65C-28.024. Placement Transitions

(1) A placement transition multidisciplinary team (MDT) staffing must be held when there are changes in physical custody after a child is placed in out-of-home care. This rule applies to transitions when there are changes in physical custody after a child is placed in out-of-home care.

(a) This rule does not apply to transitions for children transitioning to adulthood. The requirements specific to transitioning to adulthood can be found in Rule 65C-28.009, F.A.C., of this chapter.

(b) This rule does not apply to transitions for children due to an adoption intervention. The requirements specific to adoption interventions can be found in Rule 65C-16.009, F.A.C.

(2) Placement Transition MDT Staffing and Transition Plan.

(a) The placement transition MDT staffing shall adhere to all requirements identified in subsection 65C-30.023(2), F.A.C.

(b) The MDT facilitator or child welfare professional must invite, at a minimum, participants set forth in Sections 39.4023(3)(d) and 39.4022(4)(a), F.S., to the placement transition MDT staffing.

(c) All parties shall comply with the standards pursuant to Section 409.1415(2), F.S.

(d) When the child that is the subject of the placement transition is an infant and/or under school age, additional factors must be addressed in the transition plan pursuant to Section 39.4023(3)(e), F.S.

(e) The facilitator shall ensure the following is discussed during the placement transition MDT:

1. Maintaining and updating of the child resource record as defined in Rule 65C-30.001, F.A.C.; 

2. Caregiver roles and responsibilities pursuant to the parenting partnership agreement as defined in Section 409.1415, F.S.

3. Requirement of a Behavior Management Plan as defined in Rule 65C-30.001, F.A.C. The facilitator or child welfare professional shall ensure the plan is attached to the Placement Transition Plan, form CF-FSP 5466, (November 2022), incorporated by reference and available at http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-14958.

4. Services for the child and supports for the out-of-home caregiver when a disability is determined and a need for services is identified.

(f) If the child is suspected or identified as needing medical foster care, the child welfare professional or other designated staff shall refer the child to the local Children’s Multidisciplinary Assessment Team (CMAT) Staffing within five (5) business days.  

(g) If the CMAT Staffing determines the child is eligible for medical foster care services, the child welfare professional or other designated staff shall coordinate with the Medical Foster Care program in the local area regarding arrangements necessary to meet the child’s needs.

1. If the child is suspected of having a developmental delay or condition and an eligible determination for services has not been made, the child welfare professional responsible for the case shall ensure that a referral for an assessment is completed within five (5) business days.

2. If the child is suspected of having a mental health need and an eligible determination for services has not been made, the child welfare professional responsible for the case shall ensure a referral for an assessment is completed within five (5) business days. A child shall not be referred for a clinical assessment for the purpose of being placed in a clinical setting when not necessary.

3. The preferred out-of-home placement for a child with a communicable disease who is exhibiting symptoms is with a relative, non-relative, or licensed out-of-home caregiver(s) specifically trained for such purpose.

a. The Department or contracted provider shall obtain either parental consent or a court order to allow medical treatment or testing when necessary for infants suspected or known to have communicable diseases.

b. When a child with a communicable disease and is asymptomatic but exhibiting behaviors likely to increase the risk of transmission, the child shall be placed in a home with a properly trained caregiver to ensure the safety of other household members.

4. Services shall be coordinated and provided in accordance with the Medical Foster Care Statewide Operational Plan, April 2014, incorporated by reference and available at http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-14960.

(h) The Child Welfare Professional is required to develop an individualized placement transition plan using the Placement Transition Plan, form CF-FSP 5466, incorporated in this rule.

(3) Documentation.

(a) Parental notification of any placement changes shall be documented in the state’s child welfare information system unless the court previously excused the Department from further efforts to locate the parent. If the parent(s) is unable to be located, efforts to locate and notify the parent shall be documented in the state’s child welfare information system.

(b) The Placement Transition MDT Staffing and the Placement Transition Plan shall be documented in the meeting module of the state’s child welfare information system within 2 business days of the staffing.

(4) Within 1 business day, the child welfare professional, facilitator, or department designee will provide written notice to Children Legal Services (CLS) and provide a copy of the Placement Transition Plan, form 5466. The notice shall indicate when the child has a new placement and the reason for the placement change, and when there is a non-consensus with a Placement Transition MDT staffing the notice shall be provided pursuant to 65C-30.023.

Rulemaking Authority 39.012, 39.4022(11), 39.4023(7), 409.1415(4) FS. Law Implemented 39.4022, 39.4023, 409.1415 FS. History‒New 12-25-22.