This rule governs the process by which commitment orders and required documentation are submitted to the Florida Department of Children and Families for forensic clients committed under Chapter 916, F.S. It establishes procedures for routing commitment packages for both mentally ill and developmentally disabled forensic clients, sets timelines for bed assignment, and specifies admission hours at state forensic facilities. Facility operators must ensure complete documentation accompanies commitment orders and must arrange transportation upon notification of bed availability.
View official source65E-20.011 Receipt of Commitment Orders and Required Documentation. (1) Commitment orders pertaining to any person committed to the Department of Children and Families pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 916, F.S., shall be sent to the Department of Children and Families for review and determination of an appropriate facility placement for the client. The order shall be accompanied by documentation specified in Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure 3.212 and 3.217. The complete commitment package shall be sent to one of the following addresses: For mentally ill forensic clients, the perferred method is to send via email to DCF.Adult.Forensic.Admissions@myflfamilies.com. Alternatively, packets can be mailed to: Forensic Admission Coordinator, Department of Children and Families/SAMH 1317 Winewood Boulevard, Building 6 Tallahassee, FL 32399-0700 (850)487-3471 For developmentally disabled forensic clients, the preferred method is to send via email to APD.Forensic.Admissions@apdcares.org. Alternatively, packets can be mailed to: APD Forensic Admissions 4030 Esplanade Way Tallahassee, FL 32399-0950 (850)414-7592 Upon receipt of each commitment package the Department shall review the package for completeness. (a) If complete, the date of receipt shall be recorded. The statutory 15 day period set forth in Section 916.107(1)(a), F.S., will commence on this day. (b) If the package is incomplete, the appropriate authority will be notified of the missing items and advised that the official date of receipt of the commitment package will be delayed until all missing items are received. (2) Clients are scheduled for admission based on date of receipt of complete commitment package. Upon notification by the Department of the availability of a bed and date of assignment, the committing county will be responsible for arranging transportation. (3) Admissions at state forensic facilities are accepted Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m., and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. No weekend or holiday admissions are accepted. (4) Assignment of a forensic client for admission to a civil mental health treatment facility shall be done according to procedures established by the Department. Prior to the assignment to a civil facility, that facility must be contacted and approval obtained. A forensic client who is dangerous or is a serious escape risk shall not be assigned to a civil facility. Rulemaking Authority 916.1093(2) FS. Law Implemented 916.107 FS. History–New 9-29-86, Amended 7-1-96, Formerly 10E-20.011, Amended 11-29-12, 1-5-21.