Oversight rules vary
In Florida, the regulation of children's homes can vary greatly depending on how the facility classifies itself. Here are the classifications:
| Facility | Oversight and inspection | Ability to report abuse | Corporal punishment | Shackling and confinement | Religious services | Leader credentials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DCF |
The Department of Children and Families runs background checks on employees, inspects annually and can order changes in a home's practices. | All children must have access to a phone to call Florida's child abuse hotline. | Banned. | Rules vary from one type of facility to another, but mechanical restraints typically require permission from a doctor. Even confining a child to a room generally has a one-hour limit. | Many programs offer prayer and church services, but children cannot be forced to attend. | Director must have a bachelor's degree and at least three years' experience in management. |
FACCCA |
Homes with religious exemptions answer to this nonprofit group, which conducts its own inspections. They provide names of children's home employees to the state, which runs background checks. | Officials say kids have a right to report abuse, but former residents said they had no way. Children can be denied access to phones for months at a time. | Allowed, with guidelines. | Does not endorse mechanical restraints but allows it. No restriction on how long a child can be secluded. FACCCA director expects board to toughen restrictions next month. | Mandatory prayer and services are allowed. Children must be prayed with after corporal punishment. | Director must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent and four years with executive experience in child care and development. |
Unaccredited boarding schools |
The state Department of Education registers these schools but does not inspect them or review their operations. Boarding schools must seek accreditation, but they have three years. | No guaranteed access or training. | No limits on corporal punishment. | No limits. | No restrictions. | No requirements. |