65C-28.019. Normalcy

(1) Caregiver decision-making.

(a) Supervising agency approval is not required for decisions made by the out-of-home caregiver regarding a child’s participation in childhood activities. Childhood activities include attending or participating in:

1. Extracurricular clubs;

2. School and community sports;

3. Youth group activities;

4. Service organizations;

5. Birthday parties and sleep-overs;

6. Outings with peers;

7. Driver’s education;

8. Vacations with the out-of-home caregiver’s family or other families;

9. School or camp field trips; and,

10. Summer and school break camps.

(b) Community-based care lead agencies shall provide training to all foster parents and contracted agencies to ensure normalcy for all children in care, pursuant to Sections 39.4091 and 409.145, F.S.

(2) To ensure quality parenting, out-of-home caregivers shall:

(a) Timely complete all required in-service training;

(b) Mentor and coach birth parents, when available;

(c) Facilitate visits between the child and his or her family, as required;

(d) Refrain from making disparaging remarks to the child about his or her family;

(e) Participate in school parent-teacher conferences;

(f) Ensure the child attends all scheduled health care appointments, including medical and behavioral health;

(g) Deliver age-appropriate life skills training to children ages 13 and older;

(h) As part of progress updates, share information with the supervising agency and Department about the child’s progress, family’s progress, if known, and visitation; and,

(i) Be supportive of transitions, including reunification, another adoptive placement, or any other changes in placement.

Rulemaking Authority 39.012, 39.4091(4), 409.145(5) FS. Law Implemented 39.4091, 409.145 FS. History–New 5-8-16.