FL H1007

Amends section 39.523, Florida Statutes, to establish requirements for trauma screening and assessment of children removed from their homes and placed in out-of-home care.

Requires the Department of Children and Families or community-based care lead agencies to conduct a trauma screening as soon as practicable after a child's removal, but no later than 21 days after the shelter hearing.

Mandates referral to appropriate trauma assessment (to be completed within 30 days) and trauma-related services and intervention if indicated by the screening, with integration into the child's behavioral health treatment planning when possible.

Requires provision of information and support to caregivers, including consultation, coaching, training, and service referrals, to help them respond to and care for the child in a trauma-informed and therapeutic manner.

Effective date is July 1, 2023.