Case Title: Petition of Fla. Bar, Rules of Juv. Proc.

Citation: 462 So. 2d 399

Docket Number: 65103

State: florida

Court: Florida Supreme Court

Date: 1984-12-28T00:00:00Z

Document:
462 So. 2d 399 (1984)
PETITION OF THE FLORIDA BAR TO AMEND the FLORIDA RULES OF JUVENILE PROCEDURE.
No. 65103.

Supreme Court of Florida.
December 28, 1984.
John F. Harkness, Jr., Executive Director, The Florida Bar, Tallahassee, and Arthur C. Johnston, Jr., Chairman, Juvenile Rules Committee, Jacksonville, petitioner.
Bennett H. Brummer, Public Defender, and Steven D. Levine, Asst. Public Defender, Miami, on behalf of the Florida Public Defender Association, Inc. and the Public Defender of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, interested party.
David Cerf, Miami, on behalf of the Dade County Guardian ad Litem Program, interested party.
PER CURIAM.
This proceeding is before the Court upon the petition of The Florida Bar for a general revision of the Florida Rules of Juvenile *400 Procedure. The proposal for a general revision is made pursuant to Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.130(c). We have jurisdiction. Art. V,  15, Fla. Const.
The Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure are hereby amended to read as set forth below. The revision as proposed and as hereby adopted divides the Rules of Juvenile Procedure into two parts, with Part I governing delinquency proceedings and Part II governing dependency proceedings. Part I is based upon the former rules with additions indicated by underscoring and deletions indicated by struck-through type. Although Part II is to some extent also based upon the former rules, we consider all of Part II to be new material and we set it forth in ordinary type.
The notes of the Florida Bar Committee on Rules of Juvenile Procedure, where provided, are set forth following the rules to which they pertain. The Committee Notes are provided for the guidance of the reader but are not necessarily definitive and are not a part of the rules as adopted by this Court.
The following revised Rules of Juvenile Procedure will take effect on January 1, 1985.
It is so ordered.
BOYD, C.J., and ADKINS, OVERTON, ALDERMAN, McDONALD, EHRLICH and SHAW, JJ., concur.
These rules shall govern the procedures in the Circuit Court in the exercise of its jurisdiction under the Florida Juvenile Justice Act.
They are intended to provide a just, speedy, and efficient determination of the procedures covered by them and shall be construed to secure simplicity in procedure and fairness in administration.
They shall be known as the Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure, and may be cited as Fla.R.Juv.P.
When appropriate the use of singular nouns and pronouns shall be construed to include the plural and the use of plural nouns and pronouns shall be construed to include the singular. The use of male pronouns shall be construed in the universal sense of both male and female.
If a verified petition has been filed, or if, prior to the filing of a petition, an affidavit or sworn testimony is filed with presented to the court, either of which alleges facts which under existing law are sufficient to authorize that a child be taken into custody, the court may issue an order to a person, authorized to do so, directing that the child be taken into custody. The order shall:
(a) Be in writing;
(b) Specify the name and address of the child or, if unknown, designate him by any name or description by which he can be identified with reasonable certainty;
(c) Specify the age and sex of the child; if his age is unknown, that he is believed to be of an age subject to the jurisdiction of the circuit court as a juvenile case;
(d) State the reasons why the child is being taken into custody;
(e) Order that the child be brought immediately before the court or be taken to a place of detention designated by the court to be detained pending a detention hearing;
(f) State the date when issued, and the county and court where issued;
(g) Be signed by the judge with the title of his office.
(a) Time Limitation. No child taken into custody shall be detained, as a result of the incident for which he is taken into custody, longer than twenty-four hours, excluding Sundays and legal holidays, unless a detention order so directing is made by the judge *401 upon a petition therefor and following a hearing.
(a) (b) Petition. The detention petition shall:
(b) (c) Order. The detention order shall:
(a) When required. No detention order provided for in Rule 8.040 shall be entered without a hearing at which all parties shall have an opportunity to be heard on the necessity for the child's being held in detention or shelter care, unless the court finds that the parent or custodian cannot be located, that the child is so young that to have him appear before the court would be of no value, or that the child's mental or physical condition is such that a court appearance is not in his best interest.
(b) Time. The detention hearing shall be within twenty-four (24) hours after the child is taken into custody excluding Sundays and legal holidays.
(c) Place. The detention hearing may be held in the county where the incident occurred, where the child is taken into custody, or where the child is detained.
(d) Notice. The intake officer shall make a diligent effort to notify the parent or custodian of the child of the time and place of the hearing. The notice may be by the most expeditious method available. Failure of notice to parents or custodians or their nonattendance at the hearing shall not invalidate the proceeding or the order of detention.
(e) Advice of Rights. At the detention hearing the persons present shall be advised of the purpose of the hearing and
(f) Issues. At this hearing the court shall determine the following:
The court may transfer any case after adjudication, when adjudication is withheld, or when a plan under Rule 8.130(a)(3) has been accepted, to the circuit court for the county of the circuit in which is located the domicile or usual residence of the child or such other circuit court as the judge may determine to be for the best interest of the child. The transferring court shall enter an order transferring its jurisdiction and certifying the case to the proper court, furnishing the clerk and the state attorney of the receiving court within five (5) days a certified copy of the order of transfer and of all previous orders entered by the court in the interest of that child.
(b) Required disclosure in dependency cases.
(f) Entitlement to Depositions in Delinquency Cases. In delinquency cases, the child shall be entitled to have any statement of the deponent in the possession of the petitioner if he would be so entitled at an adjudicatory hearing. If the movant be the petitioner and the child be in detention, or if the place of deposition be outside the county where the petition is filed, the agency having the child in detention or responsible for the filing of the petition shall be notified of the time and place and shall produce the child at the examination and keep him in the presence of the witness during the examination.
(g) Rules governing depositions, Except as otherwise provided, the rules governing the taking and filing of oral depositions and objections thereto, the issuing, execution, and return of commissions, and the opening of depositions, under the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, shall apply in cases covered by these rules.
(h) (f) Nontestimonial Discovery. After the filing of the petition, upon application, and subject to constitutional limitations, the court may with directions as to time, place, and method, and upon conditions which are just, require:
(i) (g) Limitations on Discovery. Upon a showing of good cause, the court may, by order, alter the time for compliance with any discovery rule, or restrict or defer any disclosure and may permit any such showing in camera, provided that all material and information to which a party is entitled be disclosed to him in time to make beneficial use thereof.
(j) (h) Supplemental Discovery. If, subsequent to compliance with these rules, a party discovers additional witnesses, evidence, or material which he would have been under a duty to disclose or produce at the time of such previous compliance, he shall promptly disclose or produce such witnesses, evidence, or material in the same *407 manner as required under these rules for initial discovery.
(k) (i) Sanctions.
(a) After a petition has been served the state attorney may demand in writing that the child, if he intends to offer an alibi in his defense, shall provide the state attorney with the details of the alibi as to the time and place where the child claims to have been at the time of the alleged offense and the names and addresses of such witnesses as may appear to testify thereon. The child shall comply as above not less than ten (10) days before the trial date.
(b) The state attorney shall, within five (5) days of the receipt thereof, provide the child with a list of such witnesses as he chooses to call, to rebut the alibi testimony.
(c) Should the child fail or refuse to comply with the provisions hereof, the court may in its discretion exclude testimony of alibi witnesses other than that of the child himself, or, should the state attorney fail to comply herewith, the court may in its discretion exclude rebuttal testimony offered by the state.
(d) For good cause shown, the court may waive the requirements of this rule.
All pleadings and orders shall be styled:
"In the interest of _______, a child," or: "In the interest of ________, children."
All proceedings shall be initiated by the filing of a petition by a person authorized by law to do so. A uniform traffic complaint may be considered a petition, but shall not be subject to the requirements of Rule 8.110.
(b) Verification. The petition shall be signed by the state attorney, assistant state attorney, or other petitioner, stating under oath his good faith in filing the petition. No objection to a petition on the grounds that it was not signed or verified, as herein provided, shall be entertained after a plea to the merits.
(c) Amendments. At any time prior to the adjudicatory hearing an amended petition may be filed or the petition may be amended on motion. Amendments shall be freely permitted in the interest of justice and the welfare of the child. A continuance may be granted upon motion and a showing that the amendment prejudices or materially affects any party.
(d) Defects and Variances. No petition or any count thereof shall be dismissed, or any judgment vacated, on account of any defect in the form of the petition or of misjoinder of offenses or for any cause whatsoever. If the court is of the opinion that the petition is so vague, indistinct, and indefinite as to mislead the child, parent, or custodian and prejudice any of them him in the preparation of a defense, the petitioner may be required to furnish a statement of particulars in delinquency cases or a more definite statement in dependency cases.
(e) Prompt Filing. On motion by or in behalf of a child a petition alleging delinquency shall be dismissed with prejudice if it was not filed within forty-five (45) days from the date the complaint was referred to the intake office the time provided by law. However, the court may grant an extension of time not to exceed an additional fifteen (15) days upon motion therefor by the state attorney when, in the opinion of the court, such additional time is justified because of exceptional circumstances as provided by law.
(a) Summons. Upon the filing of a petition, the clerk shall issue a summons. The summons shall require the person on whom it is served to appear for a hearing at a time and place specified. Except in cases of medical emergency, the The time of hearing shall not be less than twenty-four (24) hours after service of the summons. If the child is not detained by an order of the court, the summons shall require the custodian to produce the child at the said time and place. A copy of the petition shall be attached to the summons.
(b) Service. The summons and other process shall be served upon such persons and in such manner as required by law. If the parents or custodian are out of the state and their address is known the clerk shall give them notice of the proceedings by mail. Service of process may be waived.
(c) Subpoena. Upon the application of a party, the petitioner, or the state attorney, the clerk shall issue, and the court on its own motion may, issue, subpoenas requiring attendance and testimony of witnesses and production of records, documents, or other tangible objects at any hearing. This section shall not in any way limit the state attorney's power to issue subpoenas.
The certificate shall be taken as prima facie proof of such service in compliance with all rules of court and law.
(d) Time for Service of Motions and Notice of Hearing. A copy of any written motion which may not be heard ex parte and a copy of the notice of the hearing thereof shall be served a reasonable time before the time specified for the hearing.
(e) Additional Time After Service by Mail. Whenever a party has the right or is required to do some act or take some proceedings within a prescribed period after the service of notice or other paper upon him and the notice or paper is served upon him by mail, three (3) days shall be added to the prescribed period.
(f) Pleading to be Signed by Attorney. Every written paper or pleading of a party represented by an attorney shall be signed in his individual name by such attorney, whose address and telephone number, including area code, shall be stated, and who shall be duly licensed to practice law in Florida. He may be required by an order of court to vouch for his authority to represent such party and to give the address of such party. Except when otherwise specifically provided by these rules or applicable statute, pleadings as such need not be verified or accompanied by affidavit. The signature of an attorney shall constitute a certificate by him that he has read the paper or pleading; that to the best of his knowledge, information, and belief there is good ground to support it; and that it is not interposed for delay. If a pleading or paper is not signed, or is signed with intent to defeat the purpose of this rule, it may be stricken and the action may proceed as though the pleading or paper had not been served.
(g) Pleading to be Signed by Unrepresented Party. A party who has no attorney but represents himself shall sign his written pleading or other paper and state his address and telephone number, including area code.
All orders of the court shall be reduced to writing as soon after they are entered as is consistent with orderly procedure and shall contain findings of fact as required by law.
(a) On Demand. On demand for waiver of jurisdiction, the court shall enter a written *412 order setting forth the demand, waiving jurisdiction, and certifying the case for trial as if the child were an adult. The demand shall be made, as required in the form provided by law, in writing or orally, prior to the commencement of an adjudicatory hearing. A certified copy of the order shall be furnished the clerk of the court having jurisdiction to try the child as an adult and to the prosecuting officer of the said court child within five (5) days of the demand being made. The court may order that the child be delivered to the sheriff of the county in which the court that is to try him is located.
(c) Bail. If the child is delivered to the sheriff under (a) or (b) above the court shall fix bail in all cases unless it is a capital offense or an offense punishable by imprisonment for life and the proof of guilt is evident or the presumption is great. A certified copy of the order shall be furnished to the sheriff.
The court may transfer any case after adjudication, when adjudication is withheld, or when a plan under Rule 8.130(a)(2) has been accepted, to the circuit court for the county of the circuit in which is located the domicile or usual residence of the child or such other circuit court as the judge may determine to be for the best interest of the child. The transferring court shall enter an order transferring its jurisdiction and certifying the case to the proper court, furnishing the clerk and the state attorney of the receiving court within five (5) days a certified copy of the order of transfer and of all previous orders entered by the court in the interest of that child.
(a) At Time of Adjudicatory Hearing in Delinquency Cases.
(c) Appointment of Expert Witnesses; Detention of Child for Examination.
(a) Time. Every case in which If a petition has been filed alleging a child to be delinquent or dependent have committed a delinquent act, the child shall be brought to an adjudicatory hearing without demand within ninety (90) days of the earliest of the following dates:
(b) Dismissal. If the an adjudicatory hearing is has not begun commenced within ninety (90) days, or an extension thereof as hereinafter provided upon motion timely filed with the court and served upon the prosecuting attorney the petition shall be dismissed with prejudice; provided, the court before granting such motion shall *414 make the required inquiry under subsection (d) of this rule.
(c) Waiver, In a delinquency proceeding the child may voluntarily waive his right to a speedy trial. Commencement. A child shall be deemed to have been brought to trial if the adjudicatory hearing begins before the judge within the time provided.
(d) Extensions of Time. The court may extend the period of time established by this order on motion of any party, after hearing, on a finding that the interest of justice will be served by such extension. The order will recite the reasons for such extension. The general congestion of the court's docket, lack of diligent preparation, or failure to obtain available witnesses, or other avoidable or foreseeable delays shall not constitute grounds for such extension. Motion to Dismiss. If the adjudicatory hearing is not commenced within the periods of time established, a motion to dismiss shall be granted by the court, unless:
(e) Effect of Mistrial, Order of New Trial. A person who is to be tried again shall be brought to trial within ninety (90) days from the date of declaration of a mistrial by the trial court, the date of an order by the trial court, granting a new trial, the date of an order by the trial court granting a motion to vacate a judgment, or the date of receipt by the trial court of a mandate, order, or notice of whatever form from an appellate or other reviewing court which makes possible a new trial, whichever is last in time. Extension of Time. The period of time established by (a) may be extended as follows:
(f) Permanent Commitment. This rule shall not apply to proceedings for permanent commitment of the child to a licensed child placing agency or to the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services for subsequent adoption, Speedy Trial Upon Demand.
(g) Demand for Speedy Trial; Effect. A demand for speedy trial shall be deemed a pleading by the respondent that he is available for the adjudicatory hearing, has diligently investigated his case, and that he is prepared or will be prepared for the adjudicatory hearing within five (5) days. A demand may not be withdrawn by the child, except on order of the court, with consent of the State or on good cause shown. Good cause for continuances or delay on behalf of the accused shall not thereafter include nonreadiness for the adjudicatory hearing, except as to matters which may arise after the demand for the adjudicatory hearing is filed and which could not reasonably have been anticipated by the accused or his counsel.
(h) Dismissal after Demand. If an adjudicatory hearing has not commenced within sixty (60) days after a demand for speedy trial, upon motion timely filed with the court having jurisdiction and served upon the prosecuting attorney, the child shall forever be dismissed from the delinquent act; provided, the court before granting such motion shall make the required inquiry under (d).
(i) Effect of Mistrial, Appeal, or Order of New Trial. A child who is to be tried again or whose adjudicatory hearing has been delayed by an appeal by the state or the respondent, shall be brought to trial within ninety (90) days from the date of declaration of a mistrial by the trial court, the date of an order by the trial court granting a new trial, or the date of receipt by the trial court of a mandate, order or notice of whatever form from an appellate or other reviewing court which makes possible a new trial for the respondent, whichever is last.
In delinquency cases, t The child, and in dependency cases, the child, the parents, or custodian, shall appear before the court at the time set and, unless a written answer plea has been filed, enter a plea, admit or deny the allegations of dependency or consent to the adjudication of dependency of *416 guilty, not guilty, or, with the consent of the court, nolo contendere.
(b) Preparation of Case. If, in delinquency cases, the child or, in dependency cases, the parent or custodian, pleads not guilty or denies the allegations of the petition the court may proceed at once to an adjudicatory hearing, or may continue the case to allow sufficient time on the court calendar for a hearing or to give the state or any party the child a reasonable time for the preparation of the case.
(c) Trial by Judge. The adjudicatory hearing shall be conducted by the judge without a jury. At this hearing the court determines whether the allegations of the petition have been sustained.
(d) Exclusion of Parties. No party shall be excluded from the hearing unless so ordered by the court for disruptive behavior, and any party shall have the right to examine the witnesses.
(e) Right Against Self-incrimination, Child. Testimony. In all delinquency cases t The child may at his option be sworn as witness and testify in his own behalf. and shall in such case be subject to examination He may be cross-examined as other witnesses,. but n No child shall be compelled to give testimony against himself, nor shall any prosecuting attorney be permitted to comment on the failure of the child to testify in his own behalf. A child offering no testimony in his own behalf except his own shall be entitled to the concluding argument.
(f) Right Against Self-incrimination, Parent or Custodian. In all dependency cases the parents or custodians who are alleged to have neglected or abused the child shall, if they so elect, be sworn and may testify in their own behalf. In such case they shall be warned that anything they say may be used against them at a subsequent criminal trial. They may be cross-examined as other witnesses.
(g)(e) Joint and Separate Trials. In delinquency cases where When two or more children are alleged to have committed a delinquent act or violation of law, they shall be tried jointly unless the court in its discretion orders separate trials.
(h) (f) Dismissal. If the court shall finds that the allegations in the petition have not been sustained, he it shall enter an order so finding and dismissing the case.
(i) (g) Dispositional Alternatives. If the court finds that the evidence supports the allegations of the petition, it may enter an order of adjudication or withhold adjudication as provided by law. If the pre-disposition report required by law is available, the court may proceed immediately to disposition or continue the case for a disposition hearing. If the report is not available, the court will continue the case for a disposition hearing and refer it to the appropriate agency or agencies for a study and recommendation. If the case is continued the court may order the child detained, designate the place of detention or the agency that will be responsible for his detention.
(j) (h) Degree of Offense. If in a delinquency petition there is alleged an offense which is divided into degrees, the court may find the child committed an offense of the degree alleged or of any lesser degree.
(k) (i) Specifying Offense Committed. If in a delinquency petition more than one offense is alleged the court shall state in its order which offense or offenses it finds the child committed.
(l) (j) Lesser Included Offenses. If in a delinquency petition the offense alleged necessarily includes lesser offenses the court may find the child committed such a lesser offense.
(m) (k) Motion for judgment of dismissal. In all proceedings, if If at the close of the evidence for the petitioner, the court is of the opinion that the evidence is insufficient to warrant an adjudication, it may, and on the motion of any party, shall, enter an order dismissing the petition for insufficiency of the evidence.
(a) Information Available to Court. At the disposition hearing the court, after establishing compliance with the dispositional considerations, determinations, and discussions *417 required by law, may receive any relevant and material evidence helpful in determining the proper disposition to be made. It shall include written reports required by law, and may include, but shall not be limited to, any psychiatric or psychological evaluations of the child or his parent or 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 Child or Parent. The child, his attorney, and his parent or custodian shall be entitled to disclosure of all information in the pre-disposition report.
(a) Revocation of Community Control Programs. A child who has been placed in a community control program may be brought before the court by the agent supervising his probation or by the state attorney on a petition alleging the violation of the program. All interested persons, including the child, shall have an opportunity to be heard. After such hearing, the court shall enter an order revoking, modifying, terminating, or continuing the community control program. Upon the revocation of the program, the court shall, when the child has been placed in a community control program and adjudication has been withheld, adjudicate the child delinquent. In all cases after a revocation of the program, the court shall enter a new disposition order.
(b) Change of Placement. A child who has been placed in his own home, in the home of a relative, or in some other place, under the supervision of an agency of the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services, may be brought before the court by the agency supervising the placement or by any interested person on a motion alleging a need for a change in the placement. The court shall hear all parties present, in person, by counsel, or both. After such hearing the court shall enter an order changing the placement, modifying the conditions of it, or continuing it as previously ordered. Nothing in this section shall be construed so as to limit the right of an agency granted custody to determine where and with whom the child shall live.
(c) Foster Care Review in Dependency Cases. Children continuously in foster care shall have their status reviewed as provided by law. All proceedings for judicial review shall be initiated by the filing of a supplemental petition for judicial review by the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services.
(b) Retention of Authority over Discharge. When the court has retained authority over discharge of a delinquent child from placement or commitment as provided by law, prior to any discharge from placement or commitment, the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services shall notify the court, the state attorney, and the child of its intention to discharge the child. Thereafter, any interested party may request a hearing, within the time prescribed by law, to address the discharge.
Unless otherwise provided, the following provisions apply to all hearings:
(a) Presence of the Child. The child shall be present unless the court finds that the child is so young that to have him appear would be of no value, or that the child's mental or physical condition is such that a court appearance is not in its the child's best interest.
(b) Absence of the Child. If the child is present at the beginning of a hearing and shall thereafter during the progress of the hearing voluntarily absent himself from the presence of the court without leave of the court, or is removed from the presence of the court because of disruptive conduct during the hearing, the hearing shall not thereby be postponed or delayed, but shall proceed in all respects as if the child were present in court at all times.
(c) Testimony. The child, in delinquency cases, and the parent or custodian in dependency cases shall, if they so elect be sworn and testify in their own behalf. They may be cross examined as other witnesses.
(d) Invoking the Rule. Prior to the examination of any witness the court may, and on the request of any party in an adjudicatory hearing shall, exclude all other witnesses. The court may cause witnesses to be kept separate and to be prevented from communicating with each other until all are examined.
(e) (d) Continuances. The court may grant a continuance before or during a hearing for good cause shown by any party.
(f) (e) Record of Testimony. A record of the testimony in all hearings shall be made by an official court reporter, a court approved stenographer, or by a recording device. The record shall be preserved until the time for taking an appeal has expired for five years from the date of the hearing. Official records of Ttestimony shall be transcribed only upon order of the court.
(g) (f) Notice. Where these rules do not require a specific notice, all parties will be given reasonable notice of any hearing.
(a) Basis. After the court has entered an order ruling on a pretrial motion, an order of adjudication or an order withholding adjudication any party may move for rehearing upon one or more of the following grounds:
(a) Clerical mistakes. Clerical mistakes in judgments, orders, or other parts of the record and errors therein arising from oversight or omission may be corrected by the court at any time on its own initiative or on motion of any party, after such notice, if any, as the court orders. During the pendency of an appeal such mistakes may be so corrected before the record on appeal is docketed in the appellate court and thereafter while the appeal is pending may be so corrected with leave of the appellate court.
(b) Extraordinary relief (a) Basis. On motion and upon such terms as are just, the court may relieve a party or his legal representative from an order, judgment, or proceeding for the following reasons:
(b) Time. The motion shall be made within a reasonable time, and for reasons (1), (2), and (3) not more than one year after the judgment, order or proceeding was taken. Section (b) does not apply to proceedings involving the permanent commitment of children for subsequent adoption.
(a) Permanent Commitment. The taking of an appeal shall operate as a supersedeas in cases involving a petition for permanent commitment to a licensed child placing agency or any agency of the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services for subsequent adoption, but the child shall continue in the custody of the agency under the order until the appeal is decided. Granting of Supersedas.
(b) Other Cases. In all other cases the taking of an appeal shall not operate as a supersedeas, but t The court in considering the welfare and best interest of the child and the interest of the public may grant a supersedeas in its discretion on such conditions, with or without bond, as it may fix determine are appropriate.
(c) (b). Preeminence of Rule. This rule shall be to the exclusion of any other court rule providing for supersedeas on appeal.
(a) Form of Petition. A request for the permanent commitment of a child to an appropriate agency of the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services or a licensed child placing agency for subsequent adoption may be made in the petition by which formal proceedings are commenced or in a pleading subsequent thereto, but in either event the pleading shall be entitled a Petition for Permanent Commitment and contain allegations of facts necessary to *420 support such a commitment and a request therefor. This pleading shall be verified.
(b) Notice. If a surrender or waiver of notice has been executed as provided by law the original or copy thereof shall be attached to the pleading.
(c) Summons. Upon the filing of a pleading requesting permanent commitment the clerk shall issue a notice of the petition for permanent commitment directing the parties to appear at a certain date and time which shall be served as provided by law. The notice shall contain the following language.
(d) Birth Certificate. The Petition for Permanent Commitment shall have attached a certified copy of the birth certificate of each child named in the petition unless the petitioner after diligent search and inquiry is unable to produce same, in which case the petition shall state the date and place of birth of each child, unless these matters cannot be ascertained after diligent search and inquiry or for other good cause.
(e) Defaults. If the person served with the Petition for Permanent Commitment fails to respond within the time prescribed a default may be entered by the court. A default may be set aside by the court on the ground of excusable neglect or other good cause shown at any time prior to the expiration of time for filing an appeal. A final judgment based on the default shall not be entered by the court until proof of non-military service has been filed.
(f) Final Judgments. The final judgment permanently committing the child to an appropriate agency of the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services or to a licensed child placing agency willing to receive the child for subsequent adoption shall be reduced to writing as soon after the hearing as is consistent with orderly procedure and good practice. The court shall incorporate in the judgment a brief statement of the facts which it finds to be true including the appearance or nonappearance of any party and shall thereafter permanently commit the child to an appropriate agency of the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services or a licensed child placing agency willing to receive the child for subsequent adoption.
A contempt may be punished summarily if the court saw or heard the conduct constituting the contempt committed in the actual presence of the court. The judgment of guilt of contempt shall include a recital of those facts upon which the adjudication of guilt is based. Prior to the adjudication of guilt the judge shall inform the person accused of the accusation against him and inquire as to whether he has any cause to show why he should not be adjudged guilty of contempt by the court and sentenced therefore. The accused shall be given the opportunity to present evidence of excusing or mitigating circumstances. The judgment shall be signed by the judge and entered of record. Sentence shall be pronounced in open court.
An indirect contempt shall may be prosecuted in the following manner:
(a) Order to Show Cause. The judge on his own motion or upon affidavit of any person having knowledge of the facts, may issue and sign an order directed to the one accused of contempt, stating the essential facts constituting the contempt charged and requiring him to appear before the court to show cause why he should not be held in contempt of court. The order shall specify the time and place of the hearing, with a reasonable time allowed for the preparation of a defense after service of the order on the one accused. It shall be served in the same manner as a summons. *421 Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent the one accused of contempt from waiving the service of process.
(b) Motions; Answer. The accused, personally or by counsel, may move to dismiss the order to show cause, move for a statement of particulars, or answer such order by way of explanation or defense. All motions and the answers shall be in writing unless specified otherwise by the judge. The accused's omission to file motion or answer shall not be deemed an admission of guilt of the contempt charged.
(c) Order of Arrest; Bail. The judge may issue an order of arrest of the one accused of contempt if the judge has reason to believe he will not appear in response to the order to show cause. The accused shall be admitted to bail in the manner provided by law in criminal cases.
(d) Arraignment; Hearing. The accused may be arraigned at the hearing, or prior thereto upon his request. A hearing to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused shall follow a plea of not guilty. The judge may conduct a hearing without assistance of counsel or may be assisted by the state attorney or by an attorney appointed for that purpose. The accused is entitled to be represented by counsel, have compulsory process for the attendance of witnesses, and may testify in his own defense. All issues of law and fact shall be determined by the judge.
(e) Disqualification of the Judge. If the contempt charged involves disrespect to or criticism of a judge, he shall be disqualified by the Chief Judge of the circuit.
(f) Verdict; Judgment. At the conclusion of the hearing the judge shall sign and enter of record a judgment of guilty or not guilty. There should be included in a judgment of guilty a recital of the facts constituting the contempt of which the defendant has been found and adjudicated guilty.
(g) The Sentence. Prior to the pronouncement of sentence the judge shall inform the defendant of the accusation and judgment against him and inquire as to whether he has any cause to show why sentence should not be pronounced. The accused shall be afforded the opportunity to present evidence of mitigating circumstances. The sentence shall be pronounced in open court and in the presence of the one found guilty of contempt.
(a) Duty of the Intake Officer. In addition to the duties otherwise provided by law, the intake counselor at his initial interview shall have the following duties in cases of delinquency.
(b) Duty of the Public Defender. The public defender of each judicial circuit, upon being contacted by or on behalf of a *422 child who is or represents himself to be indigent as defined by law, may forthwith interview said child and
(a) At any stage of the proceedings, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent any for the child alleged to be delinquent or dependent.
(b) The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the child in any child abuse or neglect proceedings.
(c) The guardian ad litem shall be an attorney or other responsible adult and shall have the following responsibilities:
*423 (d) A guardian ad litem shall not be required to post bond but shall file an acceptance of the office.
(e) A guardian ad litem shall be entitled to receive service of pleadings and papers as provided by Rule 8.130(c).
(f) The duties of lay guardians shall not include the practice of law.
Committee Note: It is intended that the guidelines in proposed rule 8.560(c) will be used in connection with this rule.
(a) Movant. Any party may move to disqualify the judge assigned to hear the cause for any ground provided by law.
(b) Form of Motion. Every motion to disqualify shall be in writing and be accompanied by two or more affidavits setting forth facts relied upon to show the grounds of disqualification, and a certificate of counsel of record that the motion is made in good faith.
(c) Time. A motion to disqualify a judge shall be filed no less than ten (10) days before the time the case is set for hearing unless good cause is shown for failure to file within such time.
(d) Challenged Judge; Responsibility. The judge presiding shall examine the motion and supporting affidavits to disqualify him for prejudice to determine their legal sufficiency only, but shall not pass on the truth of the facts alleged nor adjudicate the question of disqualification. If the motion and affidavits are legally sufficient, the presiding judge shall enter an order disqualifying himself and proceed no further therein. Another judge shall be designated in a manner prescribed by applicable laws or rules for the substitution of judges for the trial of causes where the judge presiding is disqualified.
(e) Substituted Judge; Responsibility. When a party shall have suggested the disqualification of a trial judge and an order shall have been made admitting the disqualification of such judge, and another judge shall have been assigned to act in lieu of the judge so held to be disqualified the judge so assigned shall not be disqualified on account of alleged prejudice against the party making the motion in the first instance, or in favor of the adverse party, unless such judge shall admit and hold that it is then a fact that he, the said judge, does not stand fair and impartial between the parties and if such judge shall hold, rule and adjudge that he does stand fair and impartial as between the parties and their respective interest, he shall cause such ruling to be entered on the minutes of the court, and shall proceed to preside as judge in the pending cause. The ruling of such judge may be reviewed by the appellate court, as are other rulings of the trial court.
(a) Computation. In computing any period of time prescribed or allowed by these rules, except Rules 8.040 and 8.050, by order of court, or by any applicable statute, the day of the act or event from which the designated period of time begins to run is not to be included. The last day of the period so computed shall be counted, unless it is Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday, in which event the period shall run until the end of the next day which is neither a Saturday, Sunday, nor a legal holiday. When the period of time prescribed or allowed shall be less than seven (7) days, intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays shall be excluded in the computation.
(b) Enlargement of Time. When by these rules or by a notice given thereunder or by order of court an act is required or allowed to be done at or within a specified time, the court for good cause shown may, at any time, in its discretion (1) with or without notice, order the period enlarged if request therefore is made before the expiration of the period originally prescribed or as extended by a previous order, or (2) upon motion made and notice after the expiration of the specified period permit the act to be done where the failure to act was the result of excusable neglect; but it *424 may not, except as provided by law or elsewhere in these rules, extend the time for making a motion for a new trial, a motion for rehearing, judgment of acquittal, vacation of judgment, or for taking an appeal. This rule shall not be construed to apply to detention hearings.
For the purpose of these rules the terms "party" and "parties" shall include the petitioner, the child, and every person upon whom service of summons is required by law. The court may add additional parties.
These rules shall govern the procedures in the Circuit Court in the exercise of its jurisdiction relating to juvenile dependency proceedings.
They are intended to provide a just, speedy, and efficient determination of the procedures covered by them and shall be construed to secure simplicity in procedure and fairness in administration.
They shall be known as the Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure, and may be cited as Fla.R.Juv.P.
When appropriate the use of singular nouns and pronouns shall be construed to include the plural and the use of plural nouns and pronouns shall be construed to include the singular. The use of male pronouns shall be construed in the universal sense of both male and female.
Committee Note: Dependency proceedings under Chapter 39 and 409, Florida Statutes, have been separated in these rules from delinquency proceedings. The dependency proceedings section has been created to outline procedures for the conduct of dependency cases which are more civil in nature as distinguished from the conduct of delinquency cases.
All proceedings shall be initiated by the filing of one of the following pleading: (1) a request to take into custody; (2) a detention petition; (3) a petition alleging dependency; or (4) a petition for permanent commitment.
Committee Note:
Dependency proceedings may be initiated by the filing, by any person, of any of the documents listed. Detention petition is used to be consistent with language in Chapter 39; however, it is understood that dependent children must be placed in shelter facilities only,  39.01(31).
Any pleading filed commencing proceedings as set forth in Rule 8.510 shall be accompanied by an affidavit, to the extent of affiant's personal knowledge, under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act. Each party has a continuing duty to inform the court of any custody proceeding in this or any other state of which he obtains information during the proceeding.
Committee Note:
Requires that an affidavit in compliance with  61.132 accompany initial filing in court.
(a) Transfer of Cases Within Circuit Court. If it should appear at any time in a proceeding initiated in a division other than the juvenile division of the circuit court that facts are alleged which essentially constitute a dependency, the court may upon consultation with the juvenile division order the transfer of action and the transmittal of all relevant papers to the juvenile division. The juvenile division shall then assume jurisdiction only over matters pertaining to dependency, custody and visitation.
(b) Transfer of Cases Within the State of Florida. The court may transfer any case after adjudication, when adjudication is withheld, when a plan under Rule 8.760 has been accepted, or before adjudication where witnesses are available in another jurisdiction, to the circuit court for the county in which is located the domicile or usual residence of the child or such other circuit as the judge may determine to be *425 for the best interest of the child and to promote the efficient administration of justice. The transferring court shall enter an order transferring its jurisdiction and certifying the case to the proper court, furnishing all parties, the clerk, and the state attorney of the receiving court a copy of the order of transfer within five (5) days. The clerk shall also transmit a certified copy of the file to the receiving court within five (5) days.
(c) Transfer of Cases Among States. If it should appear at any time that an action is pending in another state, the court may transfer jurisdiction over the action to a more convenient forum state, may stay the proceedings, or may dismiss the action.
Committee Note:
(a) This rule is designed to prevent fragmentation of cases and discourage forum-shopping among divisions in the same circuit. Although all divisions of circuit court have concurrent jurisdiction in juvenile matters, it is the intent of the law to encourage coordination among divisions, not conflict. Ponce v. Children's Home Society, 97 So. 2d 194 (Fla. 1957).
(b) Allows transfer prior to adjudication where witnesses reside in another part of the state, thereby avoiding hardship and excessive costs.
(c) The rule is designed to deal with the frequent problem of pending juvenile actions in different states. Jurisdiction can be transferred pursuant to the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act, F.S. 61.1302 et seq., the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, F.S. 409.401 et seq., and the Interstate Compact on Juveniles, F.S. 39.51 et seq.
For the purpose of these rules the terms "party" and "parties" shall include the petitioner, the child, and every person upon whom service of summons is required by law, including the guardian ad litem, where appointed. The court may add additional parties.
Committee Note:
A guardian ad litem, where appointed, is a party who represents a separate interest in the cause, i.e., the best interest of the child.
Committee Note:
(a)(1) Court is required to advise parents at each stage of proceedings of the right to counsel. Appointment of counsel for indigent parents shall accord with case law applicable in jurisdiction.
*426 (2) Court may appoint counsel at its discretion.
(b)(2) Requires that out of court waivers of counsel be filed with the court.
(a) At any stage of the proceedings, any party may request or the court may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent any child alleged to be dependent.
(b) The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the child in any child abuse or neglect proceedings, and shall ascertain at each stage of the proceedings whether a guardian ad litem has been appointed.
(c) The guardian ad litem shall be an attorney or other responsible adult and shall have the following responsibilities:
(d) A guardian ad litem shall not be required to post bond but shall file an acceptance of the office.
(e) A guardian ad litem shall be entitled to receive service of pleadings and papers as provided by Rule 8.630.
(f) The duties of lay guardians shall not include the practice of law.
Committee Note:
The appointed guardian ad litem represents the best interests of the child as opposed to representing the child within the context of counsel-client relationships.
(a) Allows for parties to request appointment of guardian ad litem.
(b) Requires court to inquire whether guardian ad litem has been appointed as required by law at each stage of the proceeding.
(c) Guardian ad litem required to investigate matters arising in the case after the filing of a petition; changes requirement of submitting report to court by filing to providing copies to all parties.
All pleadings and orders shall be styled: "In the interest of ________, a child," or: "In the interest of ________, children."
(a) Presence of Child. The child shall be present at the hearing unless excused by the court or the court finds that the child's mental or physical condition or age is such that a court appearance is not in the best interest of the child. Any party may file a motion to excuse the presence of the child.
(b) In-camera proceedings. The child may be examined by the court outside the presence of other parties under circumstances as provided by law. The court shall assure that the proceedings are recorded unless otherwise stipulated by the parties.
(c) Invoking the Rule. Prior to the examination of any witness the court may, and on the request of any party shall, exclude all other witnesses. The court may cause witnesses to be kept separate and to be prevented from communicating with each other until all are examined.
(d) Continuances. The court may grant a continuance before or during a hearing for good cause shown by any party.
(e) A record of the testimony in all hearings shall be made by an official court reporter, a court approved stenographer, or by a recording device. The records of testimony shall be preserved as required by *427 law. Official records of testimony shall be transcribed only on order of the court.
(f) Notice. Where these rules do not require a specific notice, all parties will be given reasonable notice of any hearing.
Committee Note:
(b) Allows for the taking of in camera testimony by the court as provided by law. Such testimony must be recorded unless the parties stipulate otherwise.
(c) Records of testimony must be kept in accordance with Chapter 39; court order is necessary only for the transcription of official records.
(a) Computation. In computing any period of time prescribed or allowed by these rules, except Rule 8.700 and 8.710, by order of court, or by any applicable statute, the day of the act or event from which the designated period of time begins to run is not included. The last day of the period so computed shall be counted, unless it is Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday. When the period of time prescribed or allowed shall be less than seven (7) days, intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays shall be excluded in the computation.
(b) Enlargement of Time. When by these rules or by a notice given thereunder or by order of court an act is required or allowed to be done at or within a specified time, the court for good cause shown may, at any time, in its discretion (1) with or without notice, order the period enlarged if request therefor is made before the expiration of the period originally prescribed or as extended by a previous order, or (2) upon motion made and notice after the expiration of the specified period permit the act to be done where the failure to act was the result of excusable neglect; but it may not, except as provided by law or elsewhere in these rules, extend the time for making a motion for new trial, a motion for rehearing, vacation of judgment, or for taking an appeal. This rule shall not be construed to apply to detention hearings.
This certificate shall be taken as prima facie proof of such service in compliance with all rules of court and law.
(a) Pleading to be Signed by Attorney. Every written paper or pleading of a party represented by an attorney shall be signed in his individual name by such attorney, whose address and telephone number, including area code, shall be stated, and who shall be duly licensed to practice law in Florida. He may be required by an order of court to vouch for his authority to represent such party and to give the address of such party. Except when otherwise specifically provided by these rules or applicable statute, pleadings as such need not be verified or accompanied by affidavit. The signature of an attorney shall constitute a certificate by him that he has read the paper or pleading; that to the best of his knowledge, information, and belief there is good ground to support it; and that it is not interposed for delay. If a pleading or paper is not signed, or is signed with intent to defeat the purpose of this rule, it may be stricken and the action may proceed as though the pleading or paper had not been served.
(b) Pleading to be Signed by Unrepresented Party. A party who has no attorney but represents himself shall sign his written pleading or other paper and state *429 his address and telephone number, including area code.
All orders of the court shall be reduced to writing as soon after they are entered as is consistent with orderly procedure and shall contain findings of fact as required by law.
(a) Affidavit. An affidavit or verified petition may be filed by any person alleging facts under existing law sufficient to establish grounds to take a child into custody. The affidavit or verified petition shall:
(b) Criteria for Order. The court may issue an order to take a child into custody based on sworn testimony meeting the criteria set forth in Rule 8.700(a).
(c) Order. The order to take into custody shall:
(d) Notification of Right to Attend Detention Hearing. Upon execution of the order, the parents or custodian shall be notified in writing of their right to appear before the court for a detention hearing which shall be held within 24 hours, with or without counsel on the question of the child's detention at a time and place designated in the notice.
Committee Note:
Outlines procedure for affidavit, petition and notice not previously identified. An affidavit or petition must be accompanied by an affidavit as required by 8.530 (UCCJA).
(a) Detention Petition. If a child is to be placed in a shelter after being taken into custody for a period longer than 24 hours, the person requesting placement shall file a written petition which shall:
(d) Release from Shelter Care. No child shall be released from shelter after a detention order has been entered except on order of the court unless the detention order authorized release by the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services.
Committee Note:
Combines Rules 8.040 and .050 for clarification and provides that rule applies only where child is already in custody and where detention petition is filed only for the purpose of continued detention by the court. Includes explanation of probable cause and standard of proof formerly in rule and provides that court should determine appointment of counsel at detention hearing whenever possible. Petition must be accompanied by an affidavit pursuant to Rule 8.530 (UCCJA).
(b) Verification. The petition shall be signed by the state attorney, assistant state attorney, or other petitioner, stating under oath his good faith in filing the petition. No objection to a petition on the grounds that it was not signed or verified, as herein provided, shall be entertained after a plea to the merits.
(c) Amendments. At any time prior to an adjudicatory hearing, an amended petition may be filed or the petition may be amended by motion; however, after a written answer or plan has been filed, amendments shall be permitted only with the permission of the court, unless all parties consent. Amendments shall be freely permitted in the interest of justice and the welfare of the child. A continuance may be granted upon motion and a showing that the amendment prejudices or materially affects any party.
(d) Defects and Variances. No petition or any count thereof shall be dismissed, or any judgment vacated, on account of any defect in the form of the petition or of misjoinder of counts. If the court is of the opinion that the petition is so vague, indistinct and indefinite as to mislead the child, parent, or custodian and prejudice any of them in the preparation of a defense, the petitioner may be required to furnish a more definite statement.
(e) Voluntary Dismissal. At any time prior to entry of an order of adjudication, the petition for dependency may be voluntarily dismissed by petitioner without leave of the court by serving a notice of dismissal on all parties, or if during a hearing, by so stating on the record. Unless otherwise stated, the dismissal shall be without prejudice.
(f) Involuntary Dismissal. If an adjudicatory hearing is not begun within 180 days of the date the child was taken into custody or the date the petition was filed, whichever occurs first, the petition for dependency shall be dismissed with prejudice on motion and hearing. The court may extend the period of time established by this rule on motion of any party, after hearing, on a finding that the interest of justice will be served by such extension. The order granting the extension shall be in writing and shall state the reasons for the extension. The general congestion of the court's docket, lack of diligent preparation, failure to obtain available witnesses, or other avoidable or foreseeable delays shall not constitute grounds for an extension.
Committee Note:
(a) The petition must be accompanied by an affidavit pursuant to Rule 8.530 (UCCJA).
(a) Answers. The parent or custodian of the child may enter an oral or written answer to the petition or remain silent. If the parent or custodian remains silent or pleads evasively, the court shall enter a denial of dependency. The court shall determine that any admission or consent to finding of dependency is made voluntarily and with a full understanding of the nature of the allegations and the possible consequences of such admission or consent, and that the parent or custodian has been advised of the right to be represented by counsel. The court shall incorporate these findings into its order in addition to findings of fact specifying the act or acts of dependency, by whom committed and facts upon which the findings are based. If the answer admits the allegations of the petition it shall constitute consent to a pre-disposition study.
(b) Arraignment. Prior to the adjudicatory hearing the court may conduct a hearing *432 to determine whether an admission, consent or denial to the petition shall be entered, and whether the parties are represented by counsel or are entitled to appointed counsel as provided by law. If an admission or consent is entered, the court shall proceed as set forth in Rule 8.780. If a denial is entered the court shall set an adjudicatory hearing within the period of time provided by law and appoint counsel when required.
(c) Withdrawal of Plea. The court may at any time prior to the beginning of a disposition hearing permit an admission of the allegations of the petition to be withdrawn, and if an adjudication has been entered thereon, set aside such adjudication. In the subsequent adjudicatory hearing the court shall disregard an admission that has been withdrawn.
(d) Pre-Hearing Conference. Prior to the conduct of any adjudicatory hearing the court may set or the parties may request that a pre-hearing conference be held to determine the order in which each party may present witnesses or evidence and the order in which cross-examination and argument shall occur. The court may also enter findings on the record of any stipulations entered into by the parties, and consider any other matters which may aid in the conduct of the adjudicatory hearing.
Committee Note:
(a) A "consent" to a finding of dependency is equivalent to a stipulation that the petition alleges a prima facie case of dependency upon which the court may enter a finding. It does not constitute an admission or denial of the truth of the allegations, but is a consent for the court to make findings of dependency based upon the allegations of the petition.
(a) Motions in General. An application to the court for an order shall be made by motion which shall be in writing unless made during a hearing; shall be signed by the party making the motion or by his attorney; shall state with particularity the grounds therefor and shall set forth the relief or order sought. The requirement of writing is fulfilled if the motion is stated in a written notice of the hearing of the motion.
(b) Motion to Dismiss. Any party may file a motion to dismiss any petition or other pleading, setting forth the grounds on which the motion is based. If a motion to dismiss is granted where a child is being detained under an order, the child may be continued in shelter under previous order of the court upon the representation that a new or amended petition will be filed.
(c) Motion to Sever. A motion may be made for a severance of two or more counts of a multi-count petition, or for the severance of the cases of two or more children alleged to be dependent in the same petition. The court may grant motions for severance of jointly-brought cases for good cause shown.
(a) Child. Mental or physical examination of a child may be obtained as provided by law.
(b) Parent, Guardian or Other Person Requesting Custody. At any time after the filing of a petition, when the mental or physical condition, including the blood group, of a parent, guardian or other person requesting custody of a child is in controversy, the court may order the person to submit to a physical or mental examination by a qualified professional. The order may be made only on good cause shown and on notice to the person to be examined and to all parties and shall specify the time, place, manner, conditions and scope of the examination and the person or persons by whom it is to be made. The court may, on its own motion or the motion of any party, order a parent, guardian or other person requesting custody of the child to undergo such evaluation, treatment or counseling activities as authorized by law.
Committee Note:
(a) Creates procedure for dependent children as provided by law where previously silent.
*433 (b) Allows for court to order evaluation, treatment or counseling as to child and as to parent or other person consistent with Fruh v. State Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services, 430 So. 2d 581 (Fla. 5th DCA 1983), where provided by law.
(d) Perpetuating Testimony Before Action or Pending Appeal.
(e) Rules Governing Depositions. Except as otherwise provided, the rules governing the taking and filing of oral depositions, and objections thereto; the issuing, execution and return of commissions; and the opening of depositions, under the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, shall apply in cases covered by these rules.
(f) Supplemental Discovery. If, subsequent to compliance with these rules, a party discovers additional witnesses, evidence, or material which he would have been under a duty to disclose or produce at the time of such previous compliance, he shall promptly disclose or produce such witnesses, evidence or material in the same manner as required under these rules for initial discovery.
(g) Sanctions.
(a) Hearing by Judge. The adjudicatory hearing shall be conducted by the judge without a jury. At this hearing the court shall determine whether the allegations of the petition have been sustained.
(b) Examination of Witnesses. Any party shall have the right to examine the witnesses. No party shall be excluded from *437 the hearing unless so ordered by the court for disruptive behavior.
(c) Right Against Self-Incrimination, Child. The child shall not be required to give testimony that may tend to incriminate him in any criminal matter.
(d) Right Against Self-Incrimination, Parent or Custodian. The parents or custodians shall, if they so elect, be sworn and may testify in their own behalf. In such cases they shall be warned that anything they say may be used against them at a subsequent criminal trial. They may be cross-examined as other witnesses.
(e) Joint and Separate Hearings. When two or more children are alleged to be dependent children, the hearing may be held simultaneously when the several children involved are related to each other or involved in the same case, unless the court orders separate hearings.
(f) Motion for Judgment of Dismissal. In all proceedings, if at the close of the evidence for the petitioner the court is of the opinion that the evidence is insufficient to warrant a finding of dependency, it may, and on the motion of any party shall, enter an order dismissing the petition for insufficiency of the evidence.
(g) Dismissal. If the court shall find that the allegations in the petition have not been sustained, it shall enter an order dismissing the case.
(h) Alternatives Pending Disposition. If the court finds that the evidence supports the allegations of the petition, it may make a finding of dependency as provided by law. If the predisposition and other reports required by law are available, the court may proceed to disposition or continue the case for a disposition hearing. If the case is continued, the court may refer the case to appropriate agencies for additional study and recommendation. The court may order the child continued in placement, designate the place of detention, or the agency that will be responsible for his placement, and such other orders deemed necessary to protect the health, safety and well-being of the child, including diagnosis, evaluation, treatment and visitation.
(i) Findings and Orders. In all cases the court shall enter a written order specifying the facts upon which the finding of dependency is based.
(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 shall include written reports required by law, and may include, but shall not be limited to, any psychiatric or psychological evaluations of the child or his parent or 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 shall be entitled to disclosure of all information in all reports submitted to the court.
(c) Treatment Plans. At any time after adjudication, any party may submit a plan of proposed treatment, training or conduct. The Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services shall be the supervising agency unless the court appoints another agency or person.
(d) Orders of Disposition. The court shall in its written order of disposition include:
Committee Note:
Disposition under Rule 8.790 is authorized at present by either of two statutory methods, see 39.409 and 39.41.
(a) Motion for Modification of Placement. A child who has been placed in his own home, in the home of a relative, or in some other place, under the supervision of the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services may be brought before the court by the parent, guardian or any interested person on a motion for modification of placement. The court shall conduct a hearing and thereafter enter an order changing the placement, modifying the conditions of placement, continuing placement as previously ordered or placing the child with the Department or a licensed child-caring agency.
(b) Motion for Termination of Supervision or Jurisdiction. Any party requesting termination of agency supervision or the jurisdiction of the court or both shall do so by motion. The court shall hear all parties present and enter an order terminating supervision or terminating jurisdiction and supervision or continuing them as previously ordered. The court shall not terminate jurisdiction unless the child is returned to the parent or placed with a legal guardian.
(c) Performance Agreements. Within 30 days after placement of a child in foster care one of the following shall occur:
(d) Foster Care Review in Dependency Cases. Children in foster care shall have their status reviewed as provided by law.
Committee Note:
This rule is designed to add changes in the new statute to the former rule.
Section 409.168, Florida Statutes, provides that within thirty days of placement of a child in foster care, either a performance agreement or a permanent plan is to be filed with the court. This statute provides for an extension of time to file a performance agreement for "good cause."
This rule is designed to provide for a procedural mechanism to assure that one of these three actions takes place within thirty days and to provide for court review.
The committee believes the intent of the statute is to encourage the preparation of "performance agreements," rather than "permanent plans" and thus to provide for judicial oversight of cases where performance agreements have not been prepared. The legislative language upon which the committee relied are the requirements of: (1) a full explanation of why a performance agreement has not been filed and (2) review of plans in which parents did not participate.
The committee recognizes that in some cases the inability of the agency to submit a performance agreement may stem not from the unwillingness of the parent to participate, but from the inability of the parties to agree on the terms. This rule clarifies the need for judicial review of the permanent plan in those cases.
The new section 409.168 adds to the court's dispositional powers under Chapter 39. These powers are scattered through various sections.
This rule is designed to collect all powers of disposition in one section. The rule patterns *441 Rule 8.190, which lists dispositional alternatives at adjudication in one section.
The intent of (v) is to clarify the committee's belief that the court retains jurisdiction over children who have been permanently committed and must hold judicial review hearings until there has been a finalized adoption.
(a) Form or Petition. A request for the permanent commitment of a child to an appropriate agency of the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services or a licensed child placing agency for subsequent adoption may be made in the petition by which formal proceedings are commenced or in a pleading subsequent thereto; but in either event the pleading shall be entitled a petition for permanent commitment and contain allegations of facts necessary to support such a commitment and a prayer therefor. This pleading will be verified.
(b) Summons and Notice. Upon the filing of a pleading requesting permanent commitment a summons containing notice of the Petition for Permanent Commitment directing the parties to appear at a certain date and time shall be served as provided by law. The summons shall contain the following language:
Parties upon whom service of process cannot be effected shall be served as provided by law.
In all cases where the child has been adjudicated dependent and jurisdiction has not been relinquished by the court, the clerk upon the filing of a pleading requesting permanent commitment, shall issue a notice of the petition to be served as required by law.
In cases where a parent or guardian was not previously served, a summons shall be issued and served as required by law in addition to said notice.
(d) Final Order. The final order granting a Petition for Permanent Commitment of a child to the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services or a licensed child placing agency willing to receive the child for subsequent adoption shall include the following:
(a) Basis. After the court has entered an order of adjudication or an order withholding adjudication or an order of disposition, any party may move for rehearing upon one or more of the following grounds:
Committee Note:
Old rule applied only to adjudicatory hearings. It is felt that the court can, under this rule, modify a judgment as might be done under Fla.R.Civ.P. 1.530.
(a) Clerical mistakes. Clerical mistakes in judgments, orders, or other parts of the record and errors therein arising from oversight or omission may be corrected by the court at any time on its own initiative or on motion of any party, after such notice, if any, as the court orders. During the pendency of an appeal such mistakes may be so corrected before the record on appeal is docketed in the appellate court and thereafter while the appeal is pending may be so corrected with leave of the appellate court.
(b) Extraordinary relief. On motion and upon such terms as are just, the court may relieve a party or his legal representative from an order, judgment, or proceeding for the following reasons:
(c) After the court loses jurisdiction of the cause, as provided by law, a motion for relief of judgment or order under section (b) shall not be heard.
(a) Permanent Commitment. The taking of an appeal shall operate as a supersedeas in cases involving a petition for permanent commitment to a licensed child placing agency or any agency of the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services for subsequent adoption, but the child shall continue in the custody of the agency under the order until the appeal is decided.
(b) Other Cases. In all other cases the taking of an appeal shall not operate as a supersedeas, but the court in considering the welfare and best interest of the child may grant a supersedeas in its discretion on such conditions, with or without bond, as it may fix.
(c) Preeminence of Rule. This rule shall be to the exclusion of any other court rule providing for supersedeas on appeal.
(a) Grounds. Any party or person interested in the result of the action may move to disqualify the judge on grounds provided by law, including that the judge is related to a party or person interested in the outcome of the action, or to an attorney in the cause, that the judge is a material witness in the cause; or that a party or person feels that they will not receive a fair hearing on account of prejudice.
(b) Contents. A motion to disqualify shall allege the facts relied on to show the grounds for disqualification and shall be certified by the party or person interested in the outcome of the action.
(c) Time. A motion to disqualify shall be made within a reasonable time after discovery of the facts constituting grounds for disqualification.
(d) Determination. The judge against whom the motion is directed shall determine only the legal sufficiency of the motion. The judge shall not pass on the truth of the facts alleged. If the motion is legally sufficient, the judge shall enter an order of disqualification and proceed no further in the action. Another judge shall be designated in a manner prescribed by applicable laws or rules for the substitution of judges for the hearing of causes where the judge presiding is disqualified.
(e) Judge's Initiative. Nothing in this rule limits a judge's authority to enter an order of disqualification the judge's own initiative.
Committee Note:
The committee has adapted Rule 1.432 Fla.R.Civ.Proc. in recognition of dependency proceedings being civil in nature, obviating the need for multiple affidavits required in criminal matters.
A contempt may be punished summarily if the court saw or heard the conduct constituting the contempt committed in the actual presence of the court. The judgment of guilt of contempt shall include a recital of those facts upon which the adjudication of guilt is based. Prior to the adjudication of guilt the judge shall inform the person accused of the accusation against him and inquire as to whether he has any cause to show why he should not be adjudged guilty of contempt by the court and sentenced therefor The accused shall be given the opportunity to present evidence of excusing or mitigating circumstances. The judgment shall be signed by the judge and entered of record. Sentence shall be pronounced in open court.
An indirect contempt shall be prosecuted in the following manner:
(a) Order to Show Cause. The judge on his own motion or upon affidavit of any person having knowledge of the facts, may issue and sign an order directed to the one accused of contempt, stating the essential facts constituting the contempt charged and requiring him to appear before the court to show cause why he should not be held in contempt of court. The order shall specify the time and place of the hearing, with a reasonable time allowed for the preparation of a defense after service of the order on the one accused. It shall be served in the same manner as a summons. Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent *444 the one accused of contempt from waiving the service of process.
(b) Motions; Answer. The accused, personally or by counsel, may move to dismiss the order to show cause, move for a statement of particulars, or answer such order by way of explanation or defense. All motions and the answers shall be in writing unless specified otherwise by the judge. The accused's omission to file motion or answer shall not be deemed an admission of guilt of the contempt charged.
(c) Order of Arrest; Bail. The judge may issue an order of arrest of the one accused of contempt if the judge has reason to believe he will not appear in response to the order to show cause. The accused shall be admitted to bail in the manner provided by law in criminal cases.
(d) Arraignment; Hearing. The accused may be arraigned at the hearing, or prior thereto upon his request. A hearing to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused shall follow a plea of not guilty. The judge may conduct a hearing without assistance of counsel or may be assisted by the state attorney or by an attorney appointed for that purpose. The accused is entitled to be represented by counsel, have compulsory process for the attendance of witnesses, and may testify in his own defense. All issues of law and fact shall be determined by the judge.
(e) Disqualification of the Judge. If the contempt charged involves disrespect to or criticism of a judge, he shall be disqualified by the Chief Judge of the circuit.
(f) Verdict; Judgment. At the conclusion of the hearing the judge shall sign and enter of record a judgment of guilty or not guilty. There should be included in a judgment of guilty a recital of the facts constituting the contempt of which the defendant has been found and adjudicated guilty.
(g) The Sentence. Prior to the pronouncement of sentence the judge shall inform the defendant of the accusation and judgment against him and inquire as to whether he has any cause to show why sentence should not be pronounced. The accused shall be afforded the opportunity to present evidence of mitigating circumstances. The sentence shall be pronounced in open court and in the presence of the one found guilty of contempt.