text:
(a) A recipient subject to the 24-month time limitation described in Section 11322.85 may request an extension in accordance with Section 11322.86 and may present evidence to the county that they meet any of the following circumstances:

(1) The recipient is likely to obtain employment within six months.

(2) The recipient has encountered unique labor market barriers temporarily preventing employment, and therefore needs additional time to obtain employment.

(3) The recipient has achieved satisfactory progress in an educational or treatment program, including adult basic education, vocational education, or a self-initiated program that has a known graduation, transfer, or completion date that would meaningfully increase the likelihood of the recipient’s employment. For purposes of this paragraph, a high school education or its equivalent is presumed to meaningfully increase the likelihood of employment.

(4) The recipient needs an additional period of time to complete a welfare-to-work activity specified in the recipient’s welfare-to-work case plan due to a diagnosed learning or other disability, so as to meaningfully increase the likelihood of the recipient’s employment.

(5) The recipient has submitted an application to receive SSI disability benefits, and a hearing date has been established.

(6) The recipient obtained the recipient’s high school diploma or its equivalent while participating in activities described in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 11322.85, and an additional period of time to complete an educational program or other activity described in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 11322.85 in which the recipient is currently participating would meaningfully increase the likelihood of the recipient’s employment.

(7) Other circumstances as determined by the department.

(b) (1) Except for an extension requested in accordance with paragraph (5) of subdivision (a), and subject to the limitation described in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 11322.86, a county shall grant an extension to a recipient who presents evidence in accordance with subdivision (a) unless the county determines that the evidence presented does not support the existence of the circumstances described in subdivision (a).

(2) An extension requested in accordance with paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) shall be granted if evidence that a hearing date has been established is provided to the county.

(3) At any hearing disputing a county’s denial of an extension in accordance with paragraph (1), the county shall have the burden of proof to establish that an extension was not justified unless the county demonstrates that the denial was due to the unavailability of an extension in accordance with the 20-percent limitation described in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 11322.86.

(c) If, as a result of information already available to a county, including the recipient’s welfare-to-work plan and verifications of participation, the county identifies that a recipient meets a circumstance described in subdivision (a), and subject to the limitation described in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 11322.86, a county may grant an extension of the 24-month time limitation described in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 11322.85 to the recipient.

(d) An extension granted in accordance with subdivision (b) or (c) shall be granted for an initial period of up to six months and shall be reevaluated by the county at least every six months.

(e) This section shall become inoperative on May 1, 2022, or when the department notifies the Legislature that the Statewide Automated Welfare System can perform the necessary automation to implement the changes associated with the repeal of this section, whichever date is later, and, as of January 1 of the following year, is repealed.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 11, Sec. 50. (AB 79) Effective June 29, 2020. Inoperative on or after May 1, 2022, as prescribed by its own provisions. Repealed as of January 1 following inoperative date.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


kind: section

code: WIC

text:
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:

(a) The California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program serves the poorest families with children in the state by providing a basic needs cash grant and support services needed for family stabilization, employment, or job training. Childcare is a critical support service for CalWORKs families.

(b) Children in poverty are most in need of quality, stable early care and education to achieve their full potential. Research demonstrates the benefits of providing early care and education to ameliorate the effects of poverty and address inequities before achievement gaps widen.

(c) Families that are initially afforded the opportunity to participate in CalWORKs childcare are more likely to avoid sanction, and to be able to promptly participate in the necessary activities and progress toward economic stability, knowing that their children are in a safe, nurturing environment.

(d) While families may have access to other forms of childcare, in 2017, less than 30 percent of parents or other adult caretakers who were participating in the CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work Program and were responsible for the care of an eligible child were receiving Stage 1 childcare services.

(e) All Childcare and Development Services Act programs, except for CalWORKs childcare, have adopted 24-month continuous eligibility rules pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 10271. Aligning CalWORKs childcare eligibility periods with all other childcare and development programs will benefit families, childcare providers, and the state and local agencies that administer the various childcare programs.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 356, Sec. 2. (AB 1808) Effective January 1, 2025.)

division: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 2. California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids Act > 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
(a) Necessary supportive services shall be offered and available to every participant to enable them to participate in a program activity or to accept or maintain employment. Necessary supportive services shall also be offered and available to every individual who is not required to participate, but chooses to participate voluntarily, to allow them to participate in a program activity or to accept or maintain employment. A participant who is required to participate and who does not receive necessary supportive services shall have good cause for not participating under subdivision (f) of Section 11320.3. Supportive services shall be listed in the welfare-to-work plan or other agreement entered into between the county and participant pursuant to this article, supportive services shall include all of the following:

(1) Childcare.

(A) Paid childcare shall be available to every participant with a dependent child in the household who needs paid childcare if the child is 12 years of age or under, or requires childcare or supervision due to a physical, mental, or developmental disability or other similar condition as verified by the county human services agency, or who is under court supervision. A county human services agency may verify the need for childcare or supervision for a child over 12 years of age from an individualized education plan or a statement from a qualified professional that the child is a child with exceptional needs, as defined in Section 10213.5. A sanctioned participant shall have access to childcare pursuant to this section if the participant has indicated an intent to engage in a program activity or employment, but has not yet participated.

(B) First-stage childcare, as described in Chapter 21 (commencing with Section 10370) of Part 1.8, shall be full time, unless the participant determines that part-time care better meets the family’s needs. Upon establishing initial or ongoing eligibility for first-stage childcare services under this chapter, a family shall be considered to meet all eligibility and need requirements and be authorized for not less than 24 months, or until the participant is transferred to the second stage of childcare. This shall apply to every participant who indicates a need for childcare in order to engage in a program activity or employment. A participant may, at any time, indicate a new or increased need for childcare and the information shall be used, as applicable, to authorize childcare in accordance with this subparagraph or increase the family’s services.

(C) Necessary childcare services shall be available to every former recipient for up to two years, pursuant to Chapter 21 (commencing with Section 10370) of Part 1.8. Beginning January 1, 2021, or the date that automation changes occur, as required for implementation, in the Statewide Automated Welfare System, whichever date is later, in the 18th month following the date of last receipt of aid, the county shall send a notice, via mail to the last known address, text message, or email, to a former recipient who is not currently receiving second- or third-stage childcare informing them that their eligibility for stage-two childcare will expire by the end of the 24th month following their last receipt of aid, and how to obtain stage-two childcare services. The department shall issue an all-county letter or similar directive by November 1, 2019, to implement this subparagraph, until regulations are adopted.

(D) A child in foster care receiving benefits under Title IV-E of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 670 et seq.), or a child who would become a dependent child except for the receipt of federal Supplemental Security Income benefits pursuant to Title XVI of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1381 et seq.), or a child who is not a member of the assistance unit but for whom the recipient is responsible for providing support, shall be deemed to be a dependent child for the purposes of this paragraph.

(E) The provision of care and payment rates under this paragraph shall be governed by Chapter 21 (commencing with Section 10370) of Part 1.8. Parent fees shall be governed by Sections 10271 and 10291.

(F) For purposes of subparagraphs (A) and (B), a participant includes an individual who is not required to participate, and expresses an intent to participate voluntarily, or a sanctioned participant who indicates an intent to engage in any program activity, as defined in subdivision (c), or employment. After securing childcare services, to document their commitment to participate, a participant shall sign a welfare-to-work plan or a curing plan, whichever is appropriate, or other agreement that may be developed and approved for use on a statewide basis by the department.

(2) Diaper costs.

(A) On and after April 1, 2018, a participant who is participating in a welfare-to-work plan shall be eligible for thirty dollars ($30) per month to assist with diaper costs for each child who is under 36 months of age.

(B) The department shall adopt regulations by January 1, 2020, to implement this paragraph. 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 paragraph through all-county letters until regulations are adopted.

(3) Transportation costs, which shall be governed by regional market rates as determined in accordance with regulations established by the department.

(4) Ancillary expenses, which shall include the cost of books, tools, clothing specifically required for the job, fees, and other necessary costs.

(5) Personal counseling. A participant who has personal or family problems that would affect the outcome of the welfare-to-work plan entered into pursuant to this article shall, to the extent available, receive necessary counseling and related supportive services, to help the participant and the participant’s family adjust to the participant’s job or training assignment.

(b) If provided in a county plan, the county may continue to provide case management and supportive services under this section to former participants who become employed. The county may provide these services for up to the first 12 months of employment to the extent they are not available from other sources and are needed for the individual to retain the employment.

(c) For the purposes of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a), “program activity” includes, but is not limited to, any welfare-to-work activity, orientation, appraisal, assessment, job search, job club, domestic violence services, court appearances, housing searches and classes, homeless support programs, shelter participation requirements, eviction proceedings, mental health services, including therapy or personal counseling, home visiting, drug and substance abuse services, parenting classes, and medical or education-related appointments for the participant or their dependents.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 356, Sec. 3. (AB 1808) Effective January 1, 2025. Conditionally superseded on or after July 1, 2026; See amendment by Stats. 2025, Ch. 79.)

chapter: 2. California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids Act

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
(a) Necessary supportive services shall be offered and available to every participant to enable them to participate in a program activity or to accept or maintain employment. Necessary supportive services shall also be offered and available to every individual who is not required to participate, but chooses to participate voluntarily, to allow them to participate in a program activity or to accept or maintain employment. A participant who is required to participate and who does not receive necessary supportive services shall have good cause for not participating under subdivision (f) of Section 11320.3. Supportive services shall be listed in the welfare-to-work plan or other agreement entered into between the county and participant pursuant to this article, supportive services shall include all of the following:

(1) Childcare.

(A) Paid childcare shall be available to every participant with a dependent child in the household who needs paid childcare if the child is 12 years of age or under, or requires childcare or supervision due to a physical, mental, or developmental disability or other similar condition as verified by the county human services agency, or who is under court supervision. A county human services agency may verify the need for childcare or supervision for a child over 12 years of age from an individualized education plan or a statement from a qualified professional that the child is a child with exceptional needs, as defined in Section 10213.5. A sanctioned participant shall have access to childcare pursuant to this section if the participant has indicated an intent to engage in a program activity or employment, but has not yet participated.

(B) First-stage childcare, as described in Chapter 21 (commencing with Section 10370) of Part 1.8, shall be full time, unless the participant determines that part-time care better meets the family’s needs. Upon establishing initial or ongoing eligibility for first-stage childcare services under this chapter, a family shall be considered to meet all eligibility and need requirements and be authorized for not less than 24 months, or until the participant is transferred to the second stage of childcare. This shall apply to every participant who indicates a need for childcare in order to engage in a program activity or employment. A participant may, at any time, indicate a new or increased need for childcare and the information shall be used, as applicable, to authorize childcare in accordance with this subparagraph or increase the family’s services.

(C) Necessary childcare services shall be available to every former recipient for up to two years, pursuant to Chapter 21 (commencing with Section 10370) of Part 1.8. Beginning January 1, 2021, or the date that automation changes occur, as required for implementation, in the Statewide Automated Welfare System, whichever date is later, in the 18th month following the date of last receipt of aid, the county shall send a notice, via mail to the last known address, text message, or email, to a former recipient who is not currently receiving second- or third-stage childcare informing them that their eligibility for stage-two childcare will expire by the end of the 24th month following their last receipt of aid, and how to obtain stage-two childcare services. The department shall issue an all-county letter or similar directive by November 1, 2019, to implement this subparagraph, until regulations are adopted.

(D) A child in foster care receiving benefits under Title IV-E of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 670 et seq.), or a child who would become a dependent child except for the receipt of federal Supplemental Security Income benefits pursuant to Title XVI of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1381 et seq.), or a child who is not a member of the assistance unit but for whom the recipient is responsible for providing support, shall be deemed to be a dependent child for the purposes of this paragraph.

(E) The provision of care and payment rates under this paragraph shall be governed by Chapter 21 (commencing with Section 10370) of Part 1.8. Parent fees shall be governed by Sections 10271 and 10291.

(F) For purposes of subparagraphs (A) and (B), a participant includes an individual who is not required to participate, and expresses an intent to participate voluntarily, or a sanctioned participant who indicates an intent to engage in any program activity, as defined in subdivision (c), or employment. After securing childcare services, to document their commitment to participate, a participant shall sign a welfare-to-work plan or a curing plan, whichever is appropriate, or other agreement that may be developed and approved for use on a statewide basis by the department.

(2) Diaper costs.

(A) On and after April 1, 2018, a participant who is participating in a welfare-to-work plan shall be eligible for thirty dollars ($30) per month to assist with diaper costs for each child who is under 36 months of age.

(B) The department shall adopt regulations by January 1, 2020, to implement this paragraph. 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 paragraph through all-county letters until regulations are adopted.

(3) Transportation costs.

(A) Transportation services may include, but not be limited to, bus passes, mileage reimbursement, van pools, car repairs, car ownership programs, rideshare, parking, and tolls. Counties shall inform participants of the various transportation services available in the county and have the participant identify which transportation services they need in order to participate in welfare-to-work activities.

(B) When the county approves transportation costs for use of a private vehicle, the participant shall receive an advance payment for mileage, which shall be based on a mileage rate used in the county and in the county plan or a regional market rate that is updated annually. In addition, counties may opt to provide separate payments for specific necessary costs related to use of a private vehicle, including, but not limited to, gas, oil, insurance, license and registration fees, normal wear and tear, and maintenance, parking, tolls, car repairs, and other costs directly related to transportation and the activity.

(C) Transportation costs include payment for transporting a participant’s children when necessary for the participant to participate in their welfare-to-work assignment or activity.

(D) All payments for transportation shall be advanced to participants. At the time the welfare-to-work plan is developed and the participant’s activities are assigned, the county shall also determine what transportation services the participant needs, and shall issue the transportation payment based on the activities contained in the plan, prior to requiring the participant to participate in the activity.

(4) Ancillary expenses, which shall include the cost of books, tools, clothing specifically required for the job, fees, and other necessary costs.

(5) Personal counseling. A participant who has personal or family problems that would affect the outcome of the welfare-to-work plan entered into pursuant to this article shall, to the extent available, receive necessary counseling and related supportive services, to help the participant and the participant’s family adjust to the participant’s job or training assignment.

(b) If provided in a county plan, the county may continue to provide case management and supportive services under this section to former participants who become employed. The county may provide these services for up to the first 12 months of employment to the extent they are not available from other sources and are needed for the individual to retain the employment.

(c) For the purposes of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a), “program activity” includes, but is not limited to, any welfare-to-work activity, orientation, appraisal, assessment, job search, job club, domestic violence services, court appearances, housing searches and classes, homeless support programs, shelter participation requirements, eviction proceedings, mental health services, including therapy or personal counseling, home visiting, drug and substance abuse services, parenting classes, and medical or education-related appointments for the participant or their dependents.

(d) 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 may implement, interpret, or make specific the changes made to this section by the act that added this subdivision by means of all-county letters or similar written instructions from the department until regulations are adopted. These all-county letters or similar instructions shall have the same force and effect as regulations until the adoption of regulations.

(e) The changes made to this section by the act that added this subdivision shall become operative on July 1, 2026, or, if automation is necessary, the later of July 1, 2026, or when the department notifies the Legislature that the California Statewide Automated Welfare System can perform the necessary automation to implement Section 11320.1.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 79, Sec. 12. (SB 119) Effective July 29, 2025. Conditionally operative on or after July 1, 2026, as prescribed by its own provisions.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
(a) An applicant for, or a recipient of, CalWORKs benefits shall be informed of the availability of childcare services upon enrollment in the CalWORKs program, and at later times when a participant expresses to the county a need for childcare. The county shall verify if childcare is needed to participate in a program activity, as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 11323.2, and, if needed, that childcare services are authorized and that the participant has secured appropriate childcare prior to requiring a participant to participate in any mandatory activity. Verification that childcare has been secured may be established by the participant, the childcare contractor, or the childcare provider.

(b) An applicant for, or a recipient of, CalWORKs benefits shall be provided written notice, both at the time of application and when they sign an original or amended welfare-to-work plan, of the availability of paid childcare as provided in Section 11323.2. The notice shall inform applicants and recipients of all of the following:

(1) Paid childcare is available to allow them to be employed or participate in welfare-to-work activities or program activities, as defined in Section 11323.2.

(2) The name and contact information for the local childcare resource and referral program.

(3) Assistance in finding and choosing a childcare provider is available.

(4) A recipient is required to inform the county welfare department of the recipient’s need for paid childcare as soon as that need arises.

(5) The recipient is required to request a childcare subsidy from the county within 30 days from the first day childcare services are received from each different provider, to be fully reimbursed for childcare services.

(c) Commencing January 1, 2021, or the date that the Statewide Automated Welfare System can perform the necessary automation to implement this subdivision, whichever date is later, the written notice described in subdivision (b) shall additionally be provided to the recipient at the time of orientation, when they are assigned to a program activity, when they report new or increased participation in a program activity, and when they report new earned income or employment.

(d) The written notice described in subdivision (b) shall be provided in compliance with the Dymally-Alatorre Bilingual Services Act (Chapter 17.5 (commencing with Section 7290) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code).

(e) An applicant for, or recipient of, CalWORKs benefits shall be asked to sign a copy of the written notice acknowledging that they have been informed of and received the notice. The signed notice shall be retained in the client’s file and a signed original or copy shall be given to the client.

(f) No payment shall be made for childcare services provided pursuant to Section 8351 of the Education Code more than 30 days prior to the recipient’s initial request for payment for the childcare service from that provider, when the recipient received the written notice described in subdivisions (b) and (d).

(g) The department shall work with counties and other stakeholders to do both of the following:

(1) Modify applicable CalWORKs notices and forms about childcare to include the information described in subdivision (b).

(2) Make the modified notices and forms available at times in addition to those specified in subdivision (b), such as at the time of orientation, when and where possible and appropriate.

(h) (1) The department shall develop regulations to implement this section.

(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) and 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 may implement the amendments made to this section by the act that added this paragraph by all-county letter or similar directive until regulations are adopted.

history: (History: Amended (as amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 27, Sec. 49) by Stats. 2019, Ch. 414, Sec. 4. (AB 121) Effective October 2, 2019.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
(a) Payments for supportive services, as described in Section 11323.2, shall be advanced to the participant, whenever necessary, and when desired by the participant, so that the participant need not use the participant’s funds to pay for these services. Payments for childcare services shall be made in accordance with Article 15.5 (commencing with Section 8350) of Chapter 2 of Part 6 of the Education Code.

(b) The county welfare department shall take all reasonable steps necessary to promptly correct any overpayment or underpayment of supportive services payments to a recipient or a service provider, including, but not limited to, all cases involving fraud and abuse, consistent with procedures developed by the department.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, any participant in on-the-job training who becomes ineligible for aid under this chapter due to earned income or hours worked, shall remain a participant in the program under this article for the duration of the on-the-job training assignment and shall be eligible for supportive services for the duration of the on-the-job training, provided this duration does not exceed the time limits otherwise applicable to the recipient.

(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, any participant in on-the-job training, grant-based on-the-job training, supported work, or transitional employment who remains eligible for aid pursuant to this chapter, shall be eligible for transportation and ancillary expenses pursuant to paragraphs (3) and (4) of subdivision (a) of Section 11323.2.

(e) (1) Participants shall be encouraged to apply for financial aid, including educational grants, scholarships, and awards.

(2) To the extent permitted by federal law, the county shall coordinate with financial aid offices to establish procedures whereby the educational expenses of participants are met through available financial aid and the supportive services described in Section 11323.2. These procedures shall not result in duplication of payments, and shall require determinations to be made on an individual basis to ensure that using financial aid will not prevent the person’s participation in their welfare-to-work plan.

(f) (1) Notwithstanding Section 10850, for purposes of childcare supportive services, county welfare departments shall share information necessary for the administration of the childcare programs and the CalWORKs program.

(2) By January 1, 2028, or the date that automation changes occur, as required for implementation of this section, in the Statewide Automated Welfare System, whichever date is later, a county welfare department shall provide limited, read-only, online access through individual county-level Statewide Automated Welfare System (SAWS) databases to local contractors providing CalWORKs childcare services. Access provided pursuant to this paragraph shall include a single summary page that contains current individual family data needed to enroll a family in CalWORKs childcare services or to transfer a family between stages. This data shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following items, if applicable:

(A) All of the information required in subdivision (a) of Section 18409 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations, or any successor regulation thereto, and all of the following:

(i) The relationship between the current or former CalWORKs recipient or recipients and the child.

(ii) The childcare license number, if the childcare provider is licensed.

(iii) Whether the current or former CalWORKs recipient is receiving Medi-Cal or CalFresh benefits.

(B) If the family is no longer receiving CalWORKs cash aid, the date that a parent or adult caretaker last received CalWORKs cash aid.

(3) Paragraph (2) does not supersede any agreement between a county and a CalWORKs childcare contractor that was in effect on January 1, 2020, and provides for online access via the legacy Statewide Automated Welfare System to the data described in that paragraph.

(4) Beginning January 1, 2021, or the date that automation changes occur, as required for implementation of this section, in the Statewide Automated Welfare System, whichever date is later, a county welfare department shall provide to stage-two contractors on a monthly basis a report of all families for which the parent’s cash aid has been discontinued, the parent has not received aid for at least one month, and the parent has children in the home who are eligible for childcare services. The report shall include the parent’s most up-to-date contact information. The report shall be jointly designed with representatives from the department, the County Welfare Directors Association of California, and Parent Voices, in consultation with county welfare departments and SAWS.

(5) A county welfare department may provide training on security protocols and confidentiality of individual family data to a contractor who is given access to data pursuant to this subdivision.

(6) This subdivision is not intended to limit the information shared for the administration of childcare in addition to the data described in paragraph (2).

(7) After consultation with stakeholders, the department shall issue an all-county letter or similar directive by November 1, 2019, to implement paragraphs (2) to (6), inclusive, until regulations are adopted.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2026, Ch. 25, Sec. 38. (AB 150) Effective June 29, 2026.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text: The department shall be responsible for supervising the provision of child care by counties during stage one as described in Sections 8350, 8351, and 8352 of the Education Code. Counties may contract with public and private child care entities or providers for this purpose.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 1997, Ch. 270, Sec. 93. Effective August 11, 1997. Operative January 1, 1998, by Sec. 183 of Ch. 270.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text: Counties shall manage the participant’s transition from stage one to stage two child care pursuant to Article 15.5 (commencing with Section 8350) of Chapter 2 of Part 6 of the Education Code. If the county is operating stage two child care, the county shall manage the participant’s transition from stage two to stage three pursuant to Article 15.5 (commencing with Section 8350) of Chapter 2 of Part 6 of the Education Code.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 1997, Ch. 270, Sec. 95. Effective August 11, 1997. Operative January 1, 1998, by Sec. 183 of Ch. 270.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text: Each county welfare department shall provide to the State Department of Social Services, on a monthly basis, data regarding child care usage and demand in stage one of child care services, as described in Article 15.5 (commencing with Section 8350) of Chapter 2 of Part 6 of the Education Code, through which a recipient of aid under this chapter, or any successor program, will pass. The specific information needed for these reports may be specified by the Department of Social Services or through provisions of the annual Budget Act.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2001, Ch. 750, Sec. 21. Effective January 1, 2002.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
(a) (1) A CalWORKs eligible individual who provides the county with evidence that the individual is participating in an educational activity full time at a publicly funded or nonprofit postsecondary educational institution in accordance with Section 11322.84 shall receive a payment of five hundred dollars ($500) for each semester or three hundred fifty dollars ($350) for each quarter, and a CalWORKs eligible individual who provides the county with evidence that the individual is participating in an educational activity part time at a publicly funded or nonprofit postsecondary educational institution, in accordance with Section 11322.84, shall receive a payment of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) for each semester or one hundred seventy-five dollars ($175) for each quarter, for the purpose of paying costs associated with attending the publicly funded or nonprofit postsecondary educational institution 10 days before the beginning of the academic semester or quarter.

(2) A summer session shall be deemed to be a quarter for purposes of this section.

(b) For the purposes of this section, the amounts set forth in subdivision (a) shall be considered a standard payment for books and college supplies.

(c) A recipient may request reimbursement for the actual costs for the purpose of paying costs associated with attending the publicly funded or nonprofit postsecondary educational institution pursuant to Section 11323.2 if the recipient provides verification of expenses that exceed the applicable amount set forth in subdivision (a) for books and college supplies that are required for the classes in which the individual is enrolled. The county shall issue payment within 20 days of the recipient’s request.

(d) A county may elect to satisfy the requirements of subdivision (a) in the form of a book voucher or other means of payment to a store or stores that carry the books required for the recipient. The county may only exercise this option if the county makes all required books available to the recipient at least 10 days before the start of the semester, summer session, or quarter to ensure that the participant has the required books on the first day of class.

(e) (1) 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 State Department of Social Services may implement, interpret, or make specific this section by means of all-county letters or similar written instructions from the department until regulations are adopted. These all-county letters or similar instructions shall have the same force and effect as regulations.

(2) The department shall adopt emergency regulations no later than January 1, 2023. The department may readopt any emergency regulation authorized by this section that is the same as, or substantially equivalent to, an emergency regulation previously adopted under this section.

(3) The initial adoption of emergency regulations pursuant to this section and one readoption of emergency regulations shall be deemed an emergency and necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety, or general welfare. Initial emergency regulations and the one readoption of emergency regulations authorized by this section shall be exempt from review by the Office of Administrative Law. The initial emergency regulations and the one readoption of emergency regulations authorized by this section shall be submitted to the Office of Administrative Law for filing with the Secretary of State and each shall remain in effect for no more than 180 days, by which time final regulations shall be adopted.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 447, Sec. 2. (SB 768) Effective January 1, 2023.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
(a) In addition to its authority under subdivision (b) of Section 11323.2, if provided in a county plan, the county may continue to provide welfare-to-work services to former participants who became ineligible for CalWORKs benefits because they became employed under Section 11322.64. The county may provide these services for up to the first 12 months of employment, to the extent they are not available from other sources and are needed for the individual to retain the subsidized employment.

(b) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2016.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 11) and added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 25, Sec. 12. (AB 1603) Effective June 27, 2016. Section operative July 1, 2016, by its own provisions.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
(a) If the county welfare department or a contractor pays for child care services which are exempt from licensure, all of the following information about the caregiver shall be on file with the county welfare department or the contractor and shall be made available to the participant:

(1) The name and address of the care provider.

(2) The address where care is to be provided.

(3) The hours care is to be provided and the charge for this care.

(4) The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of two character references.

(5) A copy of a valid California driver’s license or other identification to establish that the caregiver is at least 18 years old.

(6) A statement from the caregiver as to his or her health education, experience or other qualification, criminal record, and names and ages of other persons in the home or providing care.

(b) The county welfare department or the contractor shall use existing child care licensing or CalWORKs program procedures in meeting the requirements of subdivision (a).

(c) To the extent permitted by federal law, the county welfare department shall deny payment, or cause the contractor to deny payment, for child care services which are exempt from licensure if either of the following apply:

(1) The provider has been convicted of a violent felony, as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 667.5 of the Penal Code.

(2) The provider has been convicted of child abuse.

(d) If the child care provider selected by the participant is denied payment, the participant may have good cause for not participating as specified in paragraph (3) of subdivision (f) of Section 11320.3.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 270, Sec. 96. Effective August 11, 1997. Operative January 1, 1998, by Sec. 183 of Ch. 270.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
(a) The employer or sponsor of an employment or training program position described in Section 11322.6 or 11322.9 or any positions created under any county pilot project shall assist and encourage qualified participants to compete for job openings occurring within the sponsor’s organization for which they qualify.

(b) Workers assigned to public agencies shall be allowed to participate in classified service examinations equivalent to the positions they occupy, as well as all open and promotional examinations for which experience in the position or other relevant experience is qualifying under merit system rules. To the extent permitted under federal or state law, local ordinance, or applicable collective bargaining agreements, time worked in the positions shall apply toward seniority in the merit public agency positions.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 270, Sec. 98. Effective August 11, 1997. Operative January 1, 1998, by Sec. 183 of Ch. 270.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text: The county shall ensure that the labor union is notified of the use of participants assigned to an employment or training program position described in Section 11322.6 or 11322.9 or any positions created under any county pilot project, in any location or work activity controlled by an employer and covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the employer and a union. For nonunionized employees, procedures shall provide for notification to employees of the use of participants under this article and the availability of the grievance process. Display of a poster shall satisfy this requirement.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 270, Sec. 99. Effective August 11, 1997. Operative January 1, 1998, by Sec. 183 of Ch. 270.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
Any employment or training program position described in subdivisions (a) to (l), inclusive, of Section 11322.6 or Section 11322.9 or under any county pilot project, shall not be created as a result of, or shall not result in, any of the following:

(a) Displacement or partial displacement of current employees, including, but not limited to, a reduction in hours of nonovertime and overtime work, wages, or employment benefits.

(b) The filling of positions which would otherwise be promotional opportunities for current employees, except when positions are to be filled through an open process in which recipients are provided equal opportunity to compete.

(c) The filling of a position, prior to compliance with applicable personnel procedures or provisions of collective bargaining agreements.

(d) The filling of established unfilled public agency positions, unless the positions are unfunded in a public agency budget.

(e) The filling of a position created by termination, layoff, or reduction in workforce, caused by the employer’s intent to fill the position with a subsidized position pursuant to this article.

(f) A strike, lockout, or other bona fide labor dispute, or violation of any existing collective bargaining agreement between employees and employers.

(g) The filling of a work assignment customarily performed by a worker in a job classification within a recognized collective bargaining unit in that specific worksite, or the filling of a work assignment in any bargaining unit in which funded positions are vacant or in which regular employees are on layoff.

(h) The termination of a contract for services, prior to its expiration date, that results in the displacement or partial displacement of workers performing contracted services, caused by the employer’s intent to fill the position with a subsidized position pursuant to this article.

(i) The filling of a work assignment that results in not rehiring a seasonal employee who has a history of regular seasonal employment with an employer. The provisions of this subdivision shall apply only to the construction industry.

(j) The denial to a participant or employee of protections afforded other workers on the worksite by state and federal laws governing workplace health, safety, and representation.

(k) Subdivisions (b), (d), and (g) shall not apply to unsubsidized employment placements.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 1142, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2003.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
(a) The department shall provide a grievance process for regular employees and their representatives who wish to file a complaint that an assignment to community service, work experience, on-the-job training, or any activity funded by grant-based on-the-job training violates any of the displacement provisions contained in Section 11324.6, as applicable, respecting any employment or training position created pursuant to this article.

(b) (1) The grievance process established pursuant to subdivision (a) shall consist of an informal procedure followed by a hearing if the informal procedure fails to resolve the complaint to the satisfaction of the complainant.

(2) The grievance and any available appeal process shall be conducted in accordance with rules and notification requirements adopted and promulgated in federal law.

(3) The department shall issue instructions and requirements for the grievance process.

(c) The department shall administer the employee grievance process either directly or through the county welfare departments, or may enter into agreements with another state agency to administer all or any part of the grievance process.

(d) Notwithstanding subdivisions (b) and (c), the department shall require the use of any existing grievance procedure that is part of a collective bargaining agreement between the employer and the labor union representing the regular employee, in lieu of the process established by this section.

(e) Remedies for complaining regular employees in the process established by this section shall include, where appropriate, reinstatement, retroactive pay, and retroactive benefits.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 902, Sec. 30. Effective January 1, 1999.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
(a) At the time an individual applies for aid under this chapter, or at the time a recipient’s eligibility for aid is determined, the county shall do all of the following:

(1) Provide the individual, in writing and orally as necessary, with at least the following program information:

(A) A general description of the education, employment, and training opportunities and the supportive services available, including transitional benefits.

(B) A description of the exemptions from required participation provided under this article and the consequences of a refusal to participate in program components, if not exempt.

(C) A description of the responsibility of the participant to cooperate in establishing paternity and enforcing child support obligations, and to assist individuals in establishing paternity and obtaining child support as a condition of eligibility.

(2) Determine whether the individual is required to participate in the program provided under this article.

(b) At the time an individual is required to participate pursuant to this article, he or she shall receive a written preliminary determination that he or she is a member of a targeted group, for purposes of any applicable and operative federal Targeted Jobs Tax Credit and California Jobs Tax Credit.

(c) Persons not required to participate may volunteer to participate.

(d) An applicant for, or a recipient of, aid who is dissatisfied with the provisions of the welfare-to-work plan may seek redress through the independent assessment process, as described in subdivision (c) of Section 11325.4 or the state hearing or county grievance process, as described in Section 11327.8.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 902, Sec. 31. Effective January 1, 1999.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text: When child care services are provided by a program funded under Section 8481 of the Education Code to a recipient under this article or any other job training program for recipients under this chapter, and the job training program utilizes vouchers for child care services issued by the county or a contracting agency, reimbursement for those child care services shall be made at a market rate established by the State Department of Education pursuant to Article 15.5 (commencing with Section 8350) of Chapter 2 of Part 6 of the Education Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 902, Sec. 32. Effective January 1, 1999.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
(a) At the time a recipient enters the welfare-to-work program, the county shall conduct an appraisal, pursuant to regulations adopted by the department, during which the recipient is informed of the requirement to participate in allowable welfare-to-work activities and of the provision of supportive services, pursuant to Section 11323.2. The appraisal shall gather and provide information about the recipient in the following areas:

(1) Employment history, interests, and skills.

(2) Educational history and learning disabilities.

(3) Housing status and stability.

(4) Language barriers.

(5) Physical and behavioral health, including, but not limited to, mental health and substance abuse issues.

(6) Child physical and behavioral health and well-being.

(7) Criminal background that may present a barrier to employment or housing stability.

(8) Domestic violence.

(9) Need for supportive services described in Section 11323.2.

(10) Other information that may affect an individual’s ability to participate in work activities.

(11) The recipient’s determination of their skills, prior work experience, and employability. The recipient may indicate that they would like assistance with this determination. The recipient may request assistance with completing any portion of the appraisal.

(b) (1) The county shall utilize a standardized appraisal tool in order to assess strengths for and barriers to work activities. This tool shall be developed or selected by the department, in consultation with stakeholders, and shall be customized as needed for statewide use.

(2) (A) Upon completion of the development of the updated streamlined appraisal tool developed pursuant to Section 11325.15, the county shall utilize the updated streamlined appraisal tool.

(B) This paragraph shall become operative on July 1, 2026, or, if automation is necessary, the later of July 1, 2026, or on the date the department notifies the Legislature that the Statewide Automated Welfare System can perform the necessary automation to implement this paragraph.

(3) Concurrent with the development of the standardized appraisal tool, mandatory training shall be developed for administration of the tool and shall, in addition, include skill-building components, including, at a minimum, rapport building and interviewing techniques.

(c) (1) If the results of the appraisal indicate that the individual may face barriers that impair their ability to participate in work activities, the county shall refer the recipient for an evaluation and services as described in Section 11325.25, 11325.5, or 11325.8, or may refer the recipient to family stabilization pursuant to Section 11325.24.

(2) If information obtained from the appraisal indicates that the individual qualifies for an exemption from welfare-to-work requirements, the county shall apply the exemption, pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 11320.3.

(d) This section shall not apply to individuals subject to Article 3.5 (commencing with Section 11331) during the time that article is operative.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 79, Sec. 14. (SB 119) Effective July 29, 2025.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
(a) After a recipient has received services described in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 11320.1 for which the county deemed the recipient eligible, other than job club or job search activities, if it is determined that the recipient has not received his or her high school diploma or its equivalent, the recipient shall be eligible to participate in a high school equivalency program in order to complete the High School Equivalency Test, General Education Development Test, Test Assessing Secondary Completion, or any other high school equivalency test recognized by the State Department of Education.

(b) This section does not require a recipient to participate in a high school equivalency program. A recipient may choose to engage in a job club or a job search pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 11320.1, if he or she declines to participate in a high school equivalency program, in writing, as described in paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 11320.1.

(c) Recipients eligible pursuant to this section shall not be required to participate in an assessment pursuant to Section 11325.4 prior to, or as a condition of, participation in a high school equivalency program.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 303, Sec. 2. (AB 1604) Effective January 1, 2018.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
(a) Upon referral to assessment, a participant shall work with the county welfare department to develop and agree on a welfare-to-work plan on the basis of an assessment of the individual’s skills and needs. The assessment shall include at least all of the following:

(1) The participant’s work history and an inventory of their employment skills, knowledge, and abilities.

(2) The participant’s educational history and present educational competency level.

(3) The participant’s need for supportive services in order to obtain the greatest benefit from the employment and training services offered under this article.

(4) An evaluation of the chances for employment given the current skills of the participant and the local labor market conditions.

(5) Local labor market information.

(6) Physical limitations or mental conditions that limit the participant’s ability for employment or participation in welfare-to-work activities.

(b) The county may contract with outside parties, including local educational agencies and service delivery areas, to provide the assessment.

(c) (1) Notwithstanding the procedures set forth in Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 10950) of Part 2, if the participant and assessor are unable to reach agreement on the welfare-to-work plan, the matter shall be referred by the county for an independent assessment by an impartial third party. The results of this assessment, which shall be binding upon the county and the participant, shall be used to develop the appropriate plan for the participant.

(2) No third party assessment under this subdivision shall be made by a party having any financial or other interest in the result of the assessment. The party making the assessment shall be selected by the county according to an unbiased procedure.

(d) This section shall not apply to individuals subject to Article 3.5 (commencing with Section 11331) during the time that article is operative.

(e) This section shall become inoperative on July 1, 2026, or, if automation is necessary, the later of July 1, 2026, or when the department notifies the Legislature that the Statewide Automated Welfare System can perform the necessary automation to implement this section, as added by the act that added this subdivision, and, as of January 1 of the following year, is repealed.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 79, Sec. 17. (SB 119) Effective July 29, 2025. Conditionally inoperative on or after July 1, 2026, as prescribed by its own provisions. Conditionally repealed January 1 following the inoperative date. See later operative version added by Sec. 5 of Stats. 2025, Ch. 107.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
(a) An assessment shall be available upon completion of orientation and appraisal pursuant to Section 11320.1. An assessment evaluates the participants’ strengths and skills to assist them in choosing the activities they wish to include in their welfare-to-work plan. At the participant’s option, this assessment may incorporate the appraisal tool used pursuant to Section 11325.15 and shall include at least all of the following:

(1) The participant’s work history and an inventory of their employment skills, knowledge, and abilities.

(2) The participant’s educational history and present educational competency level.

(3) The participant’s need for supportive and barrier removal services in order to obtain the greatest benefit from the employment and training services offered under this article.

(4) An evaluation of the chances for employment given the current skills of the participant and the local labor market conditions.

(5) Local labor market information.

(6) Physical limitations or mental conditions that limit the participant’s ability for employment or participation in welfare-to-work activities.

(b) Counties may contract with outside parties, including local educational agencies and service delivery areas to perform all or part of the assessment.

(c) 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 may implement, interpret, or make specific this section by means of all-county letters or similar written instructions from the department until regulations are adopted. These all-county letters or similar instructions shall have the same force and effect as regulations until the adoption of regulations.

(d) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2026, or, if automation is necessary, the later of July 1, 2026, or when the department notifies the Legislature that the Statewide Automated Welfare System can perform the necessary automation to implement this section.

history: (History: Amended (as added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 79, Sec. 18) by Stats. 2025, Ch. 107, Sec. 5. (SB 146) Effective September 17, 2025. Conditionally operative on or after July 1, 2026, as prescribed by its own provisions.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
(a) If, pursuant to the appraisal conducted pursuant to Section 11325.2 or assessment conducted pursuant to Section 11325.4, there is a concern that a mental disability exists that will impair the ability of a recipient to obtain employment, he or she shall be referred to the county mental health department.

(b) Subject to appropriations in the Budget Act, the county mental health department shall evaluate the recipient and determine any treatment needs. The evaluation shall include the extent to which the individual is capable of employment at the present time and under what working and treatment conditions the individual is capable of employment. The evaluation shall include prior diagnoses, assessments, or evaluations that the recipient provides.

(c) Each county human services agency shall develop individual welfare to work plans for recipients with mental or emotional disorders based on the evaluation conducted by the mental health department. The plan for the recipient shall include appropriate employment accommodations or restrictions, supportive services, and treatment requirements. Any prior diagnosis, evaluation, or assessment provided by the recipient shall be considered in the development of his or her individual welfare-to-work plan.

(d) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2018.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 22) and added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 24, Sec. 23. (SB 89) Effective June 27, 2017. Section operative July 1, 2018, by its own provisions.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
(a) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this section to create a funding stream and program that assists certain recipients of aid under this chapter to receive necessary mental health services, including case management and treatment, thereby enabling them to make the transition from welfare to work. This funding stream shall be used specifically to serve recipients in need of mental health services, and shall be accounted for and expended by each county in a manner that ensures that recipients in need of mental health services are receiving appropriate services.

(b) The county plan required by Section 10531 shall include a plan for the development of mental health employment assistance services, developed jointly by the county human services agency and the county department of mental health. The plan shall have as its goal the treatment of mental or emotional disabilities that may limit or impair the ability of a recipient to make the transition from welfare to work, or that may limit or impair the ability to retain employment over a long-term period. The plan shall be developed in a manner consistent with both the county’s welfare-to-work program and the county’s consolidated mental health Medi-Cal services plan. The county may use community-based providers, as necessary, that have experience in addressing the needs of the CalWORKs population. The county, whenever possible, shall ensure that the services provided qualify for federal reimbursement of the nonstate share of Medi-Cal costs.

(c) Subject to specific expenditure authority, mental health services available under this section shall include all of the following elements:

(1) Assessment for the purpose of identifying the level of the participant’s mental health needs and the appropriate level of treatment and rehabilitation for the participant.

(2) Case management, as appropriate, as determined by the county.

(3) Treatment and rehabilitation services, that shall include counseling, as necessary to overcome mental health barriers to employment and mental health barriers to retaining employment, in coordination with an individual’s welfare-to-work plan.

(4) In cases in which a secondary diagnosis of substance abuse is made in a person referred for mental or emotional disorders, the welfare-to-work plan shall also address the substance abuse treatment needs of the participant.

(5) A process by which the county can identify those with severe mental disabilities that may qualify them for aid under Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 12000).

(d) Any funds appropriated by the Legislature to cover the nonfederal costs of the mental health employment assistance services required by this section shall be allocated consistent with the formula used to distribute each county’s CalWORKs program allocation. Each county shall report annually to the state the number of CalWORKs program recipients who received mental health services and the extent to which the allocation is sufficient to meet the need for these services as determined by the county. The State Department of Health Care Services shall develop a uniform methodology for ensuring that this allocation supplements, and does not supplant, current expenditure levels for mental health services for this population.

(e) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2018, unless a later enacted statute, that is enacted on or before July 1, 2018, deletes or extends that date.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 25) and added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 24, Sec. 26. (SB 89) Effective June 27, 2017. Section operative July 1, 2018, by its own provisions.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
(a) The county plan required by Section 10531 shall include a plan for the provision of substance abuse treatment services. The plan shall describe how the county human services agency and the county alcohol and drug program will collaborate to ensure an effective system is available to provide alcohol and drug services to recipients whose substance abuse creates a barrier to employment. The plan shall be developed in a manner that is consistent with the county’s welfare-to-work program. Substance abuse treatment services shall include evaluation, substance abuse treatment, employment counseling, provision of community service jobs, or other appropriate services.

(b) It is the intent of the Legislature that substance abuse treatment services for participants shall be provided by the county alcohol and drug program, or by a nonprofit agency under contract with the county alcohol and drug program. If the county human services agency determines that the county alcohol and drug program is unable to provide the needed services, the county department may contract directly with a nonprofit state-licensed narcotic treatment program, residential facility, or certified nonresidential substance abuse program to obtain substance abuse services for a participant.

(c) (1) A participant who is in a job search component of the county’s welfare-to-work program may be directed at any time to an assessment by the job search manager if the county believes that the participant’s substance abuse may limit or preclude his or her satisfactory completion of the job search component.

(2) During the assessment, if the case manager believes that substance abuse will impair the ability of the participant to obtain and retain employment, the case manager shall refer the participant to the county alcohol and drug program for an evaluation and determination of any treatment necessary for the participant’s transition from welfare to work. If the county alcohol and drug program is unable to provide the necessary services, the county may refer the participant to a state-licensed or certified nonprofit agency under contract with the county to perform these services.

(3) If a participant is determined to have a substance abuse problem, based on an evaluation by the county alcohol and drug program or a nonprofit state-licensed narcotic treatment program, residential facility, or certified nonresidential substance abuse program, the case manager shall develop the participant’s welfare-to-work plan based on the results of that evaluation. In that case, the participant’s welfare-to-work plan may include appropriate treatment requirements, including assignment to a substance abuse program.

(4) A recipient of aid under this chapter shall be offered two opportunities to receive substance abuse treatment under subdivision (q) of Section 11322.6, except that the county may offer the recipient additional treatment opportunities.

(5) When a participant’s welfare-to-work plan includes assignment to a treatment program, a case manager may determine that the participant is out of compliance with that plan if, at any time, in consultation with the substance abuse treatment provider, the county determines that the participant has failed or refused to participate in a treatment program without good cause. The assigned treatment program shall be reasonably accessible within the county of residence or a nearby county.

(6) When a case manager determines that a participant in a treatment program as specified in his or her welfare-to-work plan is out of compliance with a program requirement other than participation in a required treatment program, the determination of whether the participant has good cause to be out of compliance shall include consideration of whether the participant’s substance abuse problem caused or substantially contributed to the failure to comply with the program requirements. In this determination, the county shall consult the substance abuse treatment provider as appropriate.

(d) A recipient may not participate in a substance abuse treatment program for longer than six months without concurrently participating in a work activity, to be determined by the county and the recipient, in consultation with the treatment provider. However, if the recipient is in a state-licensed residential facility or a certified nonresidential substance abuse program that requires him or her to stay at the program site for a minimum of three hours per day, three days per week, or otherwise not to participate in nonprogram activities, the requirements of the treatment program shall fulfill the recipient’s work activity requirement.

(e) Any funds appropriated by the Legislature for allocation to each county to eliminate barriers to employment due to participants’ substance abuse problems shall be allocated consistent with the formula used to distribute each county’s CalWORKs program allocation and shall be used to supplement, and not supplant, substance abuse treatment funds otherwise available to recipients. It is the intent of the Legislature that these funds be used to develop, expand, or develop and expand programs appropriate for CalWORKs program recipients. It is further the intent of the Legislature that, to the extent possible, these funds be used to maximize federal financial participation through Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1396 et seq.).

(f) Each county shall report annually to the state the number of CalWORKs program recipients who receive substance abuse treatment and the extent to which the allocation is sufficient to meet the need for substance abuse services as determined by the county.

(g) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2018.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 28) and added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 24, Sec. 29. (SB 89) Effective June 27, 2017. Section operative July 1, 2018, by its own provisions.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
(a) The department shall develop three-year pilot projects in Alameda County, San Bernardino County, and Ventura County, at the option of each county, to create an integrated and coordinated case management system for delivery of services to CalWORKs families who face multiple barriers to employment. This pilot program shall permit the exchange of information and records between members of a multidisciplinary services team for the purpose of coordinating services relevant to the prevention, identification, and treatment of the family’s barriers to employment. Information shared between members of the multidisciplinary services team shall be maintained in a manner to ensure maximum protection of the family’s privacy. Information shall not be shared between the team or otherwise disclosed, except as otherwise authorized by law, once an individual and his or her family no longer receive CalWORKs benefits or services.

(b) For purposes of this section and Sections 11325.91 to 11325.96, inclusive:

(1) “Multidisciplinary service team” or “team” means a team of two or more persons trained and qualified to provide one or more of the services listed in paragraph (2) who are assigned the responsibility, within an integrated welfare system, for identifying the educational, health, and social service needs of a member of an assistance unit, and for developing a plan to address those needs. Team members may include any of the following:

(A) Representatives of public employment services agencies under contract with the CalWORKs program.

(B) Psychiatrists, psychologists, or other trained counseling personnel involved in mental health treatment.

(C) Providers of substance abuse treatment.

(D) Medical personnel with sufficient training to provide health services.

(E) Any public or private school teacher, administrative officer, supervisor of child welfare and attendance, or certificated public personnel employee.

(F) Representatives of a domestic violence shelter.

(G) Probation officers.

(H) Social workers with experience or training in child abuse or abuse of elder or dependent adults.

(I) Representatives from public housing agencies.

(J) Other team members may be added if necessary and if approved by the client if the team member agrees to abide by the confidentiality requirements in Section 11325.93.

(2) “Integrated welfare system” means programs established by the state or by the pilot project county governments to provide two or more of the following services to households in which recipients of benefits under this chapter reside:

(A) Child welfare services.

(B) Employment services.

(C) Health care services.

(D) Mental health services.

(E) Substance abuse prevention and treatment.

(F) Child abuse prevention, identification, and treatment.

(G) Elder or dependent adult abuse prevention, identification, and treatment.

(H) Public housing services.

(I) Domestic violence counseling services.

(J) Juvenile probation services. However, representatives of juvenile probation may provide information to other team members, but may not receive information, records, or copies of records, from other team members.

(K) Educational services for children and adults.

(L) Nutrition services.

(M) Child care and development services.

(N) Learning disability evaluation.

(3) “Targeted population” means long-term welfare-dependent families with multiple barriers to employment, including, but not limited to, substance abuse, mental illness, child abuse and neglect, and domestic violence.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 919, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2000.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
(a) (1) The Legislature hereby finds and declares that the Online CalWORKs Appraisal Tool (OCAT) is an essential part of CalWORKs welfare-to-work case management and should function as a shared service in the Statewide Automated Welfare System (SAWS), which is the system of record for the CalWORKs program, as expeditiously as possible.

(2) The State Department of Social Services shall expedite any necessary steps to obtain any necessary licenses to allow the OCAT to function as a shared service in the SAWS environment.

(b) OCAT shall become a shared service in the SAWS environment, consistent with the state’s shared services strategy. The functionality of OCAT in the SAWS environment shall include, but not be limited to, the exchange of data to prevent the need for duplicate data entry, to alert users to potential data conflicts, and to transmit OCAT recommendations to SAWS, where the recommendations may be used to streamline the case management of welfare-to-work activities and to produce reports.

(c) The implementation of this section shall not reduce access by the department nor counties to OCAT data and recommendations, as that access existed as of June 30, 2017.

(d) (1) Notwithstanding any other law, contracts necessary to obtain licenses for OCAT shall be exempt from the personal services contracting requirements of Article 4 (commencing with Section 19130) of Chapter 5 of Part 2 of Division 5 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

(2) Notwithstanding any other law, contracts necessary to obtain licenses for OCAT shall be exempt from the Public Contract Code and the State Contracting Manual, and shall not be subject to the approval of the Department of General Services.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 24, Sec. 20. (SB 89) Effective June 27, 2017. Conditionally superseded on or after July 1, 2026; See amendment by Stats. 2025, Ch. 107.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
(a) (1) The Legislature hereby finds and declares that the Online CalWORKs Appraisal Tool (OCAT) is an essential part of CalWORKs welfare-to-work case management and should function as a shared service in the Statewide Automated Welfare System (SAWS), which is the system of record for the CalWORKs program, as expeditiously as possible.

(2) The State Department of Social Services shall expedite any necessary steps to obtain any necessary licenses to allow the OCAT to function as a shared service in the SAWS environment.

(b) OCAT shall become a shared service in the SAWS environment, consistent with the state’s shared services strategy. The functionality of OCAT in the SAWS environment shall include, but not be limited to, the exchange of data to prevent the need for duplicate data entry, to alert users to potential data conflicts, and to transmit OCAT recommendations to SAWS, where the recommendations may be used to streamline the case management of welfare-to-work activities and to produce reports.

(c) The implementation of this section shall not reduce access by the department nor counties to OCAT data and recommendations, as that access existed as of June 30, 2017.

(d) Notwithstanding any other law, a contract awarded pursuant to this article shall be exempt from the personal services contracting requirements of Article 4 (commencing with Section 19130) of Chapter 5 of Part 2 of Division 5 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the Public Contract Code, and the State Contracting Manual and is not subject to review or approval by the Department of General Services.

(e) Consistent with Section 11325.2, the department shall develop an updated streamlined appraisal tool to replace OCAT. This tool shall be designed to improve efficiency while maintaining the ability to assess participant strengths and barriers. The department shall convene a stakeholder workgroup, which may be convened concurrently with an existing department stakeholder meeting, to inform the development and use of this tool. The stakeholder workgroup shall include, but not be limited to, representatives of organizations representing the County Welfare Directors Association of California, CalWORKs recipients, social workers, advocacy groups, and any relevant state, county, or city government agencies. The department shall ensure that, in replacing OCAT, the lines of inquiry necessary to support participants are retained in the appraisal tool, including, but not limited to, domestic violence, learning disabilities, and pregnant or parenting teenagers.

(f) 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 may implement, interpret, or make specific the changes made to this section by the act that added this subdivision by means of all-county letters or similar written instructions from the department until regulations are adopted. These all-county letters or similar instructions shall have the same force and effect as regulations until the adoption of regulations.

(g) The changes made to this section by the act that added this subdivision shall become operative on July 1, 2026, or, if automation is necessary, the later of July 1, 2026, or on the date the department notifies the Legislature that the Statewide Automated Welfare System can perform the necessary automation to implement the changes made to this section by the act that added this subdivision.

history: (History: Amended (as amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 79, Sec. 13) by Stats. 2025, Ch. 107, Sec. 4. (SB 146) Effective September 17, 2025. Conditionally operative on or after July 1, 2026, as prescribed by its own provisions.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
(a) Any individual who is required to participate in welfare-to-work activities pursuant to this article shall enter into a written welfare-to-work plan with the county welfare department after assessment, as required by subdivision (c) of Section 11320.1, but no more than 90 days after the date that a recipient’s eligibility for aid is determined or the date the recipient is required to participate in welfare-to-work activities pursuant to Section 11320.3. The recipient and the county may enter into a welfare-to-work plan as late as 90 days after the completion of the job search activity, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 11320.1, if the job search activity is initiated within 30 days after the recipient’s eligibility for aid is determined. The plan shall include the activities and services that will move the individual into employment.

(b) The county shall allow the participant three working days after completion of the plan or subsequent amendments to the plan in which to evaluate and request changes to the terms of the plan.

(c) The plan shall be written in clear and understandable language, and have a simple and easy-to-read format.

(d) The plan shall contain at least all of the following general information:

(1) A general description of the program provided for in this article, including available program components and supportive services.

(2) A general description of the rights, duties, and responsibilities of program participants, including a list of the exemptions from the required participation under this article, the consequences of a refusal to participate in program components, and criteria for successful completion of the program.

(3) A description of the grace period required in paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 11325.22.

(e) (1) The plan shall specify, and shall be amended to reflect changes in, the participant’s welfare-to-work activity, a description of services to be provided in accordance with Sections 11322.6, 11322.8, and 11322.85, as needed, and specific requirements for successful completion of assigned activities, including required hours of participation.

(2) The plan shall also include a general description of supportive services pursuant to Section 11323.2 that are to be provided as necessary for the participant to complete assigned program activities.

(f) Any assignment to a program component shall be reflected in the plan or an amendment to the plan. The participant shall maintain satisfactory progress toward employment through the methods set forth in the plan, and the county shall provide the services pursuant to Section 11323.2.

(g) This section shall not apply to individuals subject to Article 3.5 (commencing with Section 11331) during the time that article is operative.

(h) This section shall become inoperative on May 1, 2022, or when the department notifies the Legislature that the Statewide Automated Welfare System can perform the necessary automation to implement Section 11325.21, as added by the act that added this subdivision, whichever date is later, and, as of January 1 of the following year, is repealed.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 11, Sec. 52. (AB 79) Effective June 29, 2020. Inoperative on or after May 1, 2022, as prescribed by its own provisions. Repealed as of January 1 following inoperative date.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
(a) Any individual who is required to participate in welfare-to-work activities pursuant to this article shall enter into a written welfare-to-work plan with the county welfare department after assessment, as required by subdivision (c) of Section 11320.1, but no more than 90 days after the date that a recipient’s eligibility for aid is determined or the date the recipient is required to participate in welfare-to-work activities pursuant to Section 11320.3. The recipient and the county may enter into a welfare-to-work plan as late as 90 days after the completion of the job search activity, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 11320.1, if the job search activity is initiated within 30 days after the recipient’s eligibility for aid is determined. The plan shall include the activities and services that will move the individual into employment.

(b) The county shall allow the participant three working days after completion of the plan or subsequent amendments to the plan in which to evaluate and request changes to the terms of the plan.

(c) The plan shall be written in clear and understandable language, and have a simple and easy-to-read format.

(d) The plan shall contain at least all of the following general information:

(1) A general description of the program provided for in this article, including available program components and supportive services.

(2) A general description of the rights, duties, and responsibilities of program participants, including a list of the exemptions from the required participation under this article, the consequences of a refusal to participate in program components, and criteria for successful completion of the program.

(3) A description of the grace period required in paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 11325.22.

(e) (1) The plan shall specify, and shall be amended to reflect changes in, the participant’s welfare-to-work activity, a description of services to be provided in accordance with Sections 11322.6 and 11322.8, as needed, and specific requirements for successful completion of assigned activities, including required hours of participation.

(2) The plan shall also include a general description of supportive services pursuant to Section 11323.2 that are to be provided as necessary for the participant to complete assigned program activities.

(f) Any assignment to a program component shall be reflected in the plan or an amendment to the plan. The participant shall maintain satisfactory progress toward employment through the methods set forth in the plan, and the county shall provide the services pursuant to Section 11323.2.

(g) This section shall not apply to individuals subject to Article 3.5 (commencing with Section 11331) during the time that article is operative.

(h) This section shall become operative on May 1, 2022, or when the department notifies the Legislature that the Statewide Automated Welfare System can perform the necessary automation to implement this section, whichever date is later.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2020, Ch. 11, Sec. 53. (AB 79) Effective June 29, 2020. Operative on or after May 1, 2022, as prescribed by its own provisions.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
(a) (1) Following the appraisal required by Section 11325.2, all participants except those described in paragraph (4) of this subdivision or those who are participating in other activities or assessment pursuant to Section 11320.1, shall be assigned to participate for a period of up to four consecutive weeks in job search activities. These activities may include the use of job clubs to identify the participant’s qualifications. The county shall consider the skills and interests of the participants in developing a job search strategy. The period of job search activities may be shortened if the participant and the county agree that further activities would not be beneficial. Job search activities may be shortened for a recipient if the county determines that the recipient will not benefit because they may suffer from an emotional or mental disability that will limit or preclude the recipient’s participation under this article.

(2) Nothing in this section shall require participation in job search activities, the schedule for which interferes with unsubsidized employment or participation pursuant to Section 11325.23.

(3) Job search activities may be required in excess of the limits specified in paragraph (1) on the basis of a review by the county of the recipient’s performance during job search to determine whether extending the job search period would result in unsubsidized employment.

(4) A person subject to Article 3.5 (commencing with Section 11331) or subdivision (d) of Section 11320.3 shall not be required, but may be permitted, to participate in job search activities as their first program assignment following appraisal upon earning a high school diploma or its equivalent, if they have not already taken the option to complete these activities as the first program assignment following appraisal.

(b) (1) Upon the completion of job search activities, or a determination that those activities are not required, the participant shall be assigned to one or more of the activities described in Section 11322.6 as needed to attain employment.

(2) (A) The assignment to one or more of the program activities as required in paragraph (1) of this subdivision shall be based on the welfare-to-work plan developed pursuant to an assessment as described in Section 11325.4. The plan shall be based, at a minimum, on consideration of the individual’s existing education level, employment experience and relevant employment skills, available program resources, and local labor market opportunities.

(B) An assessment pursuant to Section 11325.4 shall be performed upon completion of job search activities or at such time as it is determined that job search will not be beneficial.

(C) Notwithstanding subparagraphs (A) and (B), an assessment shall not be required to develop a welfare-to-work plan for a person who is participating in an approved self-initiated program pursuant to Section 11325.23 unless the county determines that an assessment is necessary to meet the hours specified in Section 11325.23.

(3) A participant who lacks basic literacy or mathematics skills, a high school diploma or general educational development certificate, or English language skills, shall be assigned to participate in adult basic education as described in subdivision (k) of Section 11322.6, as appropriate and necessary for removal of the individual’s barriers to employment.

(4) Participation in activities assigned pursuant to this section may be sequential or concurrent. The county may require concurrent participation in the assigned activities if it is appropriate to the participant’s abilities, consistent with the participant’s welfare-to-work plan, and the activities can be concurrently scheduled.

(5) The participant has 30 days from the beginning of the initial training or education assignment in which to request a change or reassignment to another component. The county shall grant the participant’s request for reassignment if another assignment is available that is consistent with the participant’s welfare-to-work plan and the county determines the other assignment will readily lead to employment. This grace period shall be available only once to each participant.

(c) Any assignment or change in assignment to a program activity pursuant to this section shall be included in the welfare-to-work plan, or an amendment to the plan, as required in Section 11325.21.

(d) A participant who has not obtained unsubsidized employment upon completion of the activities in a welfare-to-work plan developed pursuant to the job search activities required by subdivision (a) and an assessment required by subdivision (b) shall be referred to reappraisal as described in Section 11326.

(e) The criteria for successful completion of an assigned education or training activity shall include regular attendance, satisfactory progress, and completion of the assignment. A person who fails or refuses to comply with program requirements for participation in the activities assigned pursuant to this section shall be subject to Sections 11327.4 and 11327.5.

(f) Except as provided in paragraph (4) of subdivision (a), this section shall not apply to individuals subject to Article 3.5 (commencing with Section 11331) during the time that article is operative.

(g) This section shall become inoperative on July 1, 2026, or, if automation is necessary, the later of July 1, 2026, or when the department notifies the Legislature that the Statewide Automated Welfare System can perform the necessary automation to implement this section, as added by the act that added this subdivision, and, as of January 1 of the following year, is repealed.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 79, Sec. 15. (SB 119) Effective July 29, 2025. Conditionally inoperative on or after July 1, 2026, as prescribed by its own provisions. Conditionally repealed January 1 following the inoperative date. See later operative version added by Sec. 16 of Stats. 2025, Ch. 79.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
(a) Participation in activities assigned pursuant to this section may be sequential or concurrent. The county may require concurrent participation in the assigned activities if it is appropriate to the participant’s abilities, consistent with the participant’s welfare-to-work plan, and the activities can be concurrently scheduled.

(b) The participant has 30 days from the beginning of the initial training or education assignment in which to request a change or reassignment to another component. The county shall grant the participant’s request for reassignment if another assignment is available that is consistent with the participant’s welfare-to-work plan and the county determines the other assignment will readily lead to employment. This grace period shall be available only once to each participant.

(c) Any assignment or change in assignment to a program activity pursuant to this section shall be included in the welfare-to-work plan, or an amendment to the plan, as required in Section 11325.21.

(d) This section shall not apply to individuals subject to Article 3.5 (commencing with Section 11331) during the time that article is operative.

(e) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2026, or, if automation is necessary, the later of July 1, 2026, or when the department notifies the Legislature that the Statewide Automated Welfare System can perform the necessary automation to implement this section.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 15) and added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 79, Sec. 16. (SB 119) Effective July 29, 2025. Conditionally operative on or after July 1, 2026, as prescribed by its own provisions.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
(a) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), any student who does not meet the requirements of Section 11322.84 at the time the student is required to participate under this article pursuant to Section 11320.3, and who is enrolled in any undergraduate degree or certificate program that leads to employment may continue in that program if the student is making satisfactory progress in that program, the county determines that continuing in the program is likely to lead to self-supporting employment for that recipient, and the welfare-to-work plan reflects that determination.

(2) Any individual who possesses a baccalaureate degree shall not be eligible to participate under this section unless the individual is pursuing a California regular classroom teaching credential in a college or university with an approved teacher credential preparation program.

(3) (A) Subject to the limitation provided in subdivision (f), a program shall be determined to lead to employment if it is on a list of programs that the county welfare department and local education agencies or providers agree lead to employment. The list shall be agreed to annually, with the first list completed no later than January 31, 1998. By January 1, 2000, all educational providers shall report data regarding programs on the list for the purposes of the report card established under former Section 15037.1 of the Unemployment Insurance Code for the programs to remain on the list.

(B) For students not in a program on the list prepared under subparagraph (A), the county shall determine if the program leads to employment. The recipient shall be allowed to continue in the program if the recipient demonstrates to the county that the program will lead to self-supporting employment for that recipient and the documentation is included in the welfare-to-work plan.

(C) If participation in educational or vocational training, as determined by the number of hours required for classroom, laboratory, study time provided for by an educational or training institution, or internship activities, is not at least 30 hours, or if subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 11322.8 applies, 20 hours, the county shall require concurrent participation in work activities pursuant to subdivisions (a) to (j), inclusive, of Section 11322.6 and Section 11325.22.

(b) Participation in the self-initiated education or vocational training program shall be reflected in the welfare-to-work plan required by Section 11325.21. The welfare-to-work plan shall provide that whenever an individual ceases to participate in, refuses to attend regularly, or does not maintain satisfactory progress in the self-initiated program, the individual shall participate under this article in accordance with Section 11325.22.

(c) Any person whose previously approved self-initiated education or training program is interrupted for reasons that meet the good cause criteria specified in subdivision (f) of Section 11320.3 may resume participation in the same program if the participant maintained good standing in the program while participating and the self-initiated program continues to meet the approval criteria.

(d) Supportive services reimbursement shall be provided for any participant in a self-initiated training or education program approved under this subdivision. This reimbursement shall be provided if no other source of funding for those costs is available. Any offset to supportive services payments shall be made in accordance with subdivision (e) of Section 11323.4.

(e) Any student who, at the time the student is required to participate under this article pursuant to Section 11320.3, has been enrolled and is making satisfactory progress in a degree or certificate program, but does not meet the criteria set forth in subdivision (a), shall have until the beginning of the next educational semester or quarter break to continue the student’s educational program if the student continues to make satisfactory progress. At the time the educational break occurs, the individual is required to participate pursuant to Section 11320.1. A recipient not expected to complete the program by the next break may continue the student’s education, provided the student transfers at the end of the current quarter or semester to a program that qualifies under that subdivision, the county determines that participation is likely to lead to self-supporting employment of the recipient, and the welfare-to-work plan reflects that determination.

(f) Any degree, certificate, or vocational program offered by a private postsecondary training provider shall not be approved under this section unless the program is either approved or exempted by the appropriate state regulatory agency and the program is in compliance with all other provisions of law.

(g) This section shall not apply to a CalWORKs eligible individual who is participating in an educational activity full time or part time at a publicly funded or nonprofit postsecondary educational institution in accordance with Section 11322.84 and receiving payments pursuant to Section 11323.21.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 447, Sec. 3. (SB 768) Effective January 1, 2023.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities