Child welfare services: domestic violence consultant pilot program.

Assembly Member Lackey's proposal to integrate domestic violence expertise into child welfare services would establish a five-year pilot program allowing county agencies to partner with specialized consultants when handling cases involving both domestic violence and child maltreatment. Under the program, qualified domestic violence counselors from victim service organizations would provide guidance to county social workers, offering education on domestic violence dynamics, discussing protective measures, and navigating law enforcement responses.

The consultants would assist social workers in addressing complex family situations by examining factors such as children witnessing violence, homelessness, and substance use. They would also advise on implementing safety plans and restraining orders while helping families access shelters, therapy, and other support services. The program aims to enhance social workers' capacity to develop tailored intervention strategies for parent survivors and their children.

Counties participating in the pilot program would need to conduct comprehensive evaluations examining the outcomes of protective measures, resource utilization, and law enforcement interactions. These evaluations, incorporating input from the State Department of Social Services and stakeholders with lived experience, would be submitted to the Legislature by October 31, 2031. The program would sunset on January 1, 2032, allowing the Legislature to assess its effectiveness before considering permanent implementation.