Public social services trailer bill.
- Requires development of standardized training for mandated reporters by July 2027 to reduce reporting bias and disparities.
- Establishes a tiered rate structure for foster care funding based on child needs assessments starting July 2027.
- Eliminates matching fund requirements for housing assistance programs supporting families at risk of child welfare involvement.
- Creates an advisory committee to transform mandated reporting into a community support model focused on preventing foster care entry.
The California Assembly Committee on Budget has introduced comprehensive reforms to the state's child welfare system, focusing on mandated reporting requirements, foster care funding, and prevention services. The legislation aims to reduce systemic biases while strengthening support for vulnerable children and families.
The bill revises mandated reporter requirements by excluding staff of adult-only care facilities and establishing a standardized training curriculum to be developed by July 2027. This curriculum will address historical inequities and disproportionate impacts on Black, Indigenous and Latino families. Employers must encourage mandated reporters to complete the training within three months of hiring or by March 2030.
A new Tiered Rate Structure for foster care will be implemented starting January 2026, with funding allocated based on assessments using the Integrated Practice-Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths tool. County agencies must complete these assessments within 60 days of placement, or 30 days for Indian children, to determine appropriate support levels. The structure includes escalating monthly rates across three tiers, ranging from $1,788 to $6,296.
The legislation permanently eliminates matching fund requirements for key housing support programs, including Home Safe and Bringing Families Home. It also extends indefinitely the waiver of reimbursement requirements for the Housing and Disability Income Advocacy Program. These changes aim to reduce financial barriers for counties and tribes providing critical services.
To improve CalFresh participation, the Department of Social Services must develop methods by July 2026 to identify eligible non-participants and create targeted outreach strategies. The department will also establish an executive-level position focused on maximizing program enrollment among qualified Californians.
The reforms emphasize cultural responsiveness and tribal engagement, requiring consultation with tribes on prevention services and ensuring specialized knowledge of Indian child welfare requirements among service providers. New documentation requirements for child and family team meetings will enhance transparency in court proceedings and case planning.
 Anna CaballeroD Senator | Floor Vote |  Not Contacted | |
 Roger NielloR Senator | Floor Vote | Not Contacted | |
 Tony StricklandR Senator | Floor Vote | Not Contacted | |
 Shannon GroveR Senator | Floor Vote | Not Contacted | |
 Brian JonesR Senator | Floor Vote | Not Contacted |
- Requires development of standardized training for mandated reporters by July 2027 to reduce reporting bias and disparities.
- Establishes a tiered rate structure for foster care funding based on child needs assessments starting July 2027.
- Eliminates matching fund requirements for housing assistance programs supporting families at risk of child welfare involvement.
- Creates an advisory committee to transform mandated reporting into a community support model focused on preventing foster care entry.
Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.
The California Assembly Committee on Budget has introduced comprehensive reforms to the state's child welfare system, focusing on mandated reporting requirements, foster care funding, and prevention services. The legislation aims to reduce systemic biases while strengthening support for vulnerable children and families.
The bill revises mandated reporter requirements by excluding staff of adult-only care facilities and establishing a standardized training curriculum to be developed by July 2027. This curriculum will address historical inequities and disproportionate impacts on Black, Indigenous and Latino families. Employers must encourage mandated reporters to complete the training within three months of hiring or by March 2030.
A new Tiered Rate Structure for foster care will be implemented starting January 2026, with funding allocated based on assessments using the Integrated Practice-Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths tool. County agencies must complete these assessments within 60 days of placement, or 30 days for Indian children, to determine appropriate support levels. The structure includes escalating monthly rates across three tiers, ranging from $1,788 to $6,296.
The legislation permanently eliminates matching fund requirements for key housing support programs, including Home Safe and Bringing Families Home. It also extends indefinitely the waiver of reimbursement requirements for the Housing and Disability Income Advocacy Program. These changes aim to reduce financial barriers for counties and tribes providing critical services.
To improve CalFresh participation, the Department of Social Services must develop methods by July 2026 to identify eligible non-participants and create targeted outreach strategies. The department will also establish an executive-level position focused on maximizing program enrollment among qualified Californians.
The reforms emphasize cultural responsiveness and tribal engagement, requiring consultation with tribes on prevention services and ensuring specialized knowledge of Indian child welfare requirements among service providers. New documentation requirements for child and family team meetings will enhance transparency in court proceedings and case planning.
Latest Voting History
| Ayes | Noes | NVR | Total | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 5 | 0 | 18 | PASS |
Anna CaballeroD Senator | Floor Vote | Not Contacted | |
Roger NielloR Senator | Floor Vote | Not Contacted | |
Tony StricklandR Senator | Floor Vote | Not Contacted | |
Shannon GroveR Senator | Floor Vote | Not Contacted | |
Brian JonesR Senator | Floor Vote | Not Contacted |