FL H0153

Requires the central abuse hotline to electronically transfer reports of child abuse by non-caregivers to the appropriate county sheriff's office or local law enforcement agency

Mandates reporting to the central abuse hotline when a child is born to a parent who has another child in DCF custody or under protective supervision, triggering an immediate onsite investigation

Creates a rebuttable presumption that newborns of parents with other children in DCF custody are in immediate danger of abuse, abandonment, or neglect; parents may rebut by showing successful participation in court-ordered services

Prohibits DCF from returning a child to parental custody until a guardian ad litem is appointed, a full protective investigation is completed and presented at shelter hearing, and the court determines by preponderance of evidence the child will have a safe home

Effective date: July 1, 2026