reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 3 - Child Welfare Training › ARTICLE 3 - Child Welfare Training Advisory Board › Section 16210.

16210. (a) The department shall establish a Child Welfare Training Advisory Board to oversee training programs as specified by this chapter.
(b) The advisory board shall be composed of nine members, consisting of representatives from child welfare, legal, judicial, and medical disciplines, and representatives from the public sector, who shall advise the director on the development of training programs and materials and other matters as deemed appropriate by the executive director. The board shall be appointed by the Director of Social Services. The advisory board members shall have demonstrated expertise in areas including, but not limited to, sexual, physical, and emotional abuse of children; infant abuse; adolescent abuse; treatment of physically abused, sexually abused, or emotionally abused minors; and special needs of infants and minors.
(Added by Stats. 1987, Ch. 1310, Sec. 1.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 3 - Child Welfare Training › ARTICLE 4 - Funding › Section 16215.

16215. The appropriation in support of the Child Welfare Training Program shall be provided annually through the Budget Act.
(Added by Stats. 1987, Ch. 1310, Sec. 1.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 5 - State Child Welfare Services › Section 16500.

16500. The state, through the department and county welfare departments, shall establish and support a public system of statewide child welfare services to be developed as rapidly as possible and to be available in each county of the state. All counties shall establish and maintain specialized organizational entities within the county welfare department which shall have sole responsibility for the operation of the child welfare services program.
The Legislature hereby declares its intent, in providing for this statewide system of child welfare services, that all children are entitled to be safe and free from abuse and neglect.
(Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 1084, Sec. 10. Effective January 1, 1997.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 5 - State Child Welfare Services › Section 16500.51.

16500.51. (a) In addition to participation in the program provided for under Section 16500.5, Solano and Alameda Counties may, on a two-year project basis, and subject to the election of the board of supervisors of each county to participate, expand the program provided for in Section 16500.5 to also provide those family preservation services to:
(1) Children who have been adjudged wards of the court pursuant to Sections 601 and 602.
(2) Families of children subject to Section 726 and 727.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the expanded programs authorized under this section shall be subject to all of the provisions of Section 16500.5 and shall be administered in accordance with Section 16500.5.
(c) The county probation department, through an interagency agreement with the county welfare department, may refer cases to the county welfare department for the provision of services under this subdivision.
(d) The county shall ensure that the proportion of funds used for family preservation services for families and children needing these services pursuant to Sections 300, 330, 361, and 364 shall be no less than the proportion of those children in the county’s foster care population.
(e) A dependent minor or ward of the court removed from the home pursuant to Section 726 may also be returned to his or her home with appropriate interagency family preservation services as provided in subdivision (c) of Section 16500.5.
(f) This participation is subject to the provisions of Section 16500.5.
(Amended (as added by Stats. 1990, Ch. 1120, Sec. 4) by Stats. 2012, Ch. 35, Sec. 121. (SB 1013) Effective June 27, 2012.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 5 - State Child Welfare Services › Section 16500.55.

16500.55. Any county that participates in the program pursuant to this section on or after the effective date of the act which amends this section in the 1991 calendar year shall provide services to children who have been adjudged wards of the court pursuant to Sections 601 and 602 only to the extent approved by the department.
(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 35, Sec. 123. (SB 1013) Effective June 27, 2012.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 5 - State Child Welfare Services › Section 16500.65.

16500.65. (a) In addition to the three programs authorized under Section 16500.5, Contra Costa County may implement a family preservation and reunification program. The program shall be administered in accordance with Section 16500.5, and shall be subject to all of the provisions of that section.
(b) The family preservation program authorized by this section may serve all of the following:
(1) Families receiving those services pursuant to Sections 300, 330, 361, and 364.
(2) Children who have been adjudged wards of the court pursuant to Sections 601 and 602.
(3) Families of children subject to Sections 726 and 727.
(c) The county probation department may, through an interagency agreement with the county welfare department, refer cases to the county welfare department for the direct provision of services under this subdivision.
(d) The county shall ensure that the proportion of funds used for family preservation services for families and children needing those services pursuant to Sections 300, 330, 361, and 364 shall be no less than the proportion of those children in the county’s foster care program.
(e) The project authorized by this subdivision shall be deemed successful if the following criteria have been met:
(1) At least 75 percent of the children who are not placed in out-of-home care and who receive project services remain in their home for at least six months after the termination of family preservation services.
(2) Two years after the termination of family preservation services, the average length of out-of-home stay of children selected to receive services under this section who, at the time of selection, are in out-of-home care, is 50 percent less than the average length of stay in out-of-home care for children in out-of-home care who do not receive demonstration project services pursuant to this section.
(3) Two years after project services are terminated, at least 60 percent of the children who were returned home with project services remain at home.
(f) (1) The participating county shall submit, to the department and to the appropriate committees of the Legislature, a preliminary report upon the conclusion of the demonstration project, and a final report six months after the conclusion of the project.
(2) The participating county shall, in the reports required by paragraph (1), demonstrate the extent the project met the criteria for determining the success of the project specified in subdivision (e).
(g) A dependent minor or ward of the court removed from the home pursuant to Section 726 may also be returned to his or her home with appropriate interagency family preservation services as provided in subdivision (c) of Section 16500.5.
(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 35, Sec. 124. (SB 1013) Effective June 27, 2012.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 5 - State Child Welfare Services › Section 16500.8.

16500.8. (a) The department shall, in consultation with counties, seek additional federal revenues to finance the family preservation activities described in Section 16500.7. Those revenue sources shall include, but need not be limited to, all of the following:
(1) Title IV-A of the federal Social Security Act, contained in Part A (commencing with Section 601) of Subchapter 4 of Chapter 7 of Title 42 of the United States Code.
(2) Title IV-E of the federal Social Security Act contained in Part E (commencing with Section 670) of Subchapter 4 of Chapter 7 of Title 42 of the United States Code.
(3) Title IV-B of the federal Social Security Act contained in Part B (commencing with Section 620) of Subchapter 4 of Chapter 7 of Title 42 of the United States Code.
(4) Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act, contained in Subchapter 19 (commencing with Section 1396) of Chapter 7 of Title 42 of the United States Code.
(b) It is the intent of the Legislature that any additional funds received pursuant to this section shall supplement, and not supplant, existing funding for family preservation services.
(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 35, Sec. 125. (SB 1013) Effective June 27, 2012.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 5 - State Child Welfare Services › Section 16500.9.

16500.9. The department shall establish one full-time position, within the office of the director, to assist counties in complying with the federal Indian Child Welfare Act (25 U.S.C. Sec. 1901 et seq.) and related state laws, regulations, and rules of court. This assistance shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(a) Acting as a clearinghouse for up-to-date information regarding tribes within and outside of the state.
(b) Providing information and support regarding the requirements of laws, regulations, and rules of court in juvenile dependency cases involving a child who is subject to the federal Indian Child Welfare Act.
(c) Providing or coordinating training and technical assistance for counties regarding the requirements described in subdivision (b).
(Added by Stats. 2005, Ch. 78, Sec. 35. Effective July 19, 2005.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 5 - State Child Welfare Services › Section 16501.02.

16501.02. (a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply:
(1) “Alternative care” means care and supervision of more than 24 consecutive hours, but no more than 72 consecutive hours unless the foster child’s social worker or probation officer provides prior approval.
(2) “Alternative caregiver” means a person who is at least 18 years of age and provides alternative care for a foster child in either his or her home or the home of the caregiver.
(3) “Caregiver” means any licensed or certified foster parent, approved relative caregiver, or approved nonrelative extended family member, or approved resource family.
(4) “Reasonable and prudent parent” or “reasonable and prudent parent standard” has the same meaning as set forth in subdivision (c) of Section 362.05.
(b) A caregiver may arrange for occasional alternative care of his or her foster child and allow an alternative caregiver to provide care and supervision to the foster child, unless prohibited by the foster child’s social worker or probation officer or court order.
(c) A caregiver shall use a reasonable and prudent parent standard in determining and selecting an appropriate alternative caregiver.
(d) A caregiver shall endeavor to provide an alternative caregiver with all of the following information before leaving the foster child for purposes of alternative care:
(1) Information about the foster child’s emotional, behavioral, medical, or physical conditions, if any, necessary to provide care for the foster child during the time the foster child is being supervised by the alternative caregiver.
(2) Any medication that should be administered to the foster child during the time the foster child is being supervised by the alternative caregiver.
(3) Emergency contact information that is valid during the time the foster child is being supervised by the alternative caregiver.
(Added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 910, Sec. 43. (AB 1930) Effective January 1, 2019.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 5 - State Child Welfare Services › Section 16501.15.

16501.15. As used in subdivisions (b) and (c) of Section 16501.1, a home or setting that is “safe” means that the home or setting is free from abuse or neglect, as described in Section 11165.5 of the Penal Code.
(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 847, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 2004.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 5 - State Child Welfare Services › Section 16501.16.

16501.16. In addition to the assurances required to be included in a case plan pursuant to paragraph (8) of subdivision (g) of Section 16501.1, a case plan shall include all of the following:
(a) (1) The health and education summary as required under Section 16010, including the name and contact information of the person or persons currently holding the right to make educational decisions for the child.
(2) In instances where it is determined that disclosure pursuant to paragraph (1) of the contact information of the person or persons currently holding the right to make educational decisions for the child poses a threat to the health and safety of that individual or those individuals, that contact information shall be redacted or withheld from the evaluation.
(b) The same factual discussion regarding educational decisions required in the study under subdivision (e) of Section 358.1.
(c) An assurance that the placement agency provided the health and education summary to the current caregiver, explained to the caregiver his or her rights and responsibilities under Sections 49069.3 and 56055 of the Education Code and Section 16010 of this code, and assisted any caregiver in obtaining the information needed for the health and education summary to comply with Section 16010.
(Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 829, Sec. 11. (SB 233) Effective January 1, 2018.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 5 - State Child Welfare Services › Section 16501.27.

16501.27. (a) For purposes of Section 16501.26, a person who wishes to become an identified responsible adult to a nonminor dependent parent shall comply with all of the following requirements:
(1) Meet the minimum criteria established pursuant to Section 16501.28.
(2) Be at least 21 years of age.
(3) Undergo a criminal records check in accordance with Section 1522 of the Health and Safety Code.
(4) Undergo a Child Abuse Central Index check pursuant to Section 11170 of the Penal Code.
(b) An identification card from a foreign consulate or foreign passport shall be considered a valid form of identification for purposes of conducting a criminal records check and fingerprint clearance check pursuant to subdivision (a).
(c) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2015.
(Added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 770, Sec. 4. (AB 2668) Effective January 1, 2015. Section operative July 1, 2015, by its own provisions.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 5 - State Child Welfare Services › Section 16501.28.

16501.28. Notwithstanding the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code), the department shall convene a working group no later than February 1, 2015, that includes representatives of the County Welfare Directors Association and child welfare advocates to develop an all-county letter that specifies the minimum criteria a person must meet in order to serve as an identified responsible adult to a nonminor dependent parent. The working group shall issue the letter to all counties by June 30, 2015.
(Added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 770, Sec. 5. (AB 2668) Effective January 1, 2015.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 5 - State Child Welfare Services › Section 16501.45.

16501.45. (a) To ensure compliance with federal reporting requirements, including those of Public Law 113-183, the Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act, the State Department of Social Services shall ensure that the statewide child welfare information system is capable of collecting all of the following information:
(1) The number of dependent children or wards in foster care who were victims of commercial sexual exploitation before entering foster care.
(2) The number of dependent children or wards in foster care who became victims of commercial sexual exploitation while in foster care.
(3) The number of dependent children or wards in foster care who go missing, run away, or are otherwise absent from care and were commercially sexually exploited during the time away from placement.
(4) The number of dependent children or wards in foster care who are at risk of becoming victims of commercial sexual exploitation.
(5) For children in foster care placed in group homes or short-term residential treatment centers, the data identified in Section 679b(a)(7)(A) of Title 42 of the United States Code.
(6) Data regarding children and nonminor dependents in foster care who are pregnant or parenting, as required by Section 679b(a)(7)(B) of Title 42 of the United States Code.
(b) County social workers and probation officers shall collect the data identified in subdivision (a) consistent with data entry instructions provided by the department.
(c) Upon the request of the department, a county child welfare agency, county probation department, or entity operating a program pursuant to an agreement with the department under Section 10553.1, shall provide additional information or data necessary for the department to comply with federal reporting requirements.
(Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 50, Sec. 72. (SB 187) Effective June 30, 2022.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 5 - State Child Welfare Services › Section 16501.6.

16501.6. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature for the State Department of Social Services to enhance the statewide child welfare information system to include information concerning the level of care required, educational accomplishments, and health history of children placed in foster care. If appropriate, this enhancement could be made after the system is operational statewide as required in Section 16501.5.
(b) The department shall conduct a study to examine the most efficient methods of collecting and maintaining all of the following data for each child in foster care:
(1) The names and addresses of the child’s health and educational providers.
(2) The child’s grade level performance.
(3) The child’s school record.
(4) Assurances that the child’s placement in foster care takes into account proximity to the school in which the child is enrolled at the time of placement.
(5) A record of the child’s immunizations.
(6) The child’s known medical problems.
(7) The child’s medications.
(8) Any other relevant level of care, health, and education information concerning the child as determined appropriate by the department.
(c) In conducting its study, the department shall, as required, examine county health passport systems for possible replication on a statewide basis and consult with other state departments, county associations, and provider groups.
(d) By February 15, 1992, the department shall submit a report to the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the Legislature on the results of its study. The department shall include the following in its report:
(1) Recommendations for coordinating data collection among local child health and disability prevention programs, other health care providers, county welfare departments, schools, and other agencies providing services for foster children.
(2) Recommendations for the interfacing with any alternative system recommended pursuant to paragraph (1) with the mental health assessment required by Section 5407, and with other requirements of law.
(e) The report required by subdivision (d) shall address the feasibility, timeframe, and estimated costs of doing either of the following:
(1) Incorporating the data specified in subdivision (b) in the statewide child welfare information system.
(2) Implementing an alternative system that is more appropriate for the collection and maintenance of the data specified in subdivision (b).
(Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 50, Sec. 74. (SB 187) Effective June 30, 2022.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 5 - State Child Welfare Services › Section 16501.7.

16501.7. (a) On or before December 1, 2005, the State Department of Social Services shall develop, and provide to the Chairperson of the Joint Legislative Budget Committee, a Child Welfare Services/Case Management System system performance commitments plan. The plan shall be developed in conjunction with the Office of Technology and Solutions Integration, the Office of Technology Services, and the County Welfare Directors Association.
(b) (1) The plan developed as required by subdivision (a) shall include, but not be limited to, performance standards for system availability, application transaction time, batch processing windows, data downloads, a process for the identification, tracking, and response of repair service requests, data backup and recovery, help desk responsiveness, and a process for security incidents.
(2) The plan may include print time.
(3) The plan shall describe all of the following:
(A) The mechanism for tracking system performance.
(B) Corrective action protocols.
(C) The steps that will be taken should performance fall below standards for a specified period of time.
(c) It is the intent of the Legislature that the plan developed pursuant to this section shall do all of the following:
(1) Appropriately assign responsibility for ensuring service levels to the entity accountable.
(2) Prioritize implementation of components of the plan.
(3) Address implementation feasibility of the plan’s components, including any issues regarding plan implementation that need to be addressed.
(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 43, Sec. 72. (AB 120) Effective July 10, 2023.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 5 - State Child Welfare Services › Section 16501.8.

16501.8. Social workers shall make reasonable efforts to collect and update necessary data regarding a child’s incarcerated parent or parents.
The Legislature encourages the Department of Justice, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, county welfare departments, and county sheriffs to develop protocols for facilitating the exchange of information regarding the location and sentencing of the incarcerated parent or parents of a minor child who is in dependency care.
Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to require the department to create a new field in the statewide database for incorporating the information specified in this section.
(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 35, Sec. 129. (SB 1013) Effective June 27, 2012.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 5 - State Child Welfare Services › Section 16501.95.

16501.95. (a) The State Department of Social Services shall determine which entities meet the definition of a “child welfare contributing agency,” as defined in Section 1355.51 of Title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
(b) The department shall develop and issue written directives for child welfare contributing agencies to submit data to the applicable statewide child welfare information system. These directives shall address all of the following:
(1) Identification of which entities meet the definition of a child welfare contributing agency, as defined in federal regulations.
(2) The data that a child welfare contributing agency shall provide.
(3) The method in which a child welfare contributing agency shall provide data, which shall include either of the following:
(A) Direct data entry into the statewide child welfare information system.
(B) A bidirectional data exchange between the information systems maintained by the child welfare contributing agency and the statewide child welfare information system.
(4) A timeline for providing the specified data in the required manner.
(c) In accordance with the written directives of the department, a child welfare contributing agency shall provide child welfare services data that is collected as a result of fulfilling their contracts or agreements with the department or a county child welfare department, to the statewide child welfare information system.
(d) Notwithstanding any other law, until regulations are adopted, the department may issue written directives by provider bulletins or all-county letters, as applicable. These written directives shall have the same force and effect as regulations. The written directives shall be exempt from the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).
(Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 50, Sec. 75. (SB 187) Effective June 30, 2022.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 5 - State Child Welfare Services › Section 16502.

16502. The child welfare services authorized by this chapter shall be established in any county or combination of counties when a plan which includes financing of such services has been certified by the department. Such certified plan of child welfare services shall then be operated in accordance with standards and regulations established by the department, subject to all the provisions of this code relating to the supervision of public social services by the department.
(Amended by Stats. 1982, Ch. 978, Sec. 40. Effective September 13, 1982.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 5 - State Child Welfare Services › Section 16502.5.

16502.5. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a county board of supervisors may receive and review any records in the custody of the juvenile court or any other involved county agencies relating to a child who has died and who had previously come to the attention of, or was under the supervision of, the county child welfare agency.
(b) The board may only receive and review the information in closed session. A board of supervisors in a county with a foster care population of more than 10,000 may take formal action to permit individual board members’ offices to receive and review the information for the purpose of determining which cases should be brought to the attention of the full board in closed session. The information or records obtained shall be maintained in a manner that ensures the maximum protection of privacy and confidentiality rights.
(c) The board or its members and staff may not disclose or release any information obtained pursuant to subdivision (a), unless otherwise permitted by state law, and shall be bound by all state and federal confidentiality laws.
(Added by Stats. 2008, Ch. 255, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2009.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 5 - State Child Welfare Services › Section 16503.

16503. (a) Subsequent to completion of the hearing conducted pursuant to Section 366.26, the agency responsible for placement and care of a minor, or, on or after January 1, 2012, a nonminor dependent, as defined in subdivision (v) of Section 11400, shall ensure that a child in foster care shall receive administrative reviews periodically but no less frequently than once every six months. The administrative review shall determine the appropriateness of the placement, the continuing appropriateness and extent of compliance with the permanent plan for the child, the extent of compliance with the case plan, and adequacy of services provided to the child.
(b) The term “administrative review” means a review open to the participation of the parents of a child in foster care conducted by a panel of appropriate persons at least one of whom is not responsible for the case management of, or the delivery of services to, either the child or the parents who are the subject of the review. On and after January 1, 2012, administrative reviews held for nonminor dependents shall be conducted pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 295 and subdivision (m) of Section 366.3.
(c) The department shall develop and implement regulations establishing processes, procedures, and standards for the conduct of administrative reviews that conform to Section 675.6 of Title 42 of the United States Code.
(d) The requirements of this section shall not be interpreted as requiring duplicate concurrent court and administrative reviews.
(Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 559, Sec. 64. (AB 12) Effective January 1, 2011.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 5 - State Child Welfare Services › Section 16503.5.

16503.5. (a) A placing agency shall provide a caregiver placement agreement to the child’s or nonminor dependent’s caregiver at the time of the child’s placement with that caregiver.
(b) (1) For purposes of this section, “caregiver placement agreement” means a written agreement between the placing agency and the child’s or nonminor dependent’s caregiver. The department shall approve the format and content of the placement agreement form to be used by a placing agency.
(2) For purposes of this section, “nonminor dependent” means an individual described in subdivision (v) of Section 11400.
(c) The agreement shall describe the terms and conditions of the placement and any agreements made by the placing agency and the child’s or nonminor’s caregiver.
(d) The agreement shall provide, at a minimum, the contact information for the placing agency’s social worker and the worker’s supervisor, including, but not limited to, telephone numbers, facsimile numbers, and identifying information about the child or nonminor, including, but not limited to, the child’s or nonminor’s social security number, if available, the child’s or nonminor’s Medi-Cal number or group health plan number and information, if available, and the child’s or nonminor’s State Department of Social Services identification number.
(e) A county placing agency may modify the forms to meet local needs by adding to the form requirements for information, but may not delete the form’s core elements as determined by the department.
(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 846, Sec. 55. (AB 1712) Effective January 1, 2013.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 5 - State Child Welfare Services › Section 16504.

16504. (a) Any child reported to the county child welfare services department to be endangered by abuse, neglect, or exploitation shall be eligible for initial intake and evaluation of risk services. Each county child welfare services department shall maintain and operate a 24-hour response system. An immediate in-person response shall be made by a county child welfare services department social worker in emergency situations in accordance with regulations of the department. The person making any initial response to a request for child welfare services shall consider providing appropriate social services to maintain the child safely in his or her own home. However, an in-person response is not required when the county child welfare services department, based upon an evaluation of risk, determines that an in-person response is not appropriate. An evaluation of risk includes collateral contacts, a review of previous referrals, and other relevant information.
(b) A county child welfare services department social worker shall make an in-person response whenever a referral is received pursuant to Section 11254. Whenever a referral is received pursuant to Section 11254, the county child welfare services department social worker, within 20 calendar days from the receipt of the referral, shall determine whether the physical or emotional health or safety of the individual or child would be jeopardized if the individual and child lived in the same residence with the individual’s own parent or legal guardian, or other adult relative.
(c) Notwithstanding Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code, any nonminor dependent, as described in subdivision (v) of Section 11403, reported to the county welfare services department to be endangered by abuse, neglect, or exploitation by a licensed or approved caregiver while in a foster care placement shall be eligible for evaluation of risk services, to determine if the placement is safe and appropriate. The county child welfare services department shall cross-report the suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation by the licensed or approved caregiver to the appropriate licensing or approval agency and, as appropriate, to law enforcement.
(Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 459, Sec. 42. (AB 212) Effective October 4, 2011.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 5 - State Child Welfare Services › Section 16504.6.

16504.6. The State Department of Social Services shall evaluate a request from an Indian tribe to exempt a crime that is exemptible under Section 1522 of the Health and Safety Code, if needed, to allow placement into an Indian home that the tribe has designated for placement under the federal Indian Child Welfare Act (25 U.S.C. Sec. 1901 et seq.). However, the tribe may request that the county with jurisdiction over the child evaluate the exemption request. Once a tribe has elected to have the exemption request reviewed by either the State Department of Social Services or the county, the exemption decision may only be made by that entity. Nothing in this section limits the duty of a county social worker to evaluate the home for placement or to gather information needed to evaluate an exemption request.
(Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 732, Sec. 101. (AB 404) Effective January 1, 2018.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 5 - State Child Welfare Services › Section 16504.7.

16504.7. (a) Upon request by a county child welfare agency, the department shall provide a list identifying each person who has received a criminal records exemption pursuant to subdivision (g) of Section 1522 of the Health and Safety Code related to a licensed or certified foster home so that the county may assess the appropriateness of placing a child who has been detained or is a dependent of the court in the licensed or certified foster home with which the individual is associated.
(b) Except as otherwise limited by state or federal law, the department shall make available to the county child welfare agency, summary information used in making the determination to grant the exemption. The department shall consult with the Department of Justice, counties, and other interested stakeholders to ensure that information is shared expeditiously and in accordance with state and federal law.
(c) For purposes of this section, “summary information” means information pertaining to the specific crimes for which the exemption was requested and a summary of the evidence the department used in making its determination to grant the exemption. The information shall be limited to one page for each crime exempted.
(d) In providing summary information pursuant to this section, the department shall not disclose the names of individuals who are not the subject of the exemption request. County child welfare agencies shall not disclose information related to the exemption beyond what is necessary, as determined by the department and in accordance with state and federal law, to assess the appropriateness of placing a child in a licensed or certified foster home.
(e) Notwithstanding the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code), the department shall implement this section by means of an all-county letter issued on or before March 1, 2015. The all-county letter shall specify the process by which a county may request summary information, how the information will be issued by the department, and how the information may be used by a county.
(Added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 222, Sec. 2. (SB 1136) Effective January 1, 2015.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 5 - State Child Welfare Services › Section 16506.

16506. Family maintenance services shall be provided or arranged for by county welfare department staff in order to maintain the child in his or her own home. These services shall be limited to six months, and may be extended in periods of six-month increments if it can be shown that the objectives of the service plan can be achieved within the extended time periods, and provided within the county’s allocation. Family maintenance services shall be available without regard to income and shall only be provided to any of the following:
(a) Families whose child or children have been adjudicated a dependent of the court under Section 300, and where the court has ordered the county welfare department to supervise while the child remains in the child’s home.
(b) Families whose child is in potential danger of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, who are willing to accept services and participate in corrective efforts, and where it is safe for the child to remain in the child’s home only with the provision of services.
(c) Families in which the child is in the care of a previously noncustodial parent, under the supervision of the juvenile court.
(d) Family maintenance services shall be provided to any individual and child who are referred pursuant to Section 11254 and who are not placed in foster care and who meet any of the criteria of subdivision (b) of Section 11254. The services shall be provided until the individual reaches 18 years of age.
(Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 332, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2005.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 5 - State Child Welfare Services › Section 16507.

16507. (a) Family reunification services shall be provided or arranged for by county welfare department staff in order to reunite the child separated from his or her parent because of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. These services shall not exceed 12 months except as provided in subdivision (a) of Section 361.5 and subdivision (c) of Section 366.3. Family reunification services pursuant to Section 361.6 may be provided to nonminor dependents as described in subdivision (v) of Section 11400. Family reunification services shall be available without regard to income to families whose child has been adjudicated or is in the process of being adjudicated a dependent child of the court under the provisions of Section 300. Family reunification services shall include a plan for visitation of the child by his or her grandparents, where the visitation is in the best interests of the child and will serve to maintain and strengthen the family relationships of the child.
(b) Family reunification services shall only be provided when a child has been placed in out-of-home care, or is in the care of a previously noncustodial parent under the supervision of the juvenile court.
(c) When a minor has been placed in foster care with a nonparent, family reunification services may be provided to one or both parents.
(d) When a county child welfare services agency is providing one parent with reunification services and the other parent is serving a prison term for the conviction of child abuse, pursuant to Section 273a, 273ab, or 273d of the Penal Code, any sex offense specified as being perpetrated against a minor, or an act of domestic violence, the county child welfare services agency may request that the Board of Prison Terms, with respect to inmates sentenced pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 1168 of the Penal Code, or the Department of Corrections, with respect to inmates sentenced pursuant to Section 1170 of the Penal Code, provide the agency, during the time in which reunification services are being provided, with notification that the person is scheduled to be released on parole, or rereleased following a period of confinement pursuant to a parole revocation without a new commitment.
(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 846, Sec. 56. (AB 1712) Effective January 1, 2013.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 5 - State Child Welfare Services › Section 16507.2.

16507.2. Prior to entering into a voluntary placement agreement with a parent or guardian, the social worker shall make every attempt to keep the family together by offering appropriate child welfare services except in the case of a voluntary placement pending relinquishment as provided for in subdivision (c) of Section 16507.4.
(Added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 978, Sec. 53. Effective September 13, 1982.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 5 - State Child Welfare Services › Section 16507.3.

16507.3. (a) Beginning on October 1, 1982, child welfare services for children placed voluntarily after January 1, 1982, shall be limited to a period not to exceed 180 days. Subject to the availability of federal funding, voluntary placement services for federally eligible children may be extended for an additional six months, for a total period not to exceed 12 months for either of the following:
(1) Families who have a custodial parent or guardian in residential substance abuse treatment who is demonstrating progress that indicates the problems warranting the initial placement are likely to be resolved within the extended time period.
(2) Families whose minor child is seriously emotionally disturbed, who requires placement in a residential treatment facility, who otherwise would be likely to be found to fit the description in subdivision (c) of Section 300, and who reasonably may be expected to be returned home within the extended time period.
(b) Whenever a seriously emotionally disturbed child as described in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) is initially voluntarily placed, the initial placement shall be made pursuant to the approval of an interagency administrative review board as described in paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) of Section 16507.6.
(c) The extension of voluntary placement services for an additional six months shall be subject to the approval of an administrative review board pursuant to paragraphs (4) and (5) of subdivision (a) of Section 16507.6. The extension of voluntary placement services is contingent upon the receipt of federal funding. Any administrative and foster care costs that exceed the amount of federal reimbursement shall be paid solely with county funds.
(d) An otherwise eligible child placed voluntarily prior to January 1, 1982, may remain eligible for child welfare services without regard to the length of time in placement until April 1, 1984. Beginning on October 1, 1982, such a child shall receive administrative review pursuant to the requirements of Section 16503.
(Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 559, Sec. 65. (AB 12) Effective January 1, 2011.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 5 - State Child Welfare Services › Section 16507.5.

16507.5. (a) (1) When a minor is separated, or is in the process of being separated, from the minor’s family under the provisions of a voluntary placement agreement, the county welfare department or a licensed private or public adoption agency social worker shall make any and all reasonable and necessary provisions for the care, supervision, custody, conduct, maintenance, and support of the minor, including medical treatment.
(2) Responsibility for placement and care of the minor shall be with the social worker who may place the minor in any of the following:
(A) The home of a relative or the home of a nonrelative extended family member, as described in Section 362.7, that has been assessed pursuant to Section 361.4.
(B) The home of a resource family, as defined in Section 16519.5.
(C) A suitable licensed community care facility.
(D) With a foster family agency to be placed in a suitable licensed home or other family home which has been certified by the agency as meeting licensing standards.
(E) A home or facility in accordance with the federal Indian Child Welfare Act.
(b) The granting of a community care license or approval status does not entitle the caregiver to the placement of a specific child or children. Placement is based on the child’s needs and best interests.
(Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 935, Sec. 6. (SB 1083) Effective January 1, 2019.)