FloridaFAPA wants to make its members aware that there has been a public records request for all foster parent names and their county of residence. The request was made by a reputable newspaper under Florida’s broad public records laws (Florida Statute Chapter 119).
We are working with the Department of Children and Families, the Office of the Governor and Florida Coalition for Children to ensure that the scope of the disclosure by the state is limited to only what is required under current law.
- Most foster parent records — including address information — is protected from disclosure by DCF under FS Ch. 409.175
- At this time it appears that the requested county information will not be disclosed
- Foster parent names are not protected records and will likely have to be disclosed
- DCF will be contacting all foster parents soon with additional information
FloridaFAPA strongly believes that foster parents records deserve strong protection — to shield Florida’s most vulnerable children and the foster parents that care for them. Therefore, FloridaFAPA and our partners intend to work with the legislature to ensure increased protection in the future.
We are here to protect and support foster and adoptive parents throughout the state and this is just one of the items we will be taking on this year. Thank you for all that you do!
