Transitional housing placement providers.

Assembly Member Ahrens proposes modifications to California's transitional housing placement regulations, establishing participant-led decision-making processes for bedroom and unit sharing arrangements in foster care facilities. The legislation amends existing requirements for transitional housing providers serving foster youth aged 16-18 and nonminor dependents.

Under the new provisions, counties and program contracts must ensure that decisions about sharing bedrooms, bathrooms, and units are initiated by program participants and developed collaboratively with providers and county partners. The bill maintains current allowances for participants to share spaces with siblings, coparents, other program participants, and approved non-participants, while prohibiting counties from imposing additional restrictions beyond state requirements.

The measure includes administrative provisions addressing potential cost increases for local agencies, stipulating that implementation depends on state funding for any new expenses. Counties retain responsibility for program certification and oversight, with the State Department of Social Services authorized to implement changes through administrative guidance pending formal regulation adoption.