FL S0792

Establishes a comprehensive Bill of Rights for children and young adults in out-of-home care, specifying rights to safe housing, freedom from abuse, medical/mental health services, family contact, education, financial management, and legal representation.

Requires case managers and agency staff to provide verbal and written instructions to children entering out-of-home care explaining their rights and how to report abuse or neglect, with reviews every 6 months and upon each placement change.

Creates an autonomous children's ombudsman position within the Department of Children and Families to investigate complaints from children in care, resolve issues informally, and ensure protection from retribution.

Requires the ombudsman to develop standardized, age-appropriate information about children's rights by January 1, 2023, and to collect and post data on complaints and investigations to the department's website.

Authorizes and encourages district school boards to establish educational programs for students ages 5-18 about identifying and reporting abuse, abandonment, or neglect and their effects.

Effective date: October 1, 2022.