FL S1258

Requires foster caregivers to undergo level 2 background screening and drug testing before child placement and annually thereafter; ineligibility or positive drug test results allow child removal from home.

Mandates caregivers accompany children to annual private interviews with child protective investigators; signs of abuse or neglect detected during interviews permit child removal.

Requires caseworkers to conduct monthly unannounced visits to foster homes, limits caseloads to 15 cases per month, and mandates school safety verification for each assigned child.

Establishes suspension without pay for 1 week for caseworkers who fail to initiate full investigations within 5 working days of abuse/neglect reports, with possible demotion or termination for subsequent violations.

Creates oversight structure requiring regional managing directors to monitor circuit compliance with amended foster care provisions and authorizes state foster care program manager to issue warnings and conduct evaluations for non-compliant circuits.