Frequently Asked Questions
Caregivers, professionals, and you may find the concept of normalcy confusing. Below are some common questions and answers. If you have a question you think should be added, please let us know by contacting us.
Why is normalcy important for me to know about?
Through normalcy, connections and stability are created allowing you to obtain and maintain valuable activities and experiences in your life.
Can I own or have a cell phone?
Your caregiver will make this decision based on your maturity, ability to be responsible, and other factors. Owning a cell phone is not a right, it's a privelage.
Can I use social media?
Your caregiver will make this decision based on your maturity, ability to be responsible, and other factors. Use of online social networking sites to communicate with family and friends is a normal, everyday practice for most people in our modem society. Foster families and foster children are no exception. The department does not prohibit a foster family from posting images of their foster child on a social networking site, provided they do not disclose the child’s status as a foster child. If you choose to disclose your foster status, such disclosure is a matter of free speech which the department has no ability, desire, or right to control. The department strongly encourages any person posting a foster child’s image to an online social networking site to use privacy settings in a manner which will protect the best interests of the child. Visit this site for more information.
Can I get a job?
Your ability to work involves many factors. For example, can you get to work as scheduled, can you work and attend school successfully, and more. The decision to get a job should be made with the input of your caregiver. Child labor laws do not permit youth under 14 years old to in Florida. Children over 14 can work but not during school hours (unless other criteria is met). Children who are 14 years old can only work 15 hours per week. For specific hours that they can work visit Child Labor Laws. Children 15 to 18 can work 30 hours per week. For specific regulations, please visit Child Labor Laws.
Who can sign for my driver license permit?
The application of a youth under the age of 18 years for a driver’s license must be signed and verified before a person authorized to administer oaths by the father, mother, or guardian; for more information, visit this site. There is a new law in the works that may affect how youth get a driver license permit. The ability to learn how to drive is based on many factors which the caregiver will consider.
Can I spend the night at a friend's house?
Yes. Your caregiver shall use the reasonable and prudent parent standard in determining whether to give permission for you to participate in extracurricular, enrichment, or social activities. A caregiver is not liable for harm caused to a child who participates in an activity approved by the caregiver, provided that the caregiver has acted in accordance with the reasonable and prudent parent standard. For more information, visit here.
Can I ride with other youth or adults?
Yes. Using the reasonable and prudent parent standard, your caregiver can decide who you can ride with.