Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course Providers
NOTE: The amended Rules 65C-32.001-.008, F.A.C., Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course, have been adopted and became effective on April 17, 2016.
Become a Provider
Thank you for your interest on how to become a provider of the Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course in the State of Florida. The Department is responsible for approving the providers, instructors, and course curriculum as required under Chapter 61.21, F.S.
Florida Administrative Rule 65C-32 outlines the items you will need to include in your application packet. Please review the Administrative Rule carefully for required components, education requirements, as well as the responsibilities of the Department and the provider.
Please use the Provider Application Readiness Checklist to prepare your application packet. Once, your application is complete, please email your digital packet to the address below. Allow 30-working days for the review process. If your packet is approved, you will receive an approval letter from the Office of Child Welfare. If it is not approved, we will notify you by email.
Current Providers Compliance Approval Process
Current approved parenting courses must provide proof of compliance with Rules 65C-32.003 through 65C-32.005, F.A.C., within six (6) months of the effective date of these rules. Failure to provide proof of compliance within six (6) months of the effective date of these rules shall result in revocation of course approval. Proof of compliance must be submitted by October 17, 2016.
- Providers shall submit to the Department an updated formal course guidebook or updated attachments when any information provided to the Department for initial approval changes
- The Department shall notify the provider via letter or email within 5 business days of receipt of the application packet
- The Department shall review the packet within 30 business days of notification to the applicant
- After a review of the packet, the Department shall notify the applicant whether the course is approved or whether additional information is needed
- The applicant shall have 90 calendar days to provide the additional information
- If additional information is provided within 90 days, the Department shall make a final determination on approval of the course. If additional information is not provided within 90 days, the Department shall return the application packet with a letter indicating that the course is not approved
- The Department shall approve all applications that meet the criteria set forth in Section 61.21(2), F.S., and Rule 65C-32
Updates to Approved Courses
- If an approval parenting course makes updates to the formal course guidebook or to the attachments, the provider shall submit the updated to the Department within 7 days of the change
- Parenting course approval are valid for 3 years, at which point the providers shall submit to the Department required components for re-approval
Complaints Courses
All complaints shall be in writing to the Department and shall include in the following information:
- Date of the alleged violation of Section 61.21, FS., or the rules
- Name of parenting course
- Name of the provider or lead instructor of the course
- Basis and content of the complaint
The Department shall handle the complaints of non-compliance in the following manner:
- The Department shall review the rule and designate the rule violation(s) as specified in the complaint
- The Department shall notify the provider of the specified alleged rule violation(s) within 5 business days of receipt of the complaint
- The provider shall have the opportunity to respond to the alleged rule violation(s) within 15 business days of the receipt of notice of the alleged rule violation
- The Department shall determine the validity of the alleged rule violation(s) 45 calendar days if receipt of the provider’s response to the complaint
- A letter of non-compliance shall be issued to the provider of the course if the complaint is founded
- The provider shall have 60 calendar days after the receipt of the “letter of non-compliance” to come into compliance
- Prior to the final action of denying, or revoking approval of a course, the provider shall have the opportunity to request either a formal or informal administrative hearing to show cause as to why the action should not be taken
Revocation of Course Approval
The following shall subject a parenting course to revocation of approval-
- A verified finding that course approval or certification was obtained by fraudulent mean such as providing documentation for approval which was based on false documentation
- A verified finding that course has been altered in any manner, such as course contents or change of course materials, that is contrary to course requirements
- Providing mental health therapy to participants
- Providing individual legal advice to participants
- Solicitation of participants from the sessions to become private clients or patients
- The use of the Department past or present logo
- Failure to comply with Rule 65C-32
Contact the Department
For questions and concerns or to report corrections and updates, please see the contact information below.
- Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course Coordinator
Al Papa
1400 West Commercial Blvd.
Suite 260-S
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
@email