What is a Judicial Review?

• A court hearing required by law held every five to six months to assess progress, identify unmet needs, and ensure efforts are being made to further the permanency goal
• Provides the parties and participants an opportunity to have their voice heard
• Determines how the child is doing by reviewing the Judicial Review Social Study Report (“JRSSR”), and supporting documents, as well as, by gathering additional information from case managers, parents, therapists, foster parents, relatives, non-relatives, and other persons at the hearing

What is the Citizen Review Panel (“CRP”) Program?

• A CRP thoroughly reviews the court file and asks questions of parties and participants who partake in the hearing to gather and assess relevant information relating to the needs of the child and the family
• CRP provides the court with their findings and recommended orders regarding specific action that is essential to advance the permanency goal, and ensure the child’s safety and well-being
• Judicial Reviews are referred to the CRP at the discretion of the judge
• CRPs are authorized by Florida law to conduct Judicial Review Hearings and administered by Florida Foster Care Review (“FFCR”), a non-profit organization
• Each panel is comprised of five to six trained volunteers and FFCR has 12-15 panels that meet monthly

Why is it important for you to appear at Judicial Reviews?

• Your voice matters! Any person that is involved in the child’s life may have relevant information about varying aspects of their life
• The information you provide is critical to ensure the most appropriate recommendations are made
• You will have an opportunity to raise any concerns or questions you may have regarding current matters

How do you know when the Judicial Review will be heard?

• The Clerk’s Office provides notice stating the date, time, and location of the hearing to certain parties and participants
• If the notice refers to “Citizen Review Panel,” “CRP,” or “D006,” the Judicial Review is before the Citizen Review Panel (CRP)
• When in doubt, ask the assigned dependency case manager, when and where the next Judicial Review hearing will be held

How can you participate in the Judicial Review before the CRP?

• Participate via secure conference video call
• Dial-in to appear by phone

What are some examples of topics the panel might ask about during the hearing?

• The child’s well-being
• Parents’ progress with case plan tasks
• Progress in school/daycare
• Updates on therapy and other mental health services
• Status of well-child exams and dentist visits
• The child’s permanency plan
• Details on visitation with the parents, siblings, or other family members
• And more…!

Who do you call if you have any questions the day of the JR hearing before the CRP?

• If the Judicial Review is before the CRP call our CRP Program and Volunteer Coordinator, Charlet Pouchie, at (305) 684-6553.