FL H0557

Creates state standards for supervised visitation and exchange monitoring programs based on standards from a prior legislative report, with modifications allowed only annually by an advisory board and published on the Clearinghouse on Supervised Visitation website.

Requires each supervised visitation program to annually affirm in writing to the court that it complies with state standards, and prohibits programs from receiving state funding after January 1, 2013 unless they have affirmed compliance.

Establishes referral priorities for courts and child-placing agencies, requiring referrals to programs that have affirmed compliance with state standards when available, with alternative options including mental health professionals or agency staff if no compliant program exists.

Mandates security background checks for all supervised visitation program employees and volunteers, including criminal history records checks, with all persons hired or certified after October 1, 2012 required to undergo state and national criminal history checks.

Provides civil and criminal immunity to persons providing supervised visitation services through compliant programs who affirm in writing that they abide by state standards.