Thoughtful transitions are critical for the child’s best interests and foster parent retention.

409.145 (2)(c) Transitions

1. Once a caregiver accepts the responsibility of caring for a child, the child will be removed from the home of that caregiver only if:
   
   • The caregiver is clearly unable to safely or legally care for the child;
   • The child and his or her biological family are reunified;
   • The child is being placed in a legally permanent home pursuant to the case plan or a court order; or
   • The removal is demonstrably in the child's best interest
2. In the absence of an emergency, if a child leaves the caregiver’s home for a reason provided under subparagraph 1., the transition must be accomplished according to a plan that involves cooperation and sharing of information among all persons involved, respects the child’s developmental stage and psychological needs, ensures the child has all of his or her belongings, allows for a gradual transition from the caregiver’s home and, if possible, for continued contact with the caregiver after the child leaves.

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Reports and Memos

• CLS PowerPoint from the 2016 Florida Conference (March 2016)
• CLS Transition Considerations
• Guidelines on Moving Infants and Young Children (10/1/2010)
• Transition Planning for Children in Out of Home Care (April 2013)
• Transitioning Children in Care: A Review of Practices Around the State (December 2010)

Forms, Templates, and Resources

• Florida Children’s Legal Services Managing Attorneys Contact Information
• Permanency Staffing: Caregiver Input Form
• Sample Court Order with Transition Language
• Transition Plan
• Transition Information Sheet
• Transition Planning Checklist / OurKids FL
• Transition Planning Resources

Transition out of Care Resources

• Transition Planning Training
• Transitions

Panel / Informational Videos

• Child Centered Transitions
• Just in Time Webshow: "The One About Transitions & the Work at Children's Legal Services"
• When Children Move...We Can Do Better

In-Depth Training Videos

• Caregiver Engagement in Court: Listening, Sharing & Acting
• Child-Centered Transition Plans
• QPI Florida Mini Conference: Transitions for Children
• Supporting Children and Families During Transitions
• Techniques for a More Effective Transition