63C-2.001. Nonjudicial Procedures for Families Needing Services

(1) Intake. Nonjudicial procedures described in this rule section are initiated upon a self-referral from a child as defined by Section 984.03(6), F.S., or from a family as defined by Section 984.03(14), F.S., or from a referral source outside the family. When a child or family seeks help or upon referral from a source outside the family, the following procedures shall govern: (a) An intake coordinator shall conduct a screening promptly to determine if the child and family are eligible for services pursuant to Sections 984.03(15), and 984.10, F.S. Information must be gathered from all available family members and the referral source as appropriate or relevant to the identified concerns and the current needs of the child. (b) If the family meets the definition of a “Family in need of Services” pursuant to Section 984.03(15), F.S., the referral shall be accepted. (c) If the family is not eligible for services, the family shall be notified and the family shall be referred to other community resources to assist the family. (d) If the referral has been made pursuant to Section 984.151, F.S., or if the referral has been made by the Department of Children and Families pursuant to Section 984.11, F.S., the referral source will be notified promptly if the child is not eligible for services. (2) Services. The department with its contracted provider(s) will offer voluntary family services by department-approved provider(s) within each judicial circuit. The family must be referred to other community resources for services if the contracted provider within the judicial circuit of family residency does not have immediate availability to provide appropriate services. The services provided must be designed to preserve the unity and integrity of the family, while emphasizing parental responsibility. (a) Where available, services may include, but are not limited to, crisis counseling, parent training, individual, group, or family counseling, community mental health services, substance abuse treatment services, access to short-term voluntary shelter for the youth, and other services listed in Section 984.11, F.S., and as available in the community based on the identified needs of the child and family. If a department-approved provider does not offer services needed by the family, the contracted provider(s) will refer the family to a provider within the community or a state or federal agency able to provide the services needed. (b) The parent, guardian or custodian must consent to receive voluntary family services. (c) If the parent, guardian or custodian declines voluntary family services, refuses to consent to the child and family receiving services, or withdraws a previously signed authorization consenting to services, the voluntary family services must be terminated. (d) If a referral has been made pursuant to Section 984.151, F.S., or a referral has been made by the Department of Children and Families pursuant to Section 984.11, F.S., the referral source will be notified promptly if the family declines, revokes consent or withdraws from voluntary family services within 30 days of the referral. (3) Case Staffing Committee. The department or the department’s contracted provider(s) will be responsible for coordination of case staffing committee meetings and inviting committee members and other attendees to the meetings. Case staffing committee meetings will be held in accord with Section 984.12, F.S. (a) A case staffing committee meeting will convene in compliance with following time frames: 1. Within 45 days of a request for committee review by a designated representative of the department, another member of the committee, or a designated school representative as set forth in Sections 984.12 and 1003.27, F.S.; 2. Within 7 days, excluding weekends and legal holidays, from the date the department’s representative receives a written request from a parent, legal guardian or custodian, to convene a case staffing committee meeting; or, 3. Within 30 days after the case is referred to the case staffing committee by the court pursuant to Section 984.151, F.S. (b) The case staffing committee will comply with the following: 1. Assure the committee is composed of a representative from the child’s school district and a representative of the department; 2. Assure the child, and parent, legal guardian, or custodian have been invited to attend the case staffing committee meeting; 3. Assure the department’s assigned attorney has been invited to the meeting; 4. Assure invitations to attend the meeting have been provided to individuals recommended by the child or parent, legal guardian or custodian, as well as to other individuals listed in Section 984.12, F.S., if requested by the committee; 5. Assure the case staffing committee meeting is held at a time and place convenient for the family and committee members; 6. Assure reasonable accommodations are provided for the family and other attendees to appear at the committee meeting either telephonically or via an internet platform; 7. Assure compliance with the requirements of Section 984.12, F.S., of the items to be considered by the committee, and establish a plan for services; and, 8. The committee will document the plan for services in writing, including whether filing a petition for a child in need of services is recommended. The plan for services will be provided to the parent, legal guardian or custodian of the child within 7 days after the meeting.