The California Senate Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review has introduced comprehensive legislation that transforms key aspects of the state's child welfare and public assistance systems. The bill implements standardized assessments for foster care placements, establishes new funding structures based on children's needs, and revises mandated reporting requirements to address systemic inequities.
Beginning January 2026, placing agencies must use the Integrated Practice-Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (IP-CANS) assessment tool to evaluate children and nonminor dependents in foster care. These assessments will determine placement into a new three-tiered rate structure that aligns funding with assessed needs. The system includes base rates ranging from $1,788 to $6,296 monthly, plus additional allocations for immediate needs and strengths-building activities.
The legislation creates a Mandated Reporting Advisory Committee to guide reforms aimed at reducing disproportionate impacts on Black, Indigenous and Latino families. By July 2027, the State Office of Child Abuse Prevention must develop standardized training for mandated reporters that addresses implicit bias, trauma-informed practices, and appropriate use of community resources as alternatives to formal reports.
The bill also modifies CalWORKs welfare-to-work requirements, making job search activities optional and expanding the range of qualifying activities to include barrier removal services. New protections prevent sanctions during participants' first 90 days of eligibility and require verification of childcare availability before imposing penalties.
Additional provisions extend funding for homelessness prevention programs by eliminating local matching requirements and establish housing supplements for nonminor dependents in supervised independent living placements. The legislation appropriates $100,000 in federal funds for implementation and takes effect immediately as a budget-related measure.
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The California Senate Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review has introduced comprehensive legislation that transforms key aspects of the state's child welfare and public assistance systems. The bill implements standardized assessments for foster care placements, establishes new funding structures based on children's needs, and revises mandated reporting requirements to address systemic inequities.
Beginning January 2026, placing agencies must use the Integrated Practice-Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (IP-CANS) assessment tool to evaluate children and nonminor dependents in foster care. These assessments will determine placement into a new three-tiered rate structure that aligns funding with assessed needs. The system includes base rates ranging from $1,788 to $6,296 monthly, plus additional allocations for immediate needs and strengths-building activities.
The legislation creates a Mandated Reporting Advisory Committee to guide reforms aimed at reducing disproportionate impacts on Black, Indigenous and Latino families. By July 2027, the State Office of Child Abuse Prevention must develop standardized training for mandated reporters that addresses implicit bias, trauma-informed practices, and appropriate use of community resources as alternatives to formal reports.
The bill also modifies CalWORKs welfare-to-work requirements, making job search activities optional and expanding the range of qualifying activities to include barrier removal services. New protections prevent sanctions during participants' first 90 days of eligibility and require verification of childcare availability before imposing penalties.
Additional provisions extend funding for homelessness prevention programs by eliminating local matching requirements and establish housing supplements for nonminor dependents in supervised independent living placements. The legislation appropriates $100,000 in federal funds for implementation and takes effect immediately as a budget-related measure.
| Ayes | Noes | NVR | Total | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | 9 | 3 | 40 | PASS |
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