(a) The Division shall encourage visits by parents or guardians and responsible relatives of juveniles committed to the custody of the Division.

(b) The Division shall develop a program of home visits for juveniles in the custody of the Division. The visits shall begin after the juvenile has been in the custody of the Division for a period of at least six months. In developing the program, the Division shall adopt criteria that promote the protection of the public and the best interests of the juvenile. (1998-202, ss. 1(b), (2)c; 2000-137, s. 1(b); 2011-145, s. 19.1(l), (t); 2017-186, s. 1(t4); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(aa).)