reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 3.5 - HEALTH CARE COVERAGE INITIATIVE › Section 15906.

15906. (a) The department shall seek partnership with an independent, nonprofit group or foundation, an academic institution, or a governmental entity providing grants for health-related activities, to evaluate the programs funded under the initiative.
(b) The evaluation shall, at a minimum, include an assessment of the extent to which the programs have met the outcomes listed in Section 15903.
(c) The department and the selected programs shall provide the data for the evaluation.
(d) The evaluation shall be submitted concurrently to the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the Legislature and to the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
(Added by Stats. 2006, Ch. 76, Sec. 2. Effective July 18, 2006. Inoperative on date prescribed in Section 15908. Repealed six months after inoperative date, pursuant to Section 15908.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 3.5 - HEALTH CARE COVERAGE INITIATIVE › Section 15908.

15908. (a) This part shall become inoperative on the date that the director executes a declaration, which shall be retained by the director and provided to the fiscal and appropriate policy committees of the Legislature, stating that the Low Income Health Program authorized under Part 3.6 (commencing with Section 15909) and under the Special Terms and Conditions of the demonstration project, as defined in Section 15909.1, has been implemented, and that each Health Care Coverage Initiative program approved under this part that has sought approval under Part 3.6 (commencing with Section 15909) has been transitioned to a Low Income Health Program, if authorized under the demonstration project and Part 3.6 (commencing with Section 15909), and shall, six months after the date the declaration is executed, be repealed.
(b) In addition to the requirements specified in subdivision (a), the director shall post the declaration on the department’s Internet Web site and the director shall send the declaration to the Secretary of State and the Legislative Counsel.
(c) Until the effective date of the repeal of this part pursuant to subdivision (a), the director may continue and administer any extensions, modifications, or continuation of the projects under this part approved by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
(Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 86, Sec. 23. (AB 1066) Effective July 15, 2011. Repealed on date prescribed by its own provisions. Note: Termination clause affects Part 3.5, commencing with Section 15900.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 3.6 - Low Income Health Program › Section 15909.

15909. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a) Pursuant to Section 14180, the Legislature directed the department to apply for a successor federal waiver or demonstration project, in part, to coincide with the end of the waiver described in relevant part in subdivision (b) of Section 15900 to, among other requirements, optimize opportunities to increase federal financial participation and maximize financial resources to address uncompensated care.
(b) Passage of federal health care reform, pursuant to the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111-148), as amended by the federal Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-152), presents new options of federal support for coverage of low-income individuals and significant expansion of state coverage programs in 2014. Through the success of the Health Care Coverage Initiatives established pursuant to Part 3.5 (commencing with Section 15900), and with implementation of a successor federal Medicaid waiver or demonstration project, California is well positioned to develop enrollment and coverage expansion models that will lead the way to full implementation of comprehensive health care reforms in 2014.
(Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 723, Sec. 2. (AB 342) Effective October 19, 2010.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 3.6 - Low Income Health Program › Section 15909.1.

15909.1. For purposes of this part, the following definitions shall apply:
(a) “Demonstration project” means a federal waiver or demonstration project described in Section 14180 approved by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that authorizes the implementation of a successor to the Health Care Coverage Initiative under Part 3.5 (commencing with Section 15900).
(b) (1) “Eligible entity” means any of the following:
(A) A county.
(B) A city and county.
(C) A consortium of counties serving a region consisting of more than one county.
(D) A health authority.
(E) A nondesignated public hospital, or the entity with which it is affiliated, if all of the following conditions are met:
(i) The hospital is located in a county that does not have a designated public hospital.
(ii) The county does not intend to operate a LIHP pursuant to Section 15910.5.
(iii) If the county previously filed an application to operate a LIHP, the county has formally withdrawn its application.
(2) For purposes of this section and to the extent allowed under the Special Terms and Conditions of the demonstration project, a County Medical Services Program shall be considered a consortium of counties serving a region consisting of more than one county.
(c) “LIHP” means a local Low Income Health Program authorized pursuant to this part that is comprised of the following populations:
(1) The Medicaid Coverage Expansion (MCE) population, which means low-income individuals 19 to 64 years of age, inclusive, who are not pregnant, have family incomes at or below 133 percent of the federal poverty level, are not eligible for the Medi-Cal program or the Children’s Health Insurance Program, are United States citizens, nationals, or have satisfactory immigration status, and meet the county of residence requirements.
(2) The Health Care Coverage Initiative (HCCI) population, which means low-income individuals 19 to 64 years of age, inclusive, who are not pregnant, have family incomes above 133 percent through 200 percent of the federal poverty level, are not eligible for the Medicare Program, the Medi-Cal program, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, or other third-party coverage, are United States citizens, nationals, or have satisfactory immigration status, and meet the county of residence requirements.
(d) “Participating entity” means an eligible entity that operates an approved LIHP.
(e) “Designated public hospital” has the same meaning as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 14166.1.
(f) “Nondesignated public hospital” has the same meaning as defined in subdivision (f) of Section 14166.1.
(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 453, Sec. 1. (SB 1081) Effective September 22, 2012.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 3.6 - Low Income Health Program › Section 15910.1.

15910.1. (a)  For LIHPs serving HCCI-eligible individuals , subject to federal funding limits or requirements that differ from the requirements for individuals described in subdivision (a) of Section 15910, the department shall, in consultation with participating entities, develop a process for allocating the available federal funding to those approved LIHPs that elect to serve the additional group of individuals identified in this subdivision, if the participating entity voluntarily agrees to provide the nonfederal share of the LIHP expenditures for the additional group.
(b) To the extent permitted by the Special Terms and Conditions of the demonstration project, the allocation of funding under this section shall ensure that a Health Care Coverage Initiative program under Part 3.5 (commencing with Section 15900) as of November 1, 2010, that elects to continue as a participating entity under this part receives, at a minimum, an allocation in an amount adequate to ensure that their existing eligible enrollees can continue to receive services under their LIHP.
(c) If a LIHP elects to serve eligible persons with incomes above 133 percent through 200 percent of the federal poverty level, the LIHP shall also serve eligible persons with incomes up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level.
(d) Section 15910 and Section 15910.2 shall apply with respect to LIHPs funded under this section, as appropriate.
(e) Reimbursements to LIHPs approved under this section shall be made in accordance with Section 15910.3 or through another mechanism authorized under the Special Terms and Conditions for the demonstration project.
(f) The nonfederal share of funding for LIHP expenditures authorized under this section shall be provided in accordance with Section 15911 or through another mechanism authorized by the Special Terms and Conditions of the demonstration project.
(g) Any unused federal funds shall be distributed in accordance with the Special Terms and Conditions of the demonstration project.
(Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 86, Sec. 27. (AB 1066) Effective July 15, 2011.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 3.6 - Low Income Health Program › Section 15910.3.

15910.3. (a) In consultation with participating entities, the department shall determine actuarially sound per enrollee capitation rates for LIHPs that are adequate and sufficient to ensure access to services for enrollees and to at least cover the projected cost of care. As part of the rate development process, each LIHP shall submit a detailed proposal to the department outlining proposed methodologies and rates that have been certified by county-employed or county-retained actuaries using state and federal Medicaid principles and the standards provided in this section.
(b) Rates determined under this section shall be based on utilization and cost data specific to the enrolled population or comparable data, including where available, project- and county- specific data. In setting actuarially sound rates, the department shall apply appropriate factors to ensure sufficient access to primary and specialty care, and shall take into account the cost of the services specified under the approved LIHP, administrative costs, graduate medical education costs, the utilization and intensity of services expected for LIHP enrollees, and an appropriate case management fee.
(c) The department may include risk corridors to allow for adjustments to rates if the actual cost or utilization of a LIHP exceeds the projected cost.
(d) The department may develop additional payment mechanisms that provide for incentive payments to LIHPs that meet designated performance criteria for quality of and access to care.
(e) The rate shall be determined annually, and shall be effective either the first day of each LIHP year, or another date agreed upon by the participating entity and the department. Rates may be adjusted outside the annual determination process if there is a change in federal or state law or regulation that increases the cost of fulfilling the obligations of a LIHP.
(f) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, payments to LIHPs shall not be limited by an estimate of the reimbursement that would be available for program services if those services were provided to Medi-Cal beneficiaries under the Medi-Cal fee-for-service program.
(g) LIHPs shall be paid actuarially sound rates as determined under this section at the beginning of each quarter based on enrollment. If payments are based on estimated enrollment data, the payments shall be reconciled to actual enrollment on an annual basis.
(Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 86, Sec. 29. (AB 1066) Effective July 15, 2011.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 3.6 - Low Income Health Program › Section 15910.4.

15910.4. As a condition of participation in the voluntary program provided under this part, a LIHP shall comply with Section 14169.7.5.
(Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 286, Sec. 9. (SB 335) Effective September 16, 2011.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 3.6 - Low Income Health Program › Section 15910.5.

15910.5. (a) An application to operate a Low Income Health Program (LIHP) by a nondesignated public hospital, pursuant to subparagraph (E) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 15909.1, shall be provided to the county in which the nondesignated public hospital is located at the same time that it is provided to the department. If a county that previously withdrew an application to operate a LIHP does not indicate in writing to the department, within 30 days from the date of application by the nondesignated public hospital, that it rescinds the withdrawal of its application and intends to proceed with its application to implement a LIHP, the department shall consider the application of the nondesignated public hospital to operate the LIHP.
(b) The department shall seek any necessary federal approvals for the implementation of this section. This section shall be implemented only if and to the extent that any necessary federal approvals are obtained.
(Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 453, Sec. 2. (SB 1081) Effective September 22, 2012.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 3.6 - Low Income Health Program › Section 15911.1.

15911.1. Upon the order of the Director of Finance, the Controller shall draw warrants against General Fund cash to provide cashflow loans as follows:
(a) The Director of Finance may approve cashflow loans of no more than a total of one hundred million dollars ($100,000,000) in the 2012–13 and 2013–14 fiscal years for County Medical Services Program governing board expenses that are associated with a Low Income Health Program operated by the governing board pursuant to this part.
(b) The terms and conditions of any cashflow loan provided pursuant to this section shall be subject to approval by the Director of Finance. Interest shall be charged at the rate earned by moneys in the Pooled Money Investment Account.
(c) The Department of Finance shall notify the Legislature within 15 days of authorizing a cashflow loan pursuant to this section, unless prior notification of the cashflow loan was included when the Medi-Cal estimates were submitted pursuant to Section 14100.5.
(d) Any cashflow loans made pursuant to this section shall be short term and shall not constitute General Fund expenditures. These loans and the repayment of these loans shall not affect the General Fund reserve.
(Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 23, Sec. 118. (AB 1467) Effective June 27, 2012.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 3.6 - Low Income Health Program › Section 15912.

15912. (a) Subject to the Special Terms and Conditions of the demonstration project, the department shall ensure that the LIHPs established under this part are evaluated to determine to what extent the projects have met the standards and performance measures described in paragraph (9) of subdivision (b) of Section 15910.2, and the extent to which the LIHPs have complied with the department’s program to implement the transition of eligible LIHP enrollees to Medi-Cal coverage, or alternatively, to coverage through the California Health Benefit Exchange, in 2014.
(b) The department may seek federal or private funds or enter into partnership with an independent, nonprofit group or foundation, an academic institution, or a governmental entity providing grants for health-related activities, to evaluate the programs funded under this part.
(Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 86, Sec. 31. (AB 1066) Effective July 15, 2011.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 3.6 - Low Income Health Program › Section 15912.1.

15912.1. (a) The department, in collaboration with the State Department of Public Health, shall develop policies and guidance on the transition of persons diagnosed with HIV/AIDS from federal Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009 (Ryan White Act) funded programs, pursuant to Section 131019 of the Health and Safety Code, to the Low Income Health Program (LIHP) pursuant to this part. These policies and guidance shall be provided to local LIHPs, federal Ryan White Act providers, and to persons receiving services pursuant to the federal Ryan White Act, as applicable. Guidance shall include, but not be limited to, operational processes and procedures supporting the transition of persons receiving services pursuant to the federal Ryan White Act in order to minimize disruption of access to and availability of care and services.
(b) The department, in collaboration with the State Department of Public Health, shall consult with stakeholders, including administrators, advocates, providers, and persons receiving services pursuant to the federal Ryan White Act, to obtain advice in forming the policy decisions regarding the transition of persons receiving services pursuant to the federal Ryan White Act to the local LIHPs.
(c) Notwithstanding any other law, for the purpose of implementing LIHP, pursuant to this part, the State Department of Public Health may share relevant data related to a beneficiary’s enrollment in federal Ryan White Act funded programs who may be eligible for LIHP services with the participating entity, as defined in Section 15909.1, operating a LIHP, and the participating entity may share relevant data relating to persons diagnosed with HIV/AIDS with the State Department of Public Health.
(1) The information provided by the State Department of Public Health pursuant to this section shall not be further disclosed by a participating entity, as defined in Section 15909.1, operating a LIHP, except to any of the following:
(A) The person to whom the information pertains or the designated representative of the person.
(B) The health care provider that provides HIV/AIDS care to the person to whom the information pertains.
(C) The Office of AIDS within the State Department of Public Health.
(2) Information shared pursuant to this section is subject to the confidentiality protections of subdivisions (d) and (e) of Section 121025 of the Health and Safety Code.
(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 438, Sec. 29. (AB 1468) Effective September 22, 2012.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 3.6 - Low Income Health Program › Section 15913.

15913. Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department may implement, interpret, or make specific this part, and the terms and conditions of the demonstration project secured pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 15910, by means of all-county letters, plan letters, plan or provider bulletins, or similar instructions. Prior to issuing any letter or similar instrument authorized pursuant to this section, the department shall notify and consult with stakeholders, including advocates, providers, and beneficiaries. The department shall notify the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the Legislature of its intent to issue instructions under this section at least five days in advance of the issuance.
(Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 723, Sec. 2. (AB 342) Effective October 19, 2010.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 3.6 - Low Income Health Program › Section 15914.

15914. The application process used by the department to authorize entities to operate LIHPs and any agreements entered into by, or modified by, the department for purposes of this part shall not be subject to Part 2 (commencing with Section 10100) of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code.
(Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 86, Sec. 32. (AB 1066) Effective July 15, 2011.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 3.6 - Low Income Health Program › Section 15915.

15915. In the event of a conflict between a provision of this part and a term or condition of the successor federal waiver or demonstration project pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 15910, the terms and conditions of the successor federal waiver or demonstration project shall control.
(Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 723, Sec. 2. (AB 342) Effective October 19, 2010.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 1 - Foster Care Placement › Section 16000.

16000. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature to preserve and strengthen a child’s family ties whenever possible, removing the child from the custody of his or her parents only when necessary for his or her welfare or for the safety and protection of the public. If a child is removed from the physical custody of his or her parents, preferential consideration shall be given whenever possible to the placement of the child with the relative as required by Section 7950 of the Family Code. If the child is removed from his or her own family, it is the purpose of this chapter to secure as nearly as possible for the child the custody, care, and discipline equivalent to that which should have been given to the child by his or her parents. It is further the intent of the Legislature to reaffirm its commitment to children who are in out-of-home placement to live in the least restrictive family setting promoting normal childhood experiences that is suited to meet the child’s or youth’s individual needs, and to live as close to the child’s family as possible pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 16501.1. Family reunification services shall be provided for expeditious reunification of the child with his or her family, as required by law. If reunification is not possible or likely, a permanent alternative shall be developed.
(b) It is further the intent of the Legislature that all children live with a committed, permanent, and nurturing family. Services and supports should be tailored to meet the needs of the individual child and family being served, with the ultimate goal of maintaining the family, or when this is not possible, transitioning the child or youth to a permanent family or preparing the child or youth for a successful transition into adulthood. When needed, short-term residential therapeutic program services are a short-term, specialized, and intensive intervention that is just one part of a continuum of care available for children, youth, young adults, and their families.
(c) It is further the intent of the Legislature to ensure that all pupils in foster care and those who are homeless as defined by the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 11301 et seq.) have the opportunity to meet the challenging state pupil academic achievement standards to which all pupils are held. In fulfilling their responsibilities to pupils in foster care, educators, county placing agencies, care providers, advocates, and the juvenile courts shall work together to maintain stable school placements and to ensure that each pupil is placed in the least restrictive educational programs, and has access to the academic resources, services, and extracurricular and enrichment activities that are available to all pupils. In all instances, educational and school placement decisions shall be based on the best interests of the child.
(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 612, Sec. 113. (AB 1997) Effective January 1, 2017.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 1 - Foster Care Placement › Section 16000.1.

16000.1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(1) The state has a duty to care for and protect the children that the state places into foster care, and as a matter of public policy, the state assumes an obligation of the highest order to ensure the safety of children in foster care.
(2) A judicial order establishing jurisdiction over a child placed into foster care supplants or limits parental or previous adult authority.
(3) Nothing in this section is intended to change the balance of liability between the state and the counties as it existed prior to the decision of the California Court of Appeal in County of Los Angeles v. Superior Court of Los Angeles: Real Party in Interest Terrell R. (2002) 102 Cal.App.4th 627, as established by the decision of the California Court of Appeal in Scott v. County of Los Angeles (1994) 27 Cal.App.4th 125. Furthermore, nothing in this section is intended to increase or decrease the liability of the state as it existed prior to the Terrell R. case.
(b) (1) It is the intent of the Legislature that nothing in the decision of the California Court of Appeal in County of Los Angeles v. Superior Court of Los Angeles: Real Party in Interest Terrell R. (2002) 102 Cal.App.4th 627, shall be held to change the standards of liability and immunity for injuries to children in protective custody that existed prior to that decision.
(2) It is the intent of the Legislature to confirm the state’s duty to comply with all requirements under Part B of Title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 620 et seq.) and Part E of Title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 670 et seq.) that are relevant to the protection and welfare of children in foster care.
(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 847, Sec. 5. 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 1 - Foster Care Placement › Section 16000.5.

16000.5. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a) The Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-351) provides Indian tribes with the option, effective October 1, 2009, to operate a foster care, adoption assistance, and, at tribal option, a kinship guardianship assistance program under Title IV-E of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 671 et seq.). The federal government will share the costs of a tribe operating an approved Title IV-E program.
(b) It shall be the policy of the state to maximize the opportunities for Indian tribes to operate foster care programs for Indian children pursuant to the federal Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008.
(Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 124, Sec. 1. (AB 770) Effective January 1, 2010.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 1 - Foster Care Placement › Section 16000.6.

16000.6. The State Department of Social Services shall negotiate in good faith with the Indian tribe, organization, or consortium in the state that requests development of an agreement with the state to administer all or part of the programs under Title IV-E of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 671 et seq.) on behalf of the Indian children who are under the authority of the tribe, organization, or consortium.
(Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 124, Sec. 2. (AB 770) Effective January 1, 2010.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 1 - Foster Care Placement › Section 16001.

16001. (a) The State Department of Social Services shall provide technical assistance to encourage and facilitate the county placement agency’s evaluation of placement needs and the development of needed placement resources and programs. County placement agencies shall, on a regular basis, conduct an evaluation of the county’s placement resources and programs in relation to the needs of children and nonminor dependents placed in out-of-home care. County placement agencies shall examine the adequacy of existing placement resources and programs and identify the type of additional placement resources and programs needed. The county placement agency shall specifically examine both of the following:
(1) Placements that are out of county and shall determine the reason the placement was necessary, and identify the additional placement resources and programs that need to be developed and available to allow a child to remain within the county and as close as possible to their home.
(2) The county’s ability to meet the emergency housing needs of nonminor dependents in order to ensure that all nonminor dependents have access to immediate housing upon reentering foster care or for periods of transition between placements.
(b) The department shall also support the development and operation of a consortia of county placement agencies on a regional basis for the purpose of developing specialized programs serving a multicounty area.
(c) The reason for each out-of-county and out-of-state placement shall be included in the statewide child welfare information system, and the State Department of Social Services shall utilize that data to evaluate out-of-county and out-of-state placements and to assist in the identification of resource and placement needs.
(d) It is the intent of the Legislature that the State Department of Social Services review the out-of-state placement of children to determine the reason for out-of-state placement. The department shall make the information available to the Legislature upon request.
(Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 50, Sec. 69. (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 1 - Foster Care Placement › Section 16001.5.

16001.5. The State Department of Social Services shall annually distribute information declaring the importance of promoting self-esteem with respect to foster children to all of the following:
(a) Each county independent living program administrator.
(b) Each licensed foster family agency, group home, and small family home.
(c) Each county welfare department.
(d) Each county director of child protective services.
(e) Each county director of social services.
(f) Each county foster home services director.
(g) The Director of the Community Care Licensing Division of the State Department of Social Services.
(h) The Director of State Adoptions Branch of the State Department of Social Services.
(Added by Stats. 1997, Ch. 542, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1998.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 1 - Foster Care Placement › Section 16001.7.

16001.7. (a) The department shall promote the participation of current and former foster youth in the development of state foster care and child welfare policy. Subject to the availability of funds, the department shall contract with the California Youth Connection to provide technical assistance and outreach to current and former foster youth. In executing this contract, the responsibilities of the California Youth Connection shall include, but are not limited to, all of the following:
(1) Providing leadership training to current and former foster youth between the ages of 14 and 21 years.
(2) Providing outreach and technical assistance to current and former foster youth to form and maintain California Youth Connection chapters, including recruiting and training adult volunteer supporters.
(3) Enabling foster youth to be represented in policy discussions pertinent to foster care and child welfare issues.
(4) Enhancing the well-being of foster youth and increasing public understanding of foster care and child welfare issues.
(5) Developing educational materials and forums related to foster care.
(b) Funds provided to the California Youth Connection pursuant to the contract shall not be used for activities not allowed under federal law relating to the receipt of federal financial participation for independent living services, including, but not limited to, lobbying and litigation.
(Added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 108, Sec. 50. Effective July 10, 2000.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 1 - Foster Care Placement › Section 16001.8.

16001.8. (a) The State Department of Social Services shall convene a working group regarding the rights of all minors and nonminors in foster care, as specified in Section 16001.9, in order to educate foster youth, foster care providers, and others. Responsibilities of the working group shall include all of the following:
(1) By January 1, 2018, make recommendations to the Legislature for revising the rights based on a review of state law.
(2) By July 1, 2018, develop standardized information regarding the revised rights in an age-appropriate manner and reflective of any relevant licensing requirements with respect to the foster care providers’ responsibilities to adequately supervise children in care.
(3) By July 1, 2018, develop recommendations regarding methods for disseminating the standardized information specified in paragraph (2), including whether to require the signature of a foster child verifying that he or she has received and understands his or her rights.
(4) By July 1, 2018, develop recommendations for measuring and improving, if necessary, the degree to which foster youth are adequately informed of their rights.
(b) The working group shall be composed of all of the following:
(1) The Office of the State Foster Care Ombudsperson.
(2) The bureau at the Department of Justice whose mission is to protect the rights of children.
(3) The County Welfare Directors Association of California.
(4) The Chief Probation Officers of California.
(5) The County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California.
(6) Current and former foster youth.
(7) Foster parents and caregivers.
(8) Foster children advocacy groups.
(9) Foster care provider associations.
(10) Any other interested parties.
(Added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 851, Sec. 1. (AB 1067) Effective January 1, 2017.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 1 - Foster Care Placement › Section 16004.5.

16004.5. (a) The Legislature finds and declares that there is an urgent need to develop placement resources to permit minor parents and their children to remain together in out-of-home care when the minor parent is removed from the custody of his or her parents due to abuse or neglect.
(b) To the greatest extent possible, child welfare agencies, in conjunction with providers and the state, and in conjunction with ongoing development of placements and the allocation of existing placement resources, shall identify and utilize whole family placements and other placement models that provide supportive family focused care for dependent teens and their children. In identifying these placements, child welfare agencies shall work with providers and stakeholders to identify and develop programs and program models designed to meet these goals.
(c) In order to effectively plan, identify, and develop needed resources, and effectively address the needs of this population, the department and local child welfare agencies are encouraged to collect data on the number of minors in foster care who give birth and the number of minor parents who remain in placement with their minor children. The department shall aggregate the data annually.
(d) In order to recruit, train, and retain qualified and supportive foster care providers for this population, the department and local child welfare agencies, in consultation with other interested stakeholders, are encouraged to collect information to be used to develop a more cost-effective infant supplemental payment rate structure that more adequately reimburses caregivers for the costs of infant care and teen parent mentoring.
(Added by Stats. 2004, Ch. 841, Sec. 4. 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 1 - Foster Care Placement › Section 16005.

16005. Siblings shall be assigned to the same social worker when there is a prospective adoptive family that intends to adopt the children as a sibling group, unless the responsible local agency finds that assigning the siblings to the same social worker would not be in the best interest of the child or the siblings or the operation of the county office.
(Added by Stats. 2001, Ch. 353, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2002.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 1 - Foster Care Placement › Section 16006.

16006. Children and nonminor dependents in out-of-home care shall be placed according to their gender identity, regardless of the gender or sex listed in their court or child welfare records.
(Added by Stats. 2015, Ch. 805, Sec. 3. (SB 731) Effective January 1, 2016.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 1 - Foster Care Placement › Section 16010.2.

16010.2. (a) The department, in consultation with pediatricians, other health care experts, including public health nurses, and experts in and recipients of child welfare services, including parents, shall develop a plan for the ongoing oversight and coordination of health care services for a child in a foster care placement. The plan shall ensure a coordinated strategy to identify and respond to the health care needs of foster children, including mental health and dental needs, consistent with Section 205 of the federal Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-351).
(b) (1) The right of minors and nonminors in foster care to health care and mental health care described in paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) of Section 16001.9 includes covered gender affirming health care and gender affirming mental health care. This right is subject to existing laws governing consent to health care for minors and nonminors and does not limit, add, or otherwise affect applicable laws governing consent to health care.
(2) The department shall, in consultation with the State Department of Health Care Services and other stakeholders, develop guidance and describe best practices to identify, coordinate, and support foster youth seeking access to gender affirming health care and gender affirming mental health care and shall incorporate current guidance on ensuring access to Medi-Cal services for transgender beneficiaries. This consultation may be incorporated into existing departmental workgroups focused on foster youth rights or on foster youth sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. The department shall issue written guidance by January 1, 2020.
(3) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(A) “Gender affirming health care” means medically necessary health care that respects the gender identity of the patient, as experienced and defined by the patient, and may include, but is not limited to, the following:
(i) Interventions to suppress the development of endogenous secondary sex characteristics.
(ii) Interventions to align the patient’s appearance or physical body with the patient’s gender identity.
(iii) Interventions to alleviate symptoms of clinically significant distress resulting from gender dysphoria, as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition.
(B) “Gender affirming mental health care” means mental health care or behavioral health care that respects the gender identity of the patient, as experienced and defined by the patient, and may include, but is not limited to, developmentally appropriate exploration and integration of identity, reduction of distress, adaptive coping, and strategies to increase family acceptance.
(Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 385, Sec. 3. (AB 2119) 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 1 - Foster Care Placement › Section 16010.5.

16010.5. (a) When initially placing a child into foster care or kinship care, and within 48 hours of any subsequent placement of that child, the placing agency shall provide to the child’s caretaker both of the following:
(1) Prescribed medications for the child that are in the possession of the placing agency, with instructions for the use of the medication.
(2) Information regarding any treatments that are known to the placing agency and that are in effect for the child at the time of the placement.
(b) As soon as possible after placing a child into foster care or kinship care, and no later than 30 days after placing the child, the placing agency shall provide to the child’s caregiver any available documentation or proof of the child’s age that may be required for enrollment in school or activities that require proof of age.
(c) Within 30 days of receiving a copy of a child’s birth certificate or passport, a placing agency shall provide a copy of that document to the child’s caregiver.
(d) Nothing shall preclude the placing agency from providing the name, mailing address, telephone number, and facsimile number of the child’s attorney and the child’s court-appointed special advocate, if any, to the child or the child’s caregiver upon their request.
(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 812, 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 1 - Foster Care Placement › Section 16010.8.

16010.8. It is the intent of the Legislature that no child or youth in foster care reside in group care for longer than one year. The State Department of Social Services shall provide updates to the Legislature, commencing no later than January 1, 2014, regarding the outcomes of assessments of children and youth who have been in group homes for longer than one year and the corresponding outcomes of transitions, or plans to transition, them into family settings.
(Added by Stats. 2013, Ch. 21, Sec. 41. (AB 74) Effective June 27, 2013.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 4 - SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN › CHAPTER 1 - Foster Care Placement › Section 16013.

16013. (a) It is the policy of this state that all persons engaged in providing care and services to foster children, including, but not limited to, foster parents, adoptive parents, relative caregivers, and other caregivers contracting with a county welfare department, shall have fair and equal access to all available programs, services, benefits, and licensing processes, and shall not be subjected to discrimination or harassment on the basis of their clients’ or their own actual or perceived race, ethnic group identification, ancestry, national origin, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental or physical disability, or HIV status.
(b) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to create or modify existing preferences for foster placements or to limit the local placement agency’s ability to make placement decisions for a child based on the child’s best interests.
(Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 557, Sec. 5. 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 1 - Foster Care Placement › Section 16014.

16014. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature to maximize federal funding for foster youth services provided by local educational agencies.
(b) The State Department of Education and the State Department of Social Services shall collaborate with the County Welfare Directors Association, representatives from local educational agencies, and representatives of private, nonprofit foster care providers to establish roles and responsibilities, claiming requirements, and sharing of eligibility information eligible for funding under Part E (commencing with Section 470) of Title IV of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 301 et seq.). These state agencies shall also assist counties and local educational agencies in drafting memorandums of understanding between agencies to access funding for case management activities associated with providing foster youth services for eligible children. That federal funding shall be an augmentation to the current program and shall not supplant existing state general funds allocated to this program.
(c) School districts shall be responsible for 100 percent of the nonfederal share of payments received under that act.
(Added by Stats. 2004, Ch. 914, Sec. 16. 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 2 - County Adoption Agencies › Section 16100.

16100. (a) Any county may perform the home-finding and placement functions, to investigate, examine, and make reports upon petitions for adoption filed in the superior court, to act as a placement agency in the placement of children for adoption, to accept relinquishments for adoption, and to perform such other functions in connection with adoption as the department deems necessary, or to do any of them. Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize a county adoption agency, as provided in subdivision (d), to provide intercountry adoption services.
(b) Notwithstanding any other law, a county adoption agency performing the functions specified in subdivision (a) may contract for services described in subdivision (a) from any licensed private adoption agency that the private adoption agency is licensed to provide pursuant to Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 1500) of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code. A licensed county adoption agency may also contract for services described in subdivision (a) from any out-of-state licensed public or private adoption agency that is licensed pursuant to the laws of that state. Any services contracted for shall substantially meet the standards and criteria established in California adoption regulations as determined by the licensed county adoption agency. These services shall be contracted for in order to facilitate adoptive placement of a specified category of children for whom the licensed county adoption agency has determined it cannot provide adequate services.
(c) Counties that elect not to provide the adoption services specified in subdivision (a) may contract with the department or another county adoption agency to provide those services.
(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 35, Sec. 103. (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 2 - County Adoption Agencies › Section 16101.

16101. (a) Prior to the 2011–12 fiscal year, the cost of administering the adoption programs undertaken by a county under license issued pursuant to Section 16100 of this code shall be borne by the state in the amount found necessary by the department for proper and efficient administration. The state shall reimburse the county for all such necessary administrative costs, after deducting therefrom the amount of fees collected by the county agency pursuant to Section 8716 of the Family Code.
(b) Beginning in the 2011–12 fiscal year, and each fiscal year thereafter, funding and expenditures for programs and activities under the section for the purposes of administering the adoption programs shall be in accordance with the requirements provided in Sections 30025 and 30026.5 of the Government Code.
(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 35, Sec. 104. (SB 1013) Effective June 27, 2012.)