T.B. v. Department of Children & Families

The father appeals from an order modifying permanency. The order was entered at a hearing in his absence. We reach only one issue and reverse.

The parents consented to a finding of dependency, and the trial court set a case plan for reunification. The parents substantially complied with the case plan, the trial court reunified as to both parents, and set a hearing for six months later as required by section 39.701(1)(b), Florida Statutes (2016). Shortly after reunification, but before the hearing, the father was arrested for burglary and larceny.

At the judicial review hearing, the trial court…