Florida's Child Welfare System
When you combine complex subjects like child development, psychology, addiction, domestic violence, poverty, public opinion, and the natural instincts of parenting with the host of laws, rules, and procedures designed to protect two basic rights that are in conflict (the right of children to be safe and healthy and the right of parents to their children) the results are bound to be complicated and, at times, confusing.
The purpose of this chart is to help the average person understand this system. It simplifies things for the purpose of making
the basics clear. As such it is generally accurate for every case but specifically accurate for none. It is important to note
that some important pieces of the system are left out at this level - Child Legal Services and Guardian Ad Litem for example
- to clarify the basic process. This is child welfare for novices. A good place to start learning.
Read more...
Flowchart and statistics about the program...
