(1) The child-caring agency shall have a written policy on discharge planning and aftercare services which shall specify the availability of services and identify the staff member or agency responsible for follow-up and implementation of the plan.

Terms Used In Florida Regulations 65C-46.013

  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
    (2) A child may only be discharged to the parent, guardian or child-placing agency, unless the child-caring agency is otherwise directed by the court.
    (3) The child-caring agency shall prepare a written discharge summary and document this in the child’s case record at least 45 calendar days prior to the projected date of release from the facility, unless the release is unplanned and unforeseen. A copy of the discharge summary shall be provided to the parent or guardian or referral agency at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the proposed release date, unless the release is unplanned and unforeseen.
    (4) Discharge planning shall include input from the child, the child’s parent or guardian, foster parents, caregiver, Department, child’s attorney, and guardian ad litem, and a copy shall be provided to the child’s welfare professional.
    (5) The discharge summary shall include the following:
    (a) A copy of the discharge plan;
    (b) A summary of services, an assessment of goal achievement, and identification of the needs which remain to be met;
    (c) Recommendations for the child and family following release from care, including provisions for support and referrals;
    (d) The date and reasons for release, the name, address, telephone number and relationship of the person or agency to whom the child is being discharged; and
    (e) A copy of the child’s medical, dental, educational and other records for the use of the person or agency who will assume care of the child.
    (6) A copy of the discharge summary shall be provided to the parent(s) or legal guardian, child’s attorney, and guardian ad litem.
    (7) The child-caring agency shall have procedures for adequate follow-up or aftercare services. Aftercare plans shall, at minimum, reflect recommendations for services, where appropriate, and document any referrals generated, and include at least one (1) documented contact with the discharged child or his or her family within the first 30 days following discharge. Documentation shall be placed in the child’s file and made available to the Department or child welfare professional upon request.
    (8) The child-caring agency shall consider evidenced-based prevention services as a component of aftercare, based on service availability.
Rulemaking Authority Florida Statutes § 409.175(5). Law Implemented 409.175(5)(b)9. FS. History-New 7-1-87, Formerly 10M-9.049, Amended 10-20-16, 5-26-21, Formerly 64C-14.048.