Dependency Law Finder

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

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N.M. v. Department of Children & Families964 So. 2d 909 (Fla. 4th DCA 2007) · 4D07-783

Court
4th DCA
Decided
2007-10-03
Case
Dependency
Appellant
Mother

Affirmed in part, reversed in part Evidence supported changing the goal to permanent placement with a relative, but the order is remanded for the written findings required by section 39.6231(8).

Issues
Permanency goals other than reunification Affirmed, Written findings & sufficiency of the order Reversed & remanded
Facts
Relative or grandparent caregiver
Law cited
§ 39.6231(8)

Summary, issues, facts, outcome, and appellant were extracted automatically from the opinion. Check the opinion itself before relying on them.

On CourtListener
PER CURIAM.

The mother appeals the trial court’s order granting the Department of Children and Families’s motion to change her case plan goal from reunification to permanent placement with a fit and willing relative, and order placing the mother’s minor child permanently with a fit and willing relative.

Although a trial court’s placement determination is reviewed for abuse of discretion, it must be supported by competent and substantial evidence. See In the Interest of K.H., 320 So.2d 868, 868 (Fla. 4th DCA 1975); In the Interest of M.A., N.S. & S.S., 906 So.2d 1226, 1227 (Fla. 1st DCA 2005).

We find that there was competent substantial evidence to support permanent placement of the child with a fit and willing relative. However, we reverse and remand for the trial court to make the required written findings pursuant to section 39.6231(8), Florida Statutes (2006).

Reversed and Remanded.

STONE, STEVENSON and HAZOURI, JJ., concur.

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