FL S0878

Requires caseworkers and volunteers to photograph children during visitations and immediately submit photographs and reports to all case parties, the court, and foster parents, subject to equipment availability.

Excludes unmarried biological fathers from the Relative Caregiver Program and kinship care considerations, and limits diligent search for unmarried biological fathers to 60 days when the mother files an affidavit within 30 days of child entering care.

Reorders permanency goals to prioritize adoption first, followed by reunification, and requires permanency hearings to be scheduled so children achieve permanency within 12 months of removal.

Establishes financial penalties for counties by reducing permanency program funding based on the percentage of children who fail to achieve permanency within 12 months; counties must report quarterly on children entering care and achieving permanency goals.

Prohibits removal of children from licensed foster parents or court-ordered custodians who have applied to adopt, except in cases of imminent abuse/neglect, and limits visitation for such children unless preexisting arrangements exist.