Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

Re: Children whose parents are using drugs

If your brother is being abused, abandoned OR neglected, please call the Florida Abuse line 1-800-96-ABUSE.

To answer your question, if your brother is removed from his parents' care due to abuse, neglect or abandonmnet, appropriate relatives are always preferred placements for children. Appropriate housing, job, no/little criminal hx, etc. are all things the case worker will consider.

Please ensure the safety of your brother and call or contact my office if you fear his safety and well being.

Re: Children whose parents are using drugs

DCF gets to choose who your brother will stay with, and they often make the most illogical, even dangerous, choices. You would be eligible to take him, but if he gets taken by DCF, you'll want to hire a lawyer so that your chances of getting your brother are increased.

You should also know that DCF's goal will be to keep your brother with the parents, and they will probably place your brother back with the parents, probably asking the parents to take some drug and alcohol and parenting classes.