Dependency Law Finder

Florida's dependency statutes, court rules and DCF operating procedures, with the appellate opinions that apply them

data.robertlathamesq.org · All tools

Before you use this site

This site aggregates legal authorities from a variety of public sources. It is AI and human reviewed. Text processing errors can occur. Always check the information here against the official linked source.

This site is publicly available. Use for general research only. Do not submit confidential or identifiable case information.

I don't agree: show the official sources

A.W.P. v. State787 So. 2d 76 (Fla. 2d DCA 2001) · 2D97-4362

Court
2nd DCA
Decided
2001-03-07
On CourtListener
DAVIS, Judge.

A.W.P., Sr., challenges the circuit court’s order granting the Department of Children and Families’ motion for long-term non-relative placement of his son, A.W.P., Jr., termination of active protective supervision, and approval of case plan. A.W.P., Sr ., particularly challenges the portion of the order that prevents him from having any visitation or telephone contact with A.W.P., Jr.

The Department correctly concedes that A.W.P., Sr.’s rights were violated by the trial court’s failure to inform him of his right to counsel at each stage of the proceedings. § 39.013(9)(a), Fla. Stat. (1997); In re Interest of D.M., 750 So.2d 128 (Fla. 2d DCA 2000); In re Interest of S.N.D., 605 So.2d 1340 (Fla. 2d DCA 1992). Furthermore, the Department correctly concedes that A.W.P., Sr., did not waive his right, pursuant to Florida Rule of Juvenile Procedure 8.320(b)(2), to have counsel present at the hearings during which the court terminated protective services, changed the goal to long-term non-relative placement, and ordered that A.W.P., Sr., would have no visitation or telephone contact with his son.

Accordingly, we reverse and remand for a new hearing on the Department’s motion.

NORTHCUTT, A.C.J., and CAMPBELL, MONTEREY, (Senior) J., concur.

Opinion text: CourtListener, Free Law Project. Not an official reporter; check the court's version before citing.