63.167 State adoption information center. - Florida Statutes

63.167 State adoption information center.

   (1) The department shall establish a state adoption information center for the purpose of increasing public knowledge about adoption and promoting to adolescents and pregnant women the availability of adoption services. The department shall contract with one or more licensed child-placing agencies to operate the state adoption information center.

   (2) The functions of the state adoption information center shall include:

   (a) Providing a training program for persons who counsel adolescents, including, but not limited to, school counselors, county child welfare services employees, and family planning clinic employees.

   (b) Recruiting adoption services specialist trainees, and providing a training program for such specialists.

   (c) Operating a toll-free telephone number to provide information and referral services.

   (d) Distributing pamphlets which provide information on the availability of adoption services.

   (e) Promoting adoption through the communications media.

   (f) Maintaining a list of licensed child-placing agencies eligible and willing to take custody of and place newborn infants left at a hospital, pursuant to s. 383.50. The names and contact information for the licensed child-placing agencies on the list shall be provided on a rotating basis to the statewide central abuse hotline.

   (3) The department shall ensure equitable distribution of referrals to licensed child-placing agencies, and may promulgate rules as necessary for the establishment and operation of the state adoption information center.

History. s. 62, ch. 90-306; s. 4, ch. 2000-188; s. 31, ch. 2003-58.