Cleveland v. Florida Department of Children & Families District: 07 Seminole Unit 55205

This is an administrative appeal from an order of the appellee, Department of Children and Families (DCF or department), denying appellant Sallie Cleveland’s application for relative-caregiver (RC) benefits as a long-term permanent custodian of her three minor grandchildren. Because we conclude the denial of the application was based on an erroneous interpretation of law, we reverse the order of denial and remand the case to the agency with directions.

In April 1994, the juvenile court determined that Mrs. Cleveland’s three grandchildren were dependent by reason of their neglect, abuse or…