The State of Florida puts great focus on the wellbeing of children, which is why there are state laws and procedures in place that serve the purpose of protecting them. One of these is the process of dependency, where children are temporarily taken by the state in order to remove them from dangerous environments.

Dependency in the State of Florida can come into play in many different situations, such as:

• Abusive households, i.e. physical, mental, or sexual abuse between parents and children
• Parents with mental issues that require counseling or medication
• Parents not protecting their children or putting them in a dangerous environment

When the Department of Children and Families (DCF) is called to report any of the above situations that call for dependency, they temporarily take the children and put them in a safe environment. One or both parents may be charged with a dependency hearing where the court will investigate the case and determine if the parents can foster a safe environment for their children. 

The process can take 3 to 12 months and can sometimes even last years, depending on the complexities of the case. The court takes child safety matters very seriously and will undertake every investigation needed to determine if the child’s wellbeing can be met by the parents. 

Parents have different courses of action in dependency hearings, depending on their priorities. If they want to get their children back, the best thing to do is to speak to an attorney experienced in dependency. A lawyer can help them navigate the hearing, and most importantly, protect their rights and ensure that they are allowed due process. 

Parents also have the option to give up their children to the state, if they know that they won’t be able to provide a safe environment for their child, can’t be their parent legally, or are physically or mentally incapable of taking care of them. This is done by terminating their parental rights. They can also engage their relatives or trusted friends to see if anyone wants to adopt their children. 

Regardless of the parents’ decision, dependency is a sensitive and complex area of law that they need guidance on. Speaking to an experienced attorney can give them good counsel and create a strategy that will benefit both the parents and the children.