FL S0496

Requires courts to review necessity of guardianship and restoration proceedings at permanency hearings when young adults in state care reach 22 years of age if appointed a guardian under chapter 744 or a guardian advocate under section 393.12.

Mandates updated case plans for children 17 and older who may qualify for guardianship be developed through face-to-face conferences including the child, child's attorney, guardian ad litem, temporary custodian, and parent (if rights not terminated).

Requires the Department of Children and Families to complete multidisciplinary reports and identify potential guardians or guardian advocates when court finds good faith basis that child qualifies for such appointment and no less restrictive assistance will meet needs.

Establishes that guardianship proceedings for minors ages 17.5 and older who are subjects of dependency cases must be conducted separately in the appropriate guardianship court division with full due process rights, with orders issued on or after the minor's 18th birthday.

Allows parents to continue acting as natural guardians of children in dependency proceedings unless the court finds it is not in the child's best interests or parental rights have been terminated.