FL H0279

Establishes a third-party credentialing entity system to develop and administer professional child welfare certifications, replacing the previous state-run training academy model.

Requires third-party credentialing entities to meet nationally recognized standards, maintain ethics codes, public databases, and administer annual continuing education for certificateholders.

Defines core competencies and preservice curricula that the Department of Children and Family Services must approve, developed collaboratively with child welfare professionals, credentialing entities, and service providers.

Allows community-based care agencies, sheriffs' offices, and the department to contract for training delivery if it meets department-approved core competencies, with credentialing entities having 12 months to grant reciprocity to currently certified personnel.

Revises the Child Welfare Training Trust Fund to focus on professional development and removes previous provisions establishing state-operated training academies and trainer qualification standards.