15th Judicial Circuit Dependency Judicial Review

Description

Per Florida Statute 39.701, Senior Judges and/or General Magistrates supported by the Court staff are assigned to juvenile Court to address complex issues and assist the court in statutory-mandated judicial reviews, with the goal of attaining permanency in dependency cases. In Compliance with Statutory and DCF Mandates and requirements, expeditious methods of completing detailed orders have been developed and implemented. As a result, children and families have the opportunity to progress swiftly through the dependency system.

Services Provided

To maintain a centralized system, the Judicial Review program provides:

• A Senior Judge/General Magistrate to immediately address issues that arise from the Judicial Review
• Scheduling of Hearings
• Development of Orders which comply with Statutory and DCF Mandates and requirements
• Distribution of signed orders
• Review of files for legal compliance

Cost of Services

None.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Judicial Review?
The court shall review the status of a child under its jurisdiction in Dependency cases at least every 6 months until the child reaches permanency status (adopted or permanently placed).

Are all cases in Juvenile Court required to have a Judicial Review?
Only Dependency cases.

Who attends the Judicial Review?
This may vary depending on the status of the case. Always in attendance is the attorney for the Department of Children and Families, DCF or contractual staff. In certain cases the parents, their attorneys, a Guardian ad Litem volunteer, a Guardian ad Litem Attorney, the child(ren), counselors and various others related to the case.

How often are Judicial Reviews held?
Judicial reviews are required by law to be held every six months.

Does the parent have to attend Judicial Review?
That depends on the case status. If the parents rights have been terminated, no. Also, in some circumstances the parent is excused from attending

Do children attend these hearings?
Again, that depends case status, age of the child, and other variables.