27F-1.001: Purpose and Scope
27F-1.002: Child Abuse and Prevention and Permanency Advisory Council
27F-1.003: Explore Adoption
27F-1.004: Direct Support Organization
27F-1.005: Fiscal Agent
27F-1.006: Children and Youth Cabinet
27F-1.007: Cooperative Planning Teams
27F-1.009: Other Office Initiatives
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect is to adopt rules for the Office of Adoption and Child Protection as required by Section 39.001, Florida Statutes.
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: The purpose and effect is to adopt rules for the Office of Adoption and Child Protection as required by Section 39.001, Florida Statutes.
SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 39.001(11) FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 39.001, 39.0011 FS.
IF REQUESTED IN WRITING AND NOT DEEMED UNNECESSARY BY THE AGENCY HEAD, A RULE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:
TIME AND DATE:
PLACE:
Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this workshop/meeting is asked to advise the agency at least 24 hours before the workshop/meeting by contacting: Simonne Lawrence, (850)488-3494 or simonne.lawrence@eog.myflorida.com. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800)955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800)955-8770 (Voice).
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT, IF AVAILABLE, IS: Simonne Lawrence, Assistant General Counsel, Executive Office of the Governor, The Capitol, Tallahassee, Florida, (850)488-3494 or simonne.lawrence@eog.myflorida.com
THE PRELIMINARY TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT IS:
27F-1.001 Purpose and Scope.
The purpose of the office is to prevent child abuse, abandonment and neglect, promote adoption and support adoptive families. The Office will be responsible for developing and launching an adoption public awareness campaign, developing and monitoring a state plan for adoption promotion, support of adoptive families, and the prevention of abuse, abandonment and neglect, and launching and supporting the Children and Youth Cabinet.
Rulemaking Authority 39.001(11) FS. Law Implemented 39.001, 39.0011 FS. History–New________.
27F-1.002 Child Abuse and Prevention and Permanency Advisory Council.
(1) The council shall serve as a research arm for the Governor’s Office of Adoption and Child Protection.
(2) The council shall assist in the development of a plan of action for better coordination and integration of the goals, activities and funding pertaining to the promotion of adoption and support of adoptive families and the prevention of child abuse, abandonment, and neglect in order to maximize staff and resources at the state level.
(3) The council shall assist in providing a basic format to be utilized by the districts in the preparation of local plans of action in order to provide for uniformity in the district plans and to provide for greater ease in compiling information for the state plan.
(4) The council shall provide the districts with technical assistance in the development of local plans of action, if requested.
(5) The council shall assist in the examination of the local plans to determine if all the requirements of the local plans have been met and, if they have not, informing the districts of the deficiencies and requesting the additional information needed.
(6) The council shall assist in preparation of the state plan for submission to the Legislature and the Governor.
Rulemaking Authority 39.001(11) FS. Law Implemented 39.001, 39.0011 FS. History–New________.
27F-1.003 Explore Florida.
Explore Florida is a marketing campaign aimed at promoting the benefits of public adoption and urging families to consider creating or expanding their families by adopting a child who is older, has significant special needs, or is part of a sibling group.
(1) The critical elements or components for a successful local initiative:
Use state provided supports when developing circuit marketing strategy.
Implement an intake survey questionnaire to measure inquires as a result of Explore Adoption.
Develop media and vendor relationships to promote and produce materials as needed.
Secure positive earned media coverage with tracking mechanism.
Expand existing and establish new Explore Adoption Partnerships at the local level.
Customizable templates of all print materials (includes brochures, flyers, posters, window clings, lapel pins).
30-minute TV special featuring three real Florida families – in any needed format.
Five PSAs – in any needed format
Radio Spots – in any needed format
Marketing Kits
Bill Board design
Print ad design
Web banner design
Established partnerships contact information
Demographic Analysis – where to focus marketing efforts
Survey Results – how to communicate message
Web site with all materials, family stories, Child of the Month, FAQs, general adoption information, resources
(2) Funding. The Direct support organization of the Governor’s Office of Adoption and Child Protection will be tasked with raising funds for the purposes of continuing the statewide public awareness campaign to promote public adoption.
Rulemaking Authority 39.001(11) FS. Law Implemented 39.001, 39.0011 FS. History–New________.
27F-1.004 Direct Support Organization.
(1) “The Trust for Florida’s Children, Inc” is the Direct Support Organization for the Office.
(2) The Direct Support Organization will assist the state in carrying out its purposes and responsibilities regarding the prevention of child abuse, abandonment, and neglect; the promotion of adoption; and the support of adoptive families by raising money from private foundations, and individuals; submitting requests for and receiving grants from the Federal Government, the state or its political subdivisions, and making expenditures to or for the benefit of the Governor’s Office of Adoption and Child Protection.
(3) Board of Directors shall be composed of individuals residing in The State of Florida, and others outside of the state with consent of the Board of Directors. The number of members on the Board of Directors shall be no less than seven (7) and no more than thirteen (13) directors. Membership on the Board of Directors of the direct-support organization shall include, but not be limited to, a guardian ad litem; a member of a local advocacy council; a representative from a community-based care lead agency; a representative from a private or public organization or program with recognized expertise in working with child abuse prevention programs for children and families; a representative of a private or public organization or program with recognized expertise in working with children who are sexually abused, physically abused, emotionally abused, abandoned, or neglected and with expertise in working with the families of such children; an individual working at a state adoption agency; and the parent of a child adopted from within the child welfare system.
(4) Each member of the Board of Directors should have demonstrated an active interest in the principles, objectives, concepts, and goals of the Corporation. Further, membership of the Board of Directors should incorporate representation of skills, knowledge, and/or background, in the areas of community service, local state government, grants and other funding mechanisms, the general community, and other areas as deemed appropriate. No person shall be denied membership on the Board of Directors by reason of race, creed, national origin, age, disability, color, marital status, sex or religion.
(5) The Board of Directors is required to meet at least two (2) times a year. One of these meetings shall be held concurrent with the annual meeting of the Board of Directors. Additional meetings may be called by majority vote of the Board of Directors, or by the Chair. Notice of meetings shall be made by mail or email to each Director, with an agenda prepared by the President in conjunction with the Chair, at least seven (7) days prior to the date of the meeting. Business for inclusion in the agenda may be submitted to the President by a Board member any time prior to the seven (7) day period.
Rulemaking Authority 39.001(11) FS. Law Implemented 39.001, 39.0011 FS. History–New________.
27F-1.005 Fiscal Agent.
The Fiscal Agent for the Office of Adoption and Child Protection is Volunteer Florida, Inc.
Rulemaking Authority 39.001(11) FS. Law Implemented 39.001, 39.0011 FS. History–New________.
27F-1.006 Children and Youth Cabinet.
The Cabinet shall ensure that the public policy of Florida relating to children and youth promotes interdepartmental collaboration and program implementation in order for services designed for children and youth to be planned, managed and delivered in a holistic and integrated manner to improve the self-sufficiency, safety, economic stability, health and quality of life of all children and youth in Florida.
Rulemaking Authority 39.001(11) FS. Law Implemented 39.001, 39.0011 FS. History–New________.
27F-1.007 Cooperative Planning Teams.
(1) The Florida Statutes provide for workgroups of the Advisory Council to focus on cooperative planning efforts at the state level. Consequently, the Governor’s Office of Adoption and Child Protection established two planning teams: The Education Cooperative Planning Team and the Law Enforcement Planning Team.
(2) The Governor’s Office of Adoption and Child Protection continued efforts to convene and support local planning teams in each of the twenty (20) circuits around the state. These circuits are aligned with the judicial and the Department of Children and Families circuits. The representation on these local planning teams is consistent with the make-up of the statewide advisory council.
(3) Conference calls were held monthly with the conveners of the local planning teams, the Governor’s Office of Adoption and Child Protection staff, and the Department of Children and Families staff members to address questions and provide information that would assist with the planning process. Copies of the current state and local plans are also available on the Website at: http://www.flgov.com/child_abuse_prevention.
Rulemaking Authority 39.001(11) FS. Law Implemented 39.001, 39.0011 FS. History–New________.
27F-1.009 Other Office Initiatives.
(1) Family Strengthening is the approach used to identify and promote protective factors that may serve as buggers for families that would otherwise be at risk for abuse and neglect. Protective factors help families become familiar with alternate resources, supports, and coping strategies that will allow them to parent more effectively under stress. Through this initiative, strategies of early child care and education programs would effectively build protective factors known to prevent child abuse and neglect. The Family Strengthening Initiative is the intentional incorporation of the Five Protective Factors to prevent child maltreatment. Five Protective Factors are:
(a) Nurturing and Attachment – A child’s ability to interact positively with others, to self-regulate, and to effectively communicate his or her emotions has a great impact on the parent-child relationship. A child’s social and emotional development is highly dependent on the quality of a young child’s primary relationships. How caregivers respond to children’s emotional expression profoundly influences how they learn to process, understand, and cope with such feelings as anger, happiness, and sadness. Promoting positive behavior and responses in children could strengthen parent-child relationships.
(b) Knowledge of Parenting and of Child and Youth Development – Extensive research links healthy child development to effective parenting. Children thrive when parents provide not only affection, but also respectful communication and listening, consistent rules and expectations, and safe opportunities that promote independence. Successful parenting fosters psychological adjustment, helps children succeed in school, encourages curiosity about the world, and motivates children to achieve.
(c) Parental Resilience – Parents who can cope with the stresses of everyday life, as well an occasional crisis, have resilience; they have the flexibility and inner strength necessary to bounce back when things are not going well. Multiple life stressors, such as a family history of abuse or neglect, health problems, marital conflict, or domestic or community violence and financial stressors such as unemployment, poverty, and homelessness may reduce a parent’s capacity to cope effectively with the typical day-to-day stresses of raising children.
(d) Social Connections – Parents with a social network of emotionally supportive friends, family, and neighbors often find that it is easier to care for their children and themselves. Most parents need people they can call on once in a while when they need a sympathetic listener, advice, or concrete support. Research has shown that parents, who are isolated, with few social connections, are at higher risk for child abuse and neglect.
(e) Concrete Supports for Parents – Partnering with parents to identify and access resources in the community may help prevent the stress that sometimes precipitates child maltreatment. Providing concrete supports may also help prevent the unintended neglect that sometimes occurs when parents are unable to provide for their children.
(2) Heart Galleries. Heart galleries will work with local professional photographers to help find homes for specific children by creating compelling personal portraits that capture each child’s unique personality and interests. These portraits are displayed in areas where families most likely to adopt will have a chance to view them. Attached to the portraits are brochures containing brief information on that child with contact information for inquiries. In addition to the portrait exhibit, each heart gallery provides a Web site with general information on special needs adoption and a photo listing of children in the area who are legally free for adoption. These same portraits can be used on the state of Florida Adoption Exchange and the Explore Adoption Web site. There are 15 heart galleries operating in the following areas:
(a) Brevard County
(b) Broward County
(c) Gainesville
(d) Jacksonville
(e) Miami
(f) Orlando- Metro area
(g) Palm Beach County
(h) Pensacola – Art of Adoption
(i) Pinellas and Pasco Counties
(j) Sarasota County
(k) Southwest Florida (Collier, Lee, Hendry, Glades and Charlotte).
(l) Tampa
(m) The Gulf Coast
(n) North Florida (Big Bend Region)
(o) Volusia County
(3) Healthy Families Florida is an evidence-based, voluntary home visiting program that prevents child abuse and neglect in high-risk families before child abuse occurs. It provides quality services that are intensive, comprehensive, long-term, flexible and culturally appropriate. Healthy Families Florida uses a paraprofessional/professional home visitation model. It initiates services during pregnancy or soon after the birth of a baby. Highly trained family support workers provide frequent, intensive services to families in their homes for up to five years with intensity decreasing over time according to the needs of the family and their progress toward increasing protective factors and establishing a stable and nurturing home environment. Services follow a detailed curriculum that uses a strength-based approach to introduce topics that promote positive parent-child relationships, including basic care, cues and compassion, social and emotional development, play and stimulation, and brain development. In addition, family support workers teach problem solving skills, conduct screening for developmental delays, provide social support, connect parents and children to a medical provider and make referrals to other family support services as needed. This collaboration with community partners such as Healthy Start, domestic violence shelters, child care centers, community-based care agencies and others links families to the services they need beyond home visiting without duplication of effort. By increasing the knowledge and skills of new parents, Healthy Families Florida empowers parents to accept personal responsibility for their future and the future of their families.
(4) Positive Parenting Program. Triple P® has been given the highest evidence-based rating by the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare and the SAMHSA National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP). The Triple P®program targets parents and other caregivers of children from birth through age 18. Documented outcomes of the Triple P®program include child safety and child/family well-being. Triple P®is a multi-level system of parenting and family support. It aims to prevent severe behavioral, emotional, and developmental problems in children by enhancing the knowledge, skills, and confidence of parents. It can be provided individually, in a group, or in a self-directed format. It incorporates five levels of intervention on a tiered continuum of increasing strength for parents of children and adolescents from birth to age 18. The multi-disciplinary nature of the program allows utilization of the existing professional workforce in the task of promoting competent parenting. The program targets five different developmental periods from infancy to adolescence. Within each developmental period, the reach of the intervention can vary from being very broad (targeting an entire population) to quite narrow (targeting only high-risk children). Triple P® enables practitioners to determine the scope of the intervention given their own service delivery system, priorities and funding.
(5) The Whole Child Philosophy is grounded in the notion that communities must address all six dimensions of children’s well-being to raise healthy children. They are: physical and mental health, quality early education and development, social-emotional development, spiritual foundation and strength, safe and nurturing environment, and economic stability. Whole Child is not another program, but a philosophy that uses strategic planning, Web-based technology, performance measurement and broad-based community engagement to build communities where everyone works together to make sure children thrive.
(6) Faith-Based Initiative for Prevention and Permanency will provide family and community supports that would build the five protective factors identified in the Family Strengthening Initiative, promote public adoption in Florida’s faith communities, empower faith communities to support adoptive families within their congregation and/or community at large using the five protective factors.
Rulemaking Authority 39.001(11) FS. Law Implemented 39.001, 39.0011 FS. History–New________.