Fla. R. Juv. P. 8.340

As amended through March 26, 2024
Rule 8.340 - DISPOSITION HEARINGS
(a)Information Available to Court. At the disposition hearing, the court, after establishing compliance with the dispositional considerations, determinations, and discussions required by law, may receive any relevant and material evidence helpful in determining the proper disposition to be made. It must include written reports required by law, and may include, but is not limited to, any psychiatric or psychological evaluations of the child or his or her parent, caregiver, or legal custodian that may be obtained and that are relevant and material. Such evidence may be received by the court and may be relied upon to the extent of its probative value, even though not competent in an adjudicatory hearing.
(b)Disclosure to Parties. All parties are entitled to disclosure of all information in all reports submitted to the court.
(c)Orders of Disposition. The court shall in its written order of disposition include:
(1) the placement or custody of the child;
(2) special conditions of placement and visitation;
(3) evaluation, counseling, treatment activities, and other actions to be taken by the parties, if ordered;
(4) persons or entities responsible for supervising or monitoring services to the child and parent;
(5) continuation or discharge of the guardian ad litem, as appropriate;
(6) date, time, and location and communication technology information to be used to facilitate remote attendance at the next scheduled review hearing, as required by law;
(7) child support payments, if the child is in an out-ofhome placement;
(8) if the child is placed in foster care, the reasons why the child was not placed in the legal custody of an adult relative, legal custodian, or other adult approved by the court and a further determination as to whether diligent efforts were made by the department to locate an adult relative, legal custodian, or other adult willing to care for the child instead of placement with the department;
(9) such other requirements to protect the health, safety, and well-being of the child, to preserve the stability of the child's child care, early education program, or any other educational placement, and to promote family preservation or reunification whenever possible; and
(10) approval of the case plan and any reports required by law as filed with the court. If the court does not approve the case plan at the disposition hearing, the court must set a hearing within 30 days after the disposition hearing to review and approve the case plan.

FL. R. Juv. P. 8.340

Amended effective 7/1/2023; amended by 47 Fla. L. Weekly S188, effective 10/1/2022; amended effective 7/19/2018; amended by 115 So.3d 286, effective 7/1/2013; amended by 783 So.2d 138, effective 1/1/2001; amended by 725 So.2d 296, effective 10/1/1998; amended by 608 So.2d 478, effective 1/1/1993; amended by 589 So.2d 818, effective 7/1/1991; added by 549 So.2d 663, effective 10/1/1989; deleted by 462 So.2d 399, effective 1/1/1985; amended by 393 So.2d 1077, effective 1/1/1981.

Committee Notes

1992 Amendment. Dismissal of a petition is not appropriate after adjudication.