Child welfare services: domestic violence consultant pilot program.

Assembly Member Lackey's proposal to integrate domestic violence expertise into child welfare services would allow California counties to establish three-year pilot programs pairing social workers with specialized consultants from victim service organizations. These partnerships aim to address cases involving both domestic violence and child maltreatment.

Under the pilot program, domestic violence consultants would provide education to county social workers on violence-related dynamics while offering guidance on protective measures such as safety plans and restraining orders. The consultants would help social workers navigate complex factors including substance use and homelessness, while facilitating access to shelters and therapeutic services for affected families. The program also enables consultants to assist with law enforcement coordination when domestic violence is reported.

Counties implementing the pilot must conduct comprehensive evaluations examining the outcomes of protective interventions, resource referrals, and law enforcement responses. The State Department of Social Services and stakeholders, including individuals with lived experience of domestic violence and child welfare involvement, would provide input on evaluation design. Counties must submit findings to the Legislature by October 2031, with the program authorization expiring January 1, 2032.