FL S0724

Renames Department of Children and Family Services to Department of Children and Families and reorganizes service delivery into geographic "circuits" aligned with judicial circuit boundaries instead of 15 service districts

Creates comprehensive requirements for prescribing psychotropic medications to children in out-of-home care, including mandatory guardian ad litem appointment, express informed consent, psychiatric evaluation, and court authorization before administration

Establishes community alliances and partnerships in each circuit to provide focal points for community participation in governance of community-based services with specified membership and duties

Requires child welfare professionals to demonstrate core competency and maintain active child welfare certification recognized by the department or third-party credentialing entities

Mandates comprehensive behavioral health assessments for all children placed in out-of-home care within 7 days of placement and incorporates mental health treatment plans into case plans