NEWS
Post Session Recap by the Department of Children and Families
This summary is an overview of legislation passed by the Florida Legislature during the 2021 Regular Session that are of interest to or impact the clients and operations of the Florida Department of Children and Families (Department) Click here to view the full summary report.
Senator Lauren Book Files Licensure Suspension Bill Following Cases of Predatory South Florida Physicians
March 1, 2021 – Following the arrests of two predatory physicians in South Florida – including her own children’s pediatrician – Senator Lauren Book (D-Plantation) has filed a bill to keep Floridians safe pending legal action against these practitioners by suspending licenses after egregious charges have been filed. SB 1934 provides a pathway for the […]
Senator Lauren Book Applauds Court’s Vote To Uphold Termination Of Parental Rights Policy Which She Helped Shape
June 10, 2021 – Yesterday, the 4th District Court of Appeals upheld the constitutionality of a state law relating to the termination of parental rights shaped by Senator Lauren Book before she became a member of the Florida Legislature. The law provides a pathway to terminate the parental rights of those who have committed egregious […]
New Report Recommends States Introduce Laws to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse, Strengthen Child Safety in Schools & Youth Organizations
June 2, 2021 – Prevent Child Abuse America (PCA America) announced today the release of A Call to Action for Policymakers and Advocates: Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Legislation in the States, a new report detailing the need for executive and legislative efforts in all 50 states to prevent child sexual abuse. The 116-page report, authored […]
May is National Foster Care Month
Strengthening families and focusing on their well-being is the key to building strong communities. Whether it’s promoting a collaborative relationship between birth parents and foster caregivers or providing parents with the right combination of supportive services to enable reunification, keeping families together is the primary goal in a successful child welfare system. This May, National […]
In Final Days Of Child Abuse Prevention Month, Senate Sends Child Safety Laws To Governor’s Desk
April 28, 2021 — Two bills by Senator Lauren Book (D-Plantation) which will reform the child welfare system and correct an information gap which leaves youth-serving organizations vulnerable to adults who have sexually abused minors were passed unanimously by the Florida Senate today and will now head to the Governor’s desk for signing into law. […]
Florida Senate Passes Lauren Book Bills To Protect Children, The Elderly, And Communities
April 26, 2021 — Today the Florida Senate passed six bills by Senator Lauren Book (D- Plantation) which provide protections to children with disabilities in Florida schools, ensures trauma-informed care for sexual assault survivors, promote access to care for elderly Floridians, keep bicyclists safe on roadways, and suspend the licenses of predatory physicians pending the […]
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Governor DeSantis has proclaimed the month of April Child Abuse Prevention Month in Florida. Child Abuse Prevention Month is also a national initiative, which provides an opportunity to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect prevention. Research shows children are more likely to thrive when their families have the support they need. The Center for […]
Senate Passes Legislation To Ensure College Tuition Exemptions For Students In DCF Care
March 25, 2021 – The Florida Senate today passed Senate Bill 52, Postsecondary Education, by Senator Ray Rodrigues (R-Ft. Myers). The legislation makes a number of improvements to Florida’s postsecondary education structure, including clarifying state laws that secure tuition and fee waivers for students under the care of the Department of Children and Families (DCF), […]
Senate Unanimously Passes Key Child Welfare Legislation
March 18, 2021 – The Florida Senate today unanimously passed Senate Bill 80, Child Welfare, by Senator Jason Brodeur (R-Sanford). The legislation increases protections and consistency for children in out-of-home care. “All too often people with the best of intentions get so caught up in finding the perfect situation for a child that we pass […]