Recent News

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05/01/24   Designated Placement Requirements for LGBTQI+ Children rule goes into effect July 1, 2024
 

This federal rule requires state agencies to ensure that placements for all children are free from harassment, mistreatment, and abuse. It requires agencies to ensure a Designated Placement is available for all children who identify as LGBTQI+ and specifies the Designated Placement requirements.The rule update To read the new rule click here LGBTQI+ Rule.

 

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05/01/24  Final LGBTQI+ Rule Issued
04/04/24  2024 Legislative Session - It's a Wrap
01/10/24  2024 Legislative Session is Underway.
05/08/23  2023 Legislative Session is a Wrap!
03/01/23  DCF takes back CPI Function from Sheriffs
01/01/23  Efficacy of Independent Living Programs
12/22/22  Homeless & Foster Youth Education
05/31/22  Transition for Youth with Disabilities
04/01/22  Federal Special Juvenile Immigrant Rules
03/17/22  Pandemic Funds NOT Taxable to Youth
01/22/22  2022 Legislative Session Preview
01/10/22  NACC Recommendations for Child Rep Issued
08/25/21  Money for Youth! Pandemic Funds Released.
05/05/21  2021 Legislative Session Wrap Up-Updated!
03/02/21  Pandemic Support for Former Foster Youth
03/02/21  2021 Legislative Session Preview
03/01/21  Federal Support for Quality Representation
10/01/20  Parent Attorney Guidelines for Practice
09/08/20  My Florida My Family, New Resource
09/08/20  Case Law Update
07/22/20  FAQ on Federal Funding for Attorneys
07/22/20  Children's Legal Representation - by State
07/01/20  2020 Legislative Summary - Updated 9/8/20
04/21/20  2020 Legislative Overview - Preliminary
04/21/20  COVID-19 Materials for Youth
04/09/20  COVID-19 Materials for Attorneys
03/31/20  Federal COVID-19 Guidance UPDATED
01/21/20  2020 Session: Bills of Interest
01/21/20  Children Who Refuse Placement Report
12/10/19  Parent Medicaid Eligibility Expanded
12/05/19  Therapeutic Services for Children -Update
08/01/19  Importance of Youth and Parent Voice
06/03/19  Multidisciplinary Parent Rep Works!
02/20/19  Unseen Cost of Foster Care - Report
02/05/19  Statewide Behavioral Health Search Tool
01/30/19  Federal Funding for Quality Counsel
11/13/18  Fostering Youth Transitions
10/08/18  DCF Memo - 2018 Legislative Changes
10/08/18  2018 Child Protection Summit Materials
06/27/18  2018 Florida Kids Count Profile
06/11/18  2018 Summary Legislative Overview
06/05/18  Final Report: Child & Parent Represention
05/05/18  Regis Little Act Best Practice Guide
05/03/18  Know Your Rights Guide (for Parents)
05/01/18  Immigrants in the Child Welfare System
05/01/18  Homeless Youth Handbook
01/07/18  Independent Living Services Report
12/07/17  Revisions to CFOP 170-14
12/07/17  Revisions to CFOP 170-11
12/01/17  Turning18.org Launched
11/01/17  November Newsletter
10/12/17  October Newsletter
09/25/17  GAL Program to Pay for Certification
09/25/17  September Newsletter
09/20/17  Students Displaced by Irma?
08/29/17  New GAL Bill
08/28/17  Lady Gaga and Mental Health
08/20/17  August Newsletter
08/20/17  Upcoming Webinars
07/13/17  Education Bill
07/01/17  July Newsletter
06/27/17  June Newsletter
06/13/17  Amended Rules on Education and Adoption
06/09/17  Youth Mental Health First Aid
05/12/17  New Child Placement Agreement
04/26/17  New DCF Procedure on Assessment of Child
04/20/17  Supreme Court Ruling on Immigrant Child
04/04/17  New Rules on Psychotropic Medication
03/23/17  FL SC Issues IAC Amend..to Juvenile Rules
03/12/17  DCF Rule Change: Suitability Assessment
01/17/17  Legal Representation for All Parties
09/13/16  Hire a Foster Youth Campaign
06/26/16  Health Care for Immigrant Children
06/26/16  New Adoption Rules Effective 7/7/16
06/26/16  SSI Pilot for Transitioning Youth
06/25/16  Federal Educational Stability Requirements
06/25/16  Out of the Shadows -LGBTQ Youth
05/18/16  M. Stoneman Douglas High School Safety Act
05/13/16  IAC Rule Comments Due June 1
05/05/16  Civil Rights for Parents with Disabilities
05/01/16  USDOE Transition Tool Kit
03/31/16  Juvenile Record Expunction Time Reduced
03/31/16  Juvenile Law Certification Info Available
03/30/16  Graduate School for Former Foster Youth
03/21/16  Protection for Trafficking Victims Enacted
01/21/16  Juvenile Rules Update January 2016
01/17/16  Federal Guidance on Right to Counsel
10/04/15  PESS & Aftercare Living Rules at Last!
08/10/15  Rights of Parents with Disabilities
07/09/15  Court Creates IAC Procedure for Parents
06/23/15  DCF / APD Fix Enacted
06/17/15  Child Protection Bill Signed
06/11/15  Gov. Signs Regis Little Act
06/11/15  Adoption & Foster Care Bill Signed
05/21/15  Juvenile Law Certification Approved
04/01/15  Register for GAL Disability Training - May
02/16/15  Parent's Representation Conference
12/18/14  GALP Addresses Adult Guardianships
12/03/14  NEW Federal Reports on Child Welfare
10/06/14  DCF / APD Fix Memos Issued
09/30/14  New Federal Law On Foster Care & Adoption
09/08/14  Independent Living Draft Rules
08/07/14  Training Curriculum for Children's Lawyers
07/03/14  Rilya Wilson Act (Early Education) Update
06/26/14  ICPC Report Details Problems
06/11/14  Child Welfare Legislative Update
06/10/14  2014-15 FAFSA Tips for Foster Youth
06/09/14  Girls Court Started in Jacksonville
06/01/14  Tools to Support LGBTQ Youth in Care
06/01/14  Keys to Independence Driver's License Help
06/01/14  Medicaid Coverage Guidance
05/30/14  Keeping IDs Safe Act- Prevent ID Theft
05/30/14  GAO: Psych Meds & Fostering Connections
05/20/14  Attorneys for Children Law Passed!
01/01/14  Medicaid Available for Former Foster Youth
01/01/14  Higher Education Access
01/01/14  Extended Foster Care Implementation
06/25/13  Foster Care Revamped
06/19/13  3d DCA Upholds Attorney Client Privilege
05/28/13  New Rules of Juvenile Procedure
05/01/13  Legislature Votes to Extend Foster Care
04/04/13  Guardian Ad Litem Report on Transportation
02/01/13  Order Establishing SIPP Procedures
01/30/13  GAO Report on Use of Title IV-B Funds.
01/28/13  Update: Quality Parenting Bill is the Law!
01/09/13  "Protect Our Kids Act"
01/02/13  Adoption Tax Credit Made Permanent
01/01/13  FL Safe Harbor Law Takes Effect 1/1/2013
01/01/13  "Uninterrupted Scholars Act" Passed
12/31/12  New GAO Report on Children's Mental Health
12/31/12  FL 2012 ILSAC Report Issued
10/31/12  New Florida Interagency Agreement
08/07/12  ABA Passes Resolution Regarding FASD
03/15/12  Report - Foster Care Licensing Standards
10/17/11  BBC Report on US Child Abuse Deaths
10/01/11  New Law on Foster Youth Identity Theft
06/16/11  USSC Holds Age Is a Factor for Miranda
09/20/10  New Report on Deaths From Child Abuse
09/14/10  Abused, Undocumented Children
08/10/10  ABA Policies on Child Abuse Proceedings
12/16/09  See GAO Report on Seclusion & Restraint
10/08/08  Runaway and Homeless Youth Act
10/07/08  New Federal Child Welfare Law
01/01/00  Unaccompanied Immigrant Children Crisis
01/01/00  NEW Policy Briefs on Foster Care Issues
01/01/00  NonRelative Caregiver Rule Proposed
01/01/00  Scholarships for Kids with Disabilities
01/01/00  SB 7078 Child Welfare Signed into Law
01/01/00  New Tools -SSI for Transitioning Youth
01/01/00  ABA Launches Family Justice Initiative
01/01/00  Child's Right to Counsel Report Card
01/01/00  Directive Issued to DCF-CLS
01/01/00  Help Youth and Others Get Income
01/01/00  2022 Legislative Wrap Up
01/01/00  2023 Legislative Session
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06/27/17   FDLC June Newsletter
 

The June 2017 newsletter covers several topics: 1) new name for our site; 2) free technology CLE credit; and 3) the new child welfare law signed by Governor Scott on June 23, 2017. To view the newsletter, click here.

06/13/17   Revisions to Rule 65C-28.018 and 65C-15.036 Effective June 15, 2017
 

Two revisions to Rule 65C have been adopted and will become effective on June 15, 2017. The first amended rule is 65C-28.018, Meeting the Child's Educational Needs. The rule now complies with the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The changes include 1) factors that must be considered prior to making a determination that remaining in the school of origin is not in the child's best interest; 2) a School Stability Checklist; and 3) documentation of the best interest determination to be provided to the child's new school. To see the amended Rule 65C-28.018, please click here. The second amended rule, Rule 65C-15.036, Intercountry Adoption Services, ensures that agencies conducting international adoptions are in good standing. Specifically, the changes 1) require any child-placing agency which conducts international adoptions and is accredited by the Department of State to remain in good standing; and 2) provide that revocation or suspension of accreditation by the Hague Convention will also be revocation of the child-placing agency license. To see this Rule, please click here.

06/09/17   Mental Health America of Northeast Florida providing Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification
 

Project AWARE and Mental Health America of Northeast Florida is providing an opportunity for individuals and organizations to receive Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification. This training is provided at no cost for individuals and organizations that work with youth in Duval County. For all others, there is a fee. This is a three year certification. If you are interested in the training please contact Jill Hill at jill@mhajax.org or 904-683-7947.

05/12/17   DCF releases a new child placement agreement effective May 12, 2017
 

The Department of Children and Families released a new Child Placement Agreement for the creation and management of care precautions and behavior management plans for children in out-of-home care, CFOP 170-11, Chapter 4. These agreements relate to children that may pose a significant threat to the safety of other children or themselves. The agreement has some minor revisions to better align with Florida Safe Families Network functionalities. The effective date is May 12, 2017. To view the agreement, please click here. Also, a webinar for the Child Placement Agreement was held on April 14, 2017. The purpose of the webinar was to provide direct support to the full CBC community as each CBC works on its strategy to implement the new operating procedure, CFOP 170-11, Chapter 4. The link to the webinar is http://centervideo.forest.usf.edu/video/center/cfopimplement/start.html.

04/26/17   DCF revised its operating procedures on assessments required for a child joining a household involved in an active investigation or ongoing services
 

On April 14, 2017, DCF released new assessments required for any child who is joining a household involved in an active investigation or ongoing services, such as a newborn, in CFOP 170-1. These new requirements include: a pre-birth assessment for a caregiver or minor in the household who is pregnant; a multidisciplinary staffing to plan for the newborn; specific instructions for CLS staffings; and information that must be gathered when a new baby is born or a child enters a household in an ongoing services case. To read the memorandum from DCF about the new operating procedure,click here. To read the new rule, click here.

04/20/17   The Florida Supreme Court ruling released today on private dependency petition
 

The Florida Supreme Court ruled today on the much anticipated case concerning the private dependency petition filed on behalf of an immigrant child and resolves a circuit split. The Court quashed the decision of the Third DCA upholding the denial of a private dependency proceeding and held that private petitions warrant "individualized consideration and adjudication rather than summary denial." The Third DCA concluded that the child was not entitled to the protections of Chapter 39 and that his petition was filed for the sole purpose of seeking an immigration status; it upheld the circuit court's ruling of dismissal. The Florida Supreme Court ruled that when a petition for dependency alleges specific fast, the circuit court must make individualized factual finds and the apply the law to the facts, regardless of the child's motivation for the dependency adjudication. The Court remanded the case for further proceedings. In a split decision 4-3 with 2 concurrences and one dissent. To read the ruling, please click here.

04/04/17   New DCF Rules on Psychotropic Medication
 

DCF amended Rule 65C-35.001-.013 regarding psychotropic medication for children in the dependency system. To see the redlined version of the rules, please click here. To see the updated Medical Report, please click here. Also, the following are the major changes: 1) Deletes the requirement that prescribers must be physicians, and requires prescribers to be practitioners licensed under Ch. 458 and 459. [Rule 65C-35.001(20)] 2) Redefines psychotropic medication covered by the rule to those with the primary intent to stabilize or improve mood, mental status, behavioral symptomatology or mental illness. It now excludes those medications prescribed for other purposes which have the effect of altering brain chemistry. [65C-35.001(21)] 3) Seeks to have knowledgeable adult accompany child to doctor?s visits by: a)Scheduling appointments at times that work for caregiver. b)Requiring the case manager or a designee to attend all medication review appointments. [65C-35.011(6)] The case designee must be specially trained and provided information about the child to share with the prescriber. [65C-35.004] 4) Requires the doctor to discuss the medication with the child and for the child to be provided a copy of the Medical Report if he or she has sufficient maturity and the intellectual capacity to understand the report 5) Adds a requirement that Children?s Legal Services file a motion for appointment of counsel if the child is not developmentally able to assent (added to the requirement of seeking appointment if the child declines to assent). [65C. 35.005(2) and (2)(b)] 6) Encourages better continuity of care when children enter care and at transitions (a.) by detailing what the child protective investigator (CPI) or case manager has to do if the child is taking medication at the time of removal but the medication is not in the original container clearly marked with a current prescription [65C-35.006 and 65C-35.011]; (b.) by specifying the importance of communication between current and former caregivers to communicate about medication monitoring and administration. [65C-35.011];(c.) by requiring the CPI or case manager to give specific information about the medication to new caregivers. 7) Specifies conditions for pre-consent review when prescription exceeds dosage parameters, child is under age 10 and prescribed 2 or more psychotropic medications [65C-35.012] 8) Adds sections discussing the Medical report [65C-35.013] and the Training required of CPIs, case managers and caregivers. [65C-35.014]

03/23/17   The Florida Supreme Court issues amendments to the Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure and Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.146
 

Today, March 23, 2017, the Florida Supreme Court handed down new rules for Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedures and Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.146. These amendments concern the procedures to be followed when a parent can bring an ineffective assistance of counsel claim for both court-appointed and privately retained counsel following termination of parental rights. For specific amendments to the rules, please click here.

03/12/17   As of March 12, 2017, DCF amended a rule in the Florida Administrative Code to add definitions and clarify procedures for obtaining a suitability assessment.
 

DCF recently amended Rules 65C-27.001-002 concerning the suitability assessment for a child in need of residential treatment. The initial suitability assessment is performed through a referral by the Department or a community-based care lead agency. Notice of the initial suitability assessment must be provided to the guardian ad litem and the child's attorney. If applicable, the GAL and AAL will have an opportunity to meet with the child and the evaluator. click here

01/17/17   The Children's Bureau of the Department of Human and Health Services recently issued a memorandum showing the importance of high quality legal representation for all parties in a child welfare proceeding
 

The Children's Bureau of the Administration of Children and Families recently published a memorandum emphasizing the need of high quality legal representation for all parties involved in child dependency cases. This memorandum provides research that high quality legal representation ensures a well-functioning child welfare system, as well as identifies best practices to promote and sustain legal representation for all parties at all stages in the child welfare proceedings. click here

09/13/16   Federal Legislation introduced to provide tax incentives to employers who hire foster youth
 

The Improved Employment for Foster Youth Act would add current and former transition aged foster youth (16-26) to the category of persons for whom employers can receive Work Opportunity Tax Credits. For more information on the Hire a Foster Youth Campaign click here.

06/26/16   "Lawfully Residing" Immigrant Children have greater access to Medicaid and subsidized health insurance
 

Applications are now being accepted for Florida KidCare coverage for immigrant children who are ?lawfully residing? in the United States. Many of these children were previously subject to a 5 year waiting period, or were otherwise precluded from obtaining Medicaid or subsidized health insurance. To read more about eligibility click here. To obtain an application online click here.

06/26/16   DCF Substantially Revised Fla. Admin. Code 65C-16 rules relating to adoptions from child welfare
 

To read the rules click here.

06/26/16   The Social Security Administration is conducting a one year pilot project nationwide to improve economic stability of foster youth.
 

The Social Security Administration is extending the time prior to age 18 that youth in foster care receiving SSI can apply for an "adult redetermination." Presently applications can be submitted 90 days prior to age 18. Under this pilot, they will be accepted up to 180 days prior to age 18. The hope is that fewer youth will experience a disruption in payment with the additional application time. To read the announcement click here.

06/25/16   Federal Government issues guidance on the foster care requirements of the Every Student Succeeds Act.
 

The U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services have issued a "Non-Regulatory Guidance: Ensuring Educational Stability for Children in Foster Care." This guidance explains how education and child welfare agencies are to work together to promote educational stability of children in state care. Of particular note is a detailed discussion of the "best interest" factors that should be considered when determining whether a child will stay in the school of origin or change schools. To read the guidance click here.

06/25/16   Out of the Shadows: Supporting LGBTQ Youth in Child Welfare Through Cross System Collaboration
 

This report highlights the research on the disparities that exist between LGBTQ foster youth and their non-LGBTQ peers, as well as the compounding effects these factors have in relation to other intersecting factors including race, ethnicity, culture and language. It also discusses successful policy strategies and state examples of efforts that are addressing system and practice obstacles. To read the report click here.

05/18/16   Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act. SB 7026- took effect March 9, 2018.
 

This law requires a 3-day waiting period for all firearm purchases (with some exceptions), raises the age to 21 for all firearm purchases, prohibits bump stocks, allows Sheriffs to establish school guardian programs if approved by the school district, amends the Baker Act to allow use of reasonable force to enter and seize firearms and ammunition of those under BA who have made a credible threat of violence, requires Courts to report the names and addresses of students committed to mental health treatment to their district school superintendent within 48 hours of commitment, and provides additional funds for mental health care in schools while promoting facilitation to access of services to students with emotional and behavioral disabilities. The law also establishes a Statewide Guardian Office and criteria for confidential information sharing with DJJ, DCF, and DOE, requires each school to have a threat assessment team and each district to have a school safety specialist, students are required to report referrals to mental health services when registering at a new school, and every school is required to perform active shooter drills. This is a summary of this new law. The full text can be read here.

05/13/16   The Florida Supreme Court is accepting comments on the proposed rules of Juvenile Procedure that provide a means for parents whose parental rights were terminated to challenge the ineffectiveness of their counsel.
 

In the J.B. vs. DCF decision issued in July 2015 Florida Supreme Court directed the creation of procedural rules for parents to challenge the ineffective assistance of counsel. The opinion can be viewed here, click here. Two versions of proposed rules were submitted to the Court for consideration. The "narrow" set of rules limit the remedy to indigent parents with court appointed counsel. The "broad" set of rules provides the remedy to all parents. Both drafts and the instructions for filing comments can be viewed here click here.

05/05/16   New tools for parents with Disabilities
 

The National Council on Disability (NCD) and the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation issued "Parenting with a Disability: Know Your Rights Toolkit" at a White House forum on the Civil Rights of Parents with Disabilities. The toolkit follows the ground break report "Rocking The Cradle, Ensuring the Rights of Parents with Disabilities and their Children." To obtain the toolkit click here. To read the Rocking the Cradle report click here.

05/01/16   The U.S. Department of Education recently published a Foster Care Transition Tool Kit
 

The U.S. Department of Education released a toolkit to "inspire and support current and former foster youth pursuing college and career opportunities. The Foster Care Transition Toolkit includes tips and resources intended to help foster youth access and navigate social, emotional, educational and skills barriers as they transition into adulthood." To obtain the tool kit click here.

03/31/16   SB 386 allows more young adults to have their juvenile records expunged at an early age.
 

Senate bill 386 lowers the age for most automatic expunctions from 24 to 21. It allows young people to move for an expunction between the ages of 18 and 21 (once they are 5 years out from the charge) and allows the request for expunction of diversion records to be made more than 12 months after the completion of the diversion program. Florida's Children First and Florida Youth SHINE's fact sheet for youth can be viewed here . memo can be viewed here, click here. . To read the bill, click here.

03/31/16   Attorneys can now review the materials on Juvenile Law Certification.
 

The Juvenile Law Certification Committee has completed its policies, exam specifications and application. Applications will be accepted from September 1, 2016 to October 31, 2016. All requirements must be met prior to October 31, 2016. The exam will be held in May of 2017. Attorneys who have practiced 20 years or more and meet other criteria may not have to take the examination Additional information on certification is on the Florida Bar Website. To read the exam specifications. click here. To read the application click here. To read the Committee policies click here.

03/30/16   Florida's public universities now recognize that the child welfare related tuition exemption covers graduate school as well as courses needed to complete undergraduate degrees.
 

Prior rule of the Board of Governors of the State University System limited the use of the tuition and fee exemption to 120 credit hours toward an undergraduate degree. Faced with litigation and potential legislation concerning the limitations of its rule, the Board of Governor's agreed to revise its rule to permit the exemption to be used for more than 120 hours and with no limitation that courses had to be undergraduate only. To read the Florida's Children First and Florida Youth SHINE fact sheet to explain the use of the exemption. click here.

03/21/16   New Law Clarifies that Children who Engage in Prostitution are Victims, Not Criminals. Strengthens Protections for Victims of Trafficking
 

House Bill 545 is latest in a series of laws intended to protect trafficking victims. This law, which goes into effect on October 1, 2016, precludes minors from being prosecuted for prostitution. It eliminates the reference to children who commit prostitution from the definition of sexual abuse of a child in Ch. 39.01. The law also addresses several other issues. To read a summary of the bill click here. To read the staff analysis) click here. To read the bill click here.

01/21/16   The Florida Supreme Court revised the rules of Juvenile Procedure concerning the appointment of counsel for dependent children with special needs.
 

The court revised the previously adopted "fast track" rule implementing Ch. 39.01305, Appointment of Counsel for Dependent Children with Special Needs. The revision specifies that the rule applies only to children for whom there is a statutory right to counsel and does not affect the court's authority to appoint counsel for any other child. It also revises the rules on and forms shelter, dependency petitions, judicial reviews to ensure that children who are entitled to counsel are identified. The court amended Rule 8.355 to clarify that motion for court authorization for psychotropic medication includes information on whether the prescribing physician has obtained the child's assent to take the medication. Finally, it removes the term "attorney ad litem" and replaces it with "attorney for the child." To read the order amending the rules click here.

01/17/16   The Children's Bureau of the US. Dept. of Health and Human Services issued federal guidance on High Quality Legal Representation for All Parties in Child Welfare Proceedings.
 

The Guidance emphasizes the importance of high quality legal representation in helping ensure a well-functioning child welfare system. It also highlights important research and identifies best practices and strategies to promote and sustain high quality legal representation for all parents, children and youth, and child welfare agencies in all stages of child welfare proceedings. To read the Guidancee click here.

10/04/15   Rules Implementing Postsecondary Education Services and Supports, Aftercare, and creating an Appeals Process went into effect on October 4, 2015.
 

On October 4, 2015 the Florida Administrative Code rules relating to Ch. 409.1451, took effect. The rules for Extended Foster Care are still pending. To view the rules on PESS, Aftercare and Appeals Rules click here.

08/10/15   Federal Agencies issue Guidance on the Applicability of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act to Child Welfare Programs.
 

This technical assistance paper from the U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services addresses the administration of child welfare programs, activities and services. It's intended to help child welfare agencies and family courts understand their obligation under Federal law to ensure that parents and prospective parents with disabilities receive equal treatment and equal access to parroting opportunities. The paper can be viewed here, click here.

07/09/15   The Florida Supreme Court held that parents have a right to effective assistance of counsel in Termination of Parental Rights proceedings. It created an interim procedure for use until rules can be developed.
 

In the case of J.B. v. D.C.F. the Florida Supreme Court addressed two questions certified to it by the First District Court of Appeals. The opinion issued on July 9th a) affirms that the right to counsel in TPR cases necessarily includes the right to effective assistance of counsel; b) rejects the Strickland and Geist standards proposed by parties to the appeal; c) creates a standard for determining ineffective assistance of counsel claims; d) creates an interim procedure for parents to employ in stating a claim for ineffectiveness; and e) creates a "Chief Justice's Select Committee" to develop permanent rules. The opinion can be viewed here, click here.

06/23/15   New appropriations language aims to fix the problems with getting children and young adults from the child welfare system on to the APD Waiver (home and community based services for persons with developmental Disabilities).
 

There are 2 basic provisions. One deals with children who can achieve permanency prior to 18 and the other addresses the 18 to 21 year olds. 1. Children who who can exit the child welfare system to permanency (reunification, adoption, permanent placement with a relative and guardianship with non relative) are not required to be placed in a family home to be eligible. 2. Young adults 18-21 who are in Extended Foster Care and need waiver services- will get Waiver Services (including residential habilitation) from APD. The CBC will be responsible for room and board, case management and related services. Medicaid service that can be provided under state plan (EPSDT) Medicaid will be paid by the Medicaid provider, not by APD. 3. It will cover young adults 18-21 who do not remain in Extended foster care. The law goes into effect on July 1, 2015. The bill can be viewed here, click here.


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