CS/CS/HB 363 - Summary

• Creates section 409.1761, Florida Statutes, establishing a framework for qualified nonprofit organizations to provide temporary respite care for children not in the child welfare system through volunteer respite families.

• Requires qualified nonprofit organizations to conduct background screenings under section 409.175 and chapter 435 for employees and volunteer family members (age 12+), with persons ages 12-18 screened for delinquency records only.

• Mandates written contracts for care between parents and volunteer respite families, limited to 6 months with one possible 6-month extension, requiring signatures from parents, volunteer family members (18+), organization representatives, and two witnesses.

• Specifies contract requirements including child identification, services provided, disciplinary procedures, educational and medical needs, contact frequency expectations, and confirmation that the volunteer respite family meets screening requirements.

• Prohibits children removed from parents due to abuse or neglect from accessing this program and clarifies that respite care placement does not constitute abandonment, abuse, or neglect unless additional evidence exists.

• Takes effect July 1, 2017.