(1) At any stage in a dependency proceeding, any party may request the court to refer the parties to mediation in accordance with chapter 44 and rules and procedures developed by the Supreme Court.
(2) A court may refer the parties to mediation. When such services are available, the court must determine whether it is in the best interests of the child to refer the parties to mediation.
(3) The department shall advise the parties that they are responsible for contributing to the cost of the dependency mediation.
(4) This section applies only to courts in counties in which dependency mediation programs have been established and does not require the establishment of such programs in any county.
History.—s. 7, ch. 94-164; s. 60, ch. 98-403; s. 58, ch. 2003-402.
Note.—Former s. 39.4033.
Structure Florida Statutes
Chapter 39 - Proceedings Relating to Children
Part IV - Taking Children Into Custody and Shelter Hearings (Ss. 39.395-39.4092)
39.395 - Detaining a child; medical or hospital personnel.
39.402 - Placement in a shelter.
39.4021 - Priority placement for out-of-home placements.
39.4022 - Multidisciplinary teams; staffings; assessments; report.
39.40225 - Contracts for development of model placement transition plans.
39.4023 - Placement and education transitions; transition plans.
39.4024 - Placement of siblings; visitation; continuing contact.
39.4075 - Referral of a dependency case to mediation.
39.4085 - Goals for dependent children; responsibilities; education.
39.4087 - Department goals and requirements relating to caregivers; dispute resolution.