Supports and Services for Expectant and Parenting Youth in Foster Care - Florida

Date: October 2025

Youth's Parental Rights
Citation: Admin. Code § 65C-46.006

The child-caring agency shall immediately notify the child's parent or guardian, child's attorney, guardian ad litem, and the child-placing agency or the Department of Children and Families if the child is in the custody of the department, of the child's pregnancy or childbirth.

Placement Options
Citation: Admin. Code § 65C-28.010

When a minor child in the custody of the department becomes a parent or enters licensed out-of-home care with his or her own child, the parent and child shall reside together in the same placement unless the younger child's safety cannot be managed with an in-home safety plan. A petition for adjudication of dependency shall not be filed for the younger child unless there are grounds for dependency of that child independent of the minor parent's dependency.

Health Services 
Citation: Admin. Code § 65C-46.006

All medical care beyond the provision of first aid shall be under the direction of a licensed medical professional operating within the scope of his or her license.  

The child-placing agency shall obtain available medical information and consent prior to admission of a child. Medical information shall include the child's medical history, including immunizations, and, in the case of parenting teens, the medical history of the infant or toddler.  

The child-caring agency shall ensure pregnant youth have prenatal and postnatal care, if not served in a maternity home. The child-caring agency shall assess pregnant youth to determine if postpartum testing and referrals are required.  

Parent Preparation for Expectant Youth
Citation: Admin. Code § 65C.46.017

The child-caring agency shall offer training and education on the following: 

  • Prenatal and childbirth education 
  • Parenting education, including safe and healthy parenting practices, child development of infants and toddlers, active and responsive caregiving, and emerging language and literacy 
  • Water safety education and training, including infant water safety
  • Nutrition for children from birth to age 5
  • Safe sleep practices

Education and Services to Support Parenting Youth
Citation: Admin. Code § 65C.46.017

The child-caring agency shall offer the following services:   

  • Individual, group, or family counseling
  • Clinical services to address trauma, childhood sexual exploitation, trafficking, and the parent-child relationship 
  • Ongoing multidisciplinary team staffing to determine appropriate placements, service needs, and support from community partners

For information on assisting youth in foster care to finish high school, see Educational Supports for Youth in Foster Care - Florida | Child Welfare Information Gateway.

Economic and Concrete Supports 
Citation: Admin. Code §§ 65C-28.010; 65C-46.017

If the minor parent's child is not dependent, the cost of care of the child of a minor parent shall be included in the maintenance payment for the minor parent. There shall be one payment that is enhanced to include the child's needs. If the minor parent is title IV-E eligible, the total payment is title IV-E reimbursable.

The community-based care (CBC) agency shall collaborate with the child-caring agency to ensure the young parent has diapers, food, and clothing for his or her child.

Services and Supports for Parenting Youth That Promote Self-Sufficiency
Citation: Admin. Code § 65C.46.017

If the pregnant or parenting youth is under the care and supervision of the department, the CBC agency shall provide a daycare referral to allow the young parent to attend school or employment. The child-caring agency must provide transportation to and from the daycare center so the teen mother may attend school.  

Foster Care Prevention Strategy for any Child Born to the Youth
Citation: Admin. Code § 65C.46.017

The service plan shall outline details of the supports and resources that will allow the pregnant or parenting youth to be successful as a parent, including, but not limited to, school, employment, and providing for the care of his or her child.