Services to families.
F.S. 984.11
in effect(1)
The department or its authorized agent shall provide an array of voluntary family services aimed at remediating school truancy, homelessness, and runaway and ungovernable behavior by children. Services to families in need of services shall be by voluntary agreement of the parent, legal guardian, or custodian and the child.
(2)
A family is not eligible to receive voluntary family services if, at the time of the referral, the child is under court-ordered supervision by the department for delinquency under chapter 985 or court-ordered supervision by the Department of Children and Families under chapter 39. A child who has received a prearrest delinquency citation, or is receiving delinquency diversion services, may receive voluntary family services.
(3)
If there is a pending investigation into an allegation of abuse, neglect, or abandonment, the child may be eligible for voluntary family services if the Department of Children and Families agrees to the provision of services and makes a referral. An interagency agreement between the department and the Department of Children and Families shall govern this referral process, which is contingent on available funding. The department must notify the Department of Children and Families if a referral is declined.
(4)
These services may include, but need not be limited to:
(a)
Parent aide services.
(b)
Intensive crisis counseling.
(c)
Parent training.
(d)
Individual, group, or family counseling.
(e)
Referral to community mental health services.
(f)
Prevention and diversion services.
(g)
Services provided by voluntary or community agencies.
(h)
Runaway center services.
(i)
Runaway shelter services.
(j)
Referral for special educational, tutorial, or remedial services.
(k)
Referral to vocational, career development, or employment services.
(l)
Recreational services.
(m)
Assessment.
(n)
Case management.
(o)
Referral for or provision of substance abuse assessment or treatment.
(5)
The department shall advise the parents, legal guardian, or custodian that they are responsible for contributing to the cost of the services to the extent of their ability to pay. The parent is responsible for using health care insurance to the extent it is available for the provision of health services.
Source: FL Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/Chapter984/AllFetched: 7/8/2026