Fl. R. Juv. P. form 8.966

As amended through November 4, 2024

Form 8.966 - ADJUDICATION ORDER - DEPENDENCY

ORDER OF ADJUDICATION

THIS CAUSE came before this court on .....(date)....., under chapter 39, Florida Statutes, for adjudication of the Petition for Dependency filed by .....(petitioner's name)....... Present before the court were:

..........(Name)....., Petitioner

..........(Name)....., Attorney for the petitioner

..........(Name)....., Attorney for the department

..........(Name)....., Department caseworker

..........(Name)....., Mother

..........(Name)....., Attorney for mother

..........(Name)....., Father of .....(child).....

..........(Name)....., Attorney for father

..........(Name)....., Guardian ad litem

..........(Name)....., Attorney for guardian ad litem

..... .....(Name)....., Legal custodian

..........(Name)....., Attorney for legal custodian

..... .....(Name(s))....., Minor child(ren)

..........(Name)....., Attorney ad litem for minor child(ren)

..... .....(Name)....., Other .....................

COMMENT: The name of the guardian ad litem and the attorney ad litem, if appointed, must be listed on the order, even if he or she was not present at the hearing.

The court having heard testimony and argument and being otherwise fully advised in the premises finds:

1. That the minor child(ren) who is/are the subject matter of these proceedings, is/are dependent within the meaning and intent of chapter 39, Florida Statutes, and is/are (a) resident(s) of the State of Florida.

2. The mother, .....(name).....:

..... was ..... was not noticed of this hearing;

..... did not appear, and the court:

..... entered a Consent for failure to appear after proper notice.

..... did not enter a Consent for failure to appear after proper notice.

..... appeared with counsel;

..... appeared without counsel and:

..... was ..... was not advised of her right to legal counsel,

..... knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily ..... waived ..... did not waive her right to legal counsel and

..... was ..... was not determined to qualify as indigent and .....was .....was not appointed an attorney.

3. The father, .....(name).....:

..... was ..... was not noticed of this hearing;

..... did not appear, and the court:

..... entered a Consent for failure to appear after proper notice.

..... did not enter a Consent for failure to appear after proper notice.

..... appeared with counsel;

..... appeared without counsel and:

..... was ..... was not advised of her right to legal counsel,

..... knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily ..... waived ..... did not waive her right to legal counsel and

..... was ..... was not determined to qualify as indigent and .....was .....was not appointed an attorney.

4..... That the child(ren) is/are dependent within the meaning and intent of chapter 39, Florida Statutes, in that the mother, ....(name)....., abused, neglected, or abandoned the minor child(ren) by ................................. These facts were proven by ..... preponderance of the evidence ...... clear and convincing evidence.

5..... That the child(ren) is/are dependent within the meaning and intent of chapter 39, Florida Statutes, in that the father, .....(name)....., abused, neglected, or abandoned the minor child(ren) by ...............................These facts were proven by ..... preponderance of the evidence ...... clear and convincing evidence.

COMMENT: Use 6, 7, and 8 only if the child is in out-of-home placement.

6. That the Court finds that it is in the best interest of the child(ren) to remain in out-of-home care.

7. That every reasonable effort was made to eliminate the need for placement of the child(ren) in out-of-home care but the present circumstances of the child(ren) and the ..... mother ..... father are such that out-of-home care is the only way to ensure the health, safety, and well being of the child(ren), in that

8. That the child(ren)'s placement in .....(type of placement)..... is in a setting which is as family like and as close to the home as possible, consistent with the child(ren)'s best interests and special needs.

9. That returning the minor child(ren) to the custody of .....(person who had previous legal custody)..... would be contrary to the best interest and welfare of the minor child(ren).

10. The Court informed any parents present that the parent or parents shall provide the court and all parties with identification and location information for such relatives.

THEREFORE, based upon the foregoing findings, it is ORDERED AND ADJUDGED that:

1. The minor child(ren), ......(name(s))....., is/are adjudicated dependent.

2. The child(ren) shall remain in the care and custody of

..... the department in shelter care

..... other .....(name).....

pending disposition.

3. The parents shall provide to the Court and all parties identification and location information regarding potential relative placements.

4.THE COURT ADVISED THE PARENTS:

A. TO TAKE ACTION TO COMPLY WITH THE CASE PLAN SO PERMANENCY WITH THE CHILD MAY OCCUR WITHIN THE SHORTEST PERIOD OF TIME POSSIBLE, BUT NO LATER THAN 1 YEAR AFTER REMOVAL OR ADJUDICATION OF THE CHILD.

B. TO STAY IN CONTACT WITH THEIR ATTORNEY AND THEIR CASE MANAGER AND PROVIDE UPDATED CONTACT INFORMATION IF THE PARENTS' PHONE NUMBER, ADDRESS, OR E-MAIL ADDRESS CHANGES.

C. TO NOTIFY THE PARTIES AND THE COURT OF BARRIERS TO COMPLETING CASE PLAN TASKS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME AFTER DISCOVERING SUCH BARRIERS.

D. THAT IF THE PARENTS FAIL TO SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLY WITH THE CASE PLAN THEIR PARENTAL RIGHTS MAY BE TERMINATED AND THE CHILD(REN)'S OUT-OF-HOME PLACEMENT MAY BECOME PERMANENT.

5. This court shall retain jurisdiction over this cause to enter any such further orders that may be deemed necessary for the best interest and welfare of the minor child(ren).

6. All prior orders not inconsistent with the present order shall remain in full force and effect.

7. Disposition is scheduled for .....(date)....., at ...... a.m./p.m.

DONE AND ORDERED on .....date.....at .....(city)....., Florida.

_________________________

Circuit Judge

NOTICE OF HEARING

The Juvenile Court hereby gives notice of hearing in the above styled cause on .....(date).....at .....a.m./p.m., before .....(judge)....., at .....(location)....., or as soon thereafter as counsel can be heard.

COMMENT: The following paragraph must be in bold, 14 pt. Times New Roman or Courier font.

If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact .....(name, address, and telephone number)..... at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days. If you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.

PLEASE BE GOVERNED ACCORDINGLY.

Copies furnished to:

Fl. R. Juv. P. form 8.966

Amended effective 7/1/2023; amended by 286 So. 3d 82, effective 11/27/2019; amended by 115 So.3d 286, effective 7/1/2013; amended by 951 So.2d 804, effective 2/8/2007; amended by 939 So.2d 74, effective 1/1/2007; amended by 783 So.2d 138, effective 1/1/2001; amended by 725 So.2d 296, effective 10/1/1998; amended by 684 So.2d 756, effective 1/1/1997; added by 589 So.2d 818, effective 7/1/1991.