Foster youth: disaster aid assistance.

Assembly Member Blanca Rubio's proposal to create a dedicated disaster response program for California's foster youth would establish a $2 million fund to address emergency needs during declared disasters. The Child Welfare Disaster Response Program, administered by the Department of Social Services, would provide financial assistance for housing, clothing, transportation, and other tangible needs of foster children and their caregivers within 180 days of local or state emergency declarations.

The legislation creates the Child Welfare Disaster Response Account to house program funds and authorizes county child welfare departments to apply for assistance based on eligibility criteria set by the Department of Social Services. The account may receive annual funding replenishment at the start of each fiscal year and accept private gifts, donations, and bequests subject to departmental conditions.

This measure adds to existing disaster planning requirements for county child welfare services by providing a dedicated funding source for direct assistance during emergencies. Current law requires counties to maintain disaster response plans and coordinate with state officials, while this program would create a specific mechanism to deliver material aid to foster youth and families affected by disasters.