FL S0380

Requires the Department of Children and Family Services to approve one or more third-party credentialing entities to develop and administer professional child welfare certification programs for persons providing child welfare services.

Defines "child welfare certification," "core competencies," "preservice curriculum," and "third-party credentialing entity" and establishes criteria credentialing entities must meet including professional standards, code of ethics, public database maintenance, and annual continuing education requirements.

Authorizes community-based care agencies, sheriffs' offices, and the department to contract for delivery of preservice and additional training as long as curriculum satisfies department-approved core competencies.

Grants reciprocity for at least 12 months following implementation, allowing individuals with current department-issued child welfare certification to receive third-party certification at no cost.

Revises the Child Welfare Training Trust Fund to support professional development rather than maintaining state-operated training academies, and eliminates provisions relating to certification trainer qualifications and training academy establishment.