(1) Funding: Child-placing agencies beginning operation shall have the capital necessary for a six (6) month period of operation.
    (2) Budget: The child-placing agency shall prepare a written budget annually.
    (3) Audit: The child-placing agency shall have its financial records audited annually. A report of this audit shall be available to the Department at the licensed location during normal business hours.
    (4) Fees and Costs.
    (a) If fees for adoption and foster care services are charged, the child-placing agency shall have a fee schedule disclosing all fees for services in a written policy which describes the conditions under which fees are charged, waived, or refunded, if applicable. A copy of the fee schedule, including any updates, shall be filed with the Department. This schedule shall clearly list the specific services covered by each fee. This fee schedule shall be given to all persons applying for adoption services at the time the application is made. A fee agreement and any modifications to it shall be executed with each applicant. The fee agreement shall list the fees charged and the services to be provided, including provisions for payment.
    (b) Adoption fees shall be established based on the costs of the following services for the total adoption program:
    1. Medical services for the child and the birth mother,
    2. Legal services,
    3. Counseling services,
    4. Homestudy services,
    5. Living expense for the birth mother,
    6. Foster care services,
    7. Pre- and post-placement social services,
    8. Contracted services, if applicable,
    9. Other necessary services; and,
    10. Agency facilities and administrative costs.
    (c) The agency’s up-to-date fee schedule shall be reviewed by the Department annually to ensure that the schedule is in compliance with Florida Statutes § 63.097, for adoption related services.
    (5) Where payments are made to foster parents:
    (a) The child-placing agency shall have a written payment schedule and statement on payment procedures; and,
    (b) The child-placing agency shall provide foster parents with written notification of changes in the schedule at least 30 calendar days prior to the change.
    (6) The child-placing agency shall not require or coerce applicants, adoptive parents or their representatives to provide gratuities, such as money or other things of value or services, beyond the established fee.
Rulemaking Authority 409.175 FS. Law Implemented Florida Statutes § 409.175. History-New 12-19-90, Formerly 10M-24.019, Amended 11-14-16.