelling a minor to return to a previously approved residence if the custodian is fleeing domestic violence and emphasizes that the court must consider the totality of circumstances when making placement decisions, rather than relying solely on prior home study approvals.

Statutes affected:
H 435 Filed: 39.01, 39.4021