FL S0996

Requires the Department of Children and Families and community-based care lead agencies to coordinate with organizations focused on empowering children with lived experience in the child welfare system, meeting at least quarterly to address challenges and opportunities

Mandates that meeting agendas and minutes be posted on agency websites, with biannual reports due February 1 and August 1 (beginning 2027) detailing how suggestions from these organizations have been implemented

Establishes mandatory weekly cash allowances for foster children starting at age 6: $1 per year of age for children ages 6-12 (e.g., $6/week for a 6-year-old), and $20/week for children ages 13-17

Prohibits caregivers from withholding allowances as punishment or tying them to behavior or chores, and children cannot be required to use allowances for necessities like hygiene items, school supplies, or clothing

Encourages caregivers to offer additional earning opportunities through chores and to help children obtain employment if desired