text:
(a) If, in the course of appraisal pursuant to Section 11325.2 or at any point during an individual’s participation in welfare-to-work activities in accordance with paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 11322.85, it is determined that a recipient meets the criteria described in subdivision (b), the recipient is eligible to participate in family stabilization.

(b) (1) A recipient is eligible to participate in family stabilization if the county determines that the recipient’s family is experiencing an identified situation or crisis that is destabilizing the family and would interfere with participation in welfare-to-work activities and services.

(2) A situation or a crisis that is destabilizing the family in accordance with paragraph (1) may include, but shall not be limited to:

(A) Homelessness or imminent risk of homelessness.

(B) A lack of safety due to domestic violence.

(C) Untreated or undertreated behavioral needs, including mental health or substance abuse-related needs.

(c) Family stabilization shall include intensive case management and services designed to support the family in overcoming the situation or crisis, which may include, but are not limited to, welfare-to-work activities.

(d) Funds allocated for family stabilization in accordance with this section shall be in addition to, and independent of, the county allocations made pursuant to Section 15204.2.

(e) Funds allocated for family stabilization in accordance with this section, or the county allocations made pursuant to Section 15204.2, may be used to provide housing and other needed services to a family during any month that a family is participating in family stabilization.

(f) Each county shall submit to the department a plan, as defined by the department, regarding how it intends to implement the provisions of this section and shall report information to the department, including, but not limited to, the number of recipients served pursuant to this section, information regarding the services provided, outcomes for the families served, and any lack of availability of services. The department shall provide an update regarding this information to the Legislature during the 2014–15 budget process.

(g) It is the intent of the Legislature that family stabilization be a voluntary component intended to provide needed services and constructive interventions for parents and to assist in barrier removal for families facing very difficult needs. Participants in family stabilization are encouraged to participate, but the Legislature does not intend that parents be sanctioned as part of their experience in this program component. The Legislature further intends that recipients refusing or unable to follow their family stabilization plans without good cause be returned to the traditional welfare-to-work program.

(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 11325.24, 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. 54. (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:
(a) If, in the course of appraisal pursuant to Section 11325.2 or at any point during an individual’s participation in welfare-to-work activities, it is determined that a recipient meets the criteria described in subdivision (b), the recipient is eligible to participate in family stabilization.

(b) (1) A recipient is eligible to participate in family stabilization if the county determines that the recipient’s family is experiencing an identified situation or crisis that is destabilizing the family and would interfere with participation in welfare-to-work activities and services.

(2) A situation or a crisis that is destabilizing the family in accordance with paragraph (1) may include, but shall not be limited to:

(A) Homelessness or imminent risk of homelessness.

(B) A lack of safety due to domestic violence.

(C) Untreated or undertreated behavioral needs, including mental health or substance abuse-related needs.

(c) Family stabilization shall include intensive case management and services designed to support the family in overcoming the situation or crisis, which may include, but are not limited to, welfare-to-work activities.

(d) Funds allocated for family stabilization in accordance with this section shall be in addition to, and independent of, the county allocations made pursuant to Section 15204.2.

(e) Funds allocated for family stabilization in accordance with this section, or the county allocations made pursuant to Section 15204.2, may be used to provide housing and other needed services to a family during any month that a family is participating in family stabilization.

(f) Each county shall submit to the department a plan, as defined by the department, regarding how it intends to implement the provisions of this section and shall report information to the department, including, but not limited to, the number of recipients served pursuant to this section, information regarding the services provided, outcomes for the families served, and any lack of availability of services. The department shall provide an update regarding this information to the Legislature during the 2014–15 budget process.

(g) It is the intent of the Legislature that family stabilization be a voluntary component intended to provide needed services and constructive interventions for parents and to assist in barrier removal for families facing very difficult needs. Participants in family stabilization are encouraged to participate, but the Legislature does not intend that parents be sanctioned as part of their experience in this program component. The Legislature further intends that recipients refusing or unable to follow their family stabilization plans without good cause be returned to the traditional welfare-to-work program.

(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. 55. (AB 79) Effective June 29, 2020. Operative on or after May 1, 2022, as prescribed by its own provisions.)

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) A participant with a suspected learning or medical problem, as indicated by information received during appraisal or assessment or by lack of satisfactory progress in an assigned program component, shall be referred to an evaluation to determine whether the individual is unable to successfully complete or benefit from a current or proposed program assignment. As part of the evaluation, the county may require the individual to undergo the appropriate examinations to obtain information regarding the individual’s learning and physical abilities.

(b) Based upon the results of the evaluation required by subdivision (a), the county may refer the individual to any of the following components as appropriate:

(1) Referral to any of the activities in Section 11322.6, including referral to the person’s previous activity.

(2) Existing special programs that meet specific needs of the individual.

(3) Job search services, if the county determines the individual has the skills needed to find a job in the local labor market.

(4) Assessment as described in Section 11325.4, or reappraisal as described in Section 11326.

(5) Rehabilitation assessment and subsequent training.

(c) The participant shall be involved in the decisions made during the progress evaluation and shall have appeal rights consistent with those accorded to all program participants.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 270, Sec. 110. Effective August 11, 1997. Operative January 1, 1998, by Sec. 183 of Ch. 270.)

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

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text: Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for purposes of Section 10850, a team engaged in any activity permitted pursuant to Section 11325.93 shall be deemed to be engaged in the administration of public social services.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 919, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2000.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
(a) Team members may disclose to one another information about, and view records on, members of an assistance unit to the extent permitted by this section, for CalWORKs clients in the targeted population. In the operation of the pilot projects authorized by Section 11325.9, information disclosed or records viewed by team members shall be limited to relevant information or records necessary to formulate an integrated services plan or to deliver services to children and families. All information or documents, or copies of documents, to be disclosed by team members shall be necessary to the prevention, identification, and treatment of a parent’s or guardian’s barriers to employment.

(b) If team members require records held by other team members, copies may be provided subject to the limitations of subdivision (c). Requests for copies shall be limited to the records necessary to formulate an integrated services plan, or to deliver services to children and their families.

(c) (1) Team members who receive information or records pertaining to a member of an assistance unit shall be allowed to establish and maintain a common computer data base for the purpose of planning and delivering services. The data base may contain demographic data and data on the level of individual involvement with an assistance unit member. The data base shall be for the use and disclosure only within the program, except by properly authorized consent of the CalWORKs recipient. A memorandum of understanding shall be established that specifies what types of information may be shared and for what purposes.

(2) Juvenile probation services shall be involved in the integrated welfare system for the limited purpose of providing information that directly affects the parent’s or guardian’s ability to participate in employment training or employment.

(3) Part 2.6 (commencing with Section 56) of Division 1 of the Civil Code, shall apply to the programs or services providing integrated services. Programs or services that seek access to an individual’s medical information, including mental health and drug treatment records, shall be required to obtain informed authorization from the individual or from the custodial parent or guardian if the individual is a minor, unless a minor is authorized to give consent. Medical information shall not be disclosed to any individual who is not authorized to have that information pursuant to the authorization. Medical information shall not be disclosed for any purpose not authorized by the authorization. A client shall have access to his or her medical information and the right to correct any inaccurate information.

(4) The pilot program may authorize use of information contained in the data base for bona fide evaluation and research purposes, unless otherwise prohibited by law. No information disclosed under this paragraph shall permit identification of the CalWORKs recipient or his or her family members.

(5) The release of copies of records protected by evidentiary privileges, as defined in Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 930) of Division 8 of the Evidence Code, may take place only after the team has received a form permitting release of records on the assistance unit member, which is signed by the member or the member’s custodial parent or guardian if the member is a minor. This paragraph shall not be construed to waive any right of privilege contained in the Evidence Code, except in compliance with Section 912 of that code.

(d) The sharing of information permitted under subdivisions (a), (b), and (c) shall be governed by memoranda of understanding among the agencies represented on the team. These memoranda shall specify the types of information that may be shared without a signed release form, in accordance with subdivision (c), and the process to be used to ensure that current confidentiality requirements, as described in subdivision (e), are met.

(e) Every team member shall be under the same privacy and confidentiality obligations and subject to the same confidentiality penalties as the person disclosing or providing the information or records. The information or records obtained shall be maintained in a manner that ensures the maximum protection of privacy and confidentiality rights.

(f) This section shall not be construed to restrict guarantees of confidentiality provided under federal law.

(g) Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the authority of a health care provider to disclose medical information pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 56.10 of the Civil Code.

(h) Information and records communicated or provided to the pilot programs by all providers, programs, and agencies, as well as information and records created by the program in the course of serving CalWORKs recipients and their families, shall be deemed private and confidential, and shall be protected from discovery and disclosure by all applicable statutory and common-law protections. Civil and criminal penalties shall apply to the inappropriate disclosure of information held by the pilot programs. This section shall not affect the authority of a health care provider to disclose medical information pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 56.10 of the Civil Code.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 919, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2000.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text: The department shall prepare a report, for submission to the Legislature on or before April 1, 2002, on the outcomes of the pilot program established pursuant to Sections 11325.9 to 11325.93, inclusive, improving coordinated case management, assisting hard-to-serve CalWORKs families in alleviating multiple barriers to employment, and integrating service delivery within the multidisciplinary services team structure. The department shall also include in the report an analysis of the impact that record and information sharing has on CalWORKs recipients and their families, whether this information sharing pilot program results in increased employment rates of hard-to-serve parents, and whether there are any adverse consequences to recipients resulting from information sharing among agencies.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 919, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2000.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text: Any county which fails to provide services according to its plan approved pursuant to this article shall receive sanctions in accordance with Section 10605. A recipient or a group of recipients may request the director to invoke Section 10605.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 306, Sec. 30. Effective August 3, 1995.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
(a) (1) Whenever an individual has failed or refused to comply with program requirements without good cause in a program component to which they are assigned and refuses to agree to or fails, without good cause, to comply with a compliance plan agreed to between the county and the participant, the individual shall be subject to sanctions specified in Section 11327.5.

(2) For the purposes of this article, the phrase “failed or refused to comply with program requirements” shall be limited to: failing or refusing to sign a welfare-to-work plan, participate or provide required proof of satisfactory progress in any assigned program activity, pursuant to this article, including self-initiated programs described in Section 11325.23 or accept employment; terminating employment; or reducing earnings.

(b) (1) Upon determination that an individual has failed or refused to comply with program requirements, the county shall issue a notice of action effective no earlier than 30 calendar days from the date of issuance informing the individual that a sanction will be imposed if the individual fails to either attend an appointment scheduled by the county to be held within 20 calendar days of the notice, or contact the county by phone, within 20 calendar days of the notice, and fails to do either of the following:

(A) Provide information to the county that they had good cause for the refusal or failure that has led the county to make a finding of good cause for nonparticipation.

(B) Agree to a compliance plan to correct the failure or refusal to comply.

(2) The county shall schedule a time during which each individual who has failed or refused to comply with program requirements has an opportunity to demonstrate that they had good cause for that refusal or failure. The county shall schedule an appointment within 20 calendar days of the notice of action. The individual shall be allowed to reschedule the cause determination appointment at least once within the 20-calendar-day period.

(3) The written notice of action sent by the county shall do all of the following:

(A) Inform the individual of the specific act or acts that have caused the individual to be out of compliance with participation requirements.

(B) Inform the individual of their right to assert good cause for their refusal or failure.

(C) Inform the individual of the date and time of the scheduled appointment.

(D) Provide a general definition of good cause and examples of reasons that constitute good cause for not participating in the program.

(E) Inform the individual of the right to contact the county welfare department by telephone to establish good cause over the telephone in lieu of attending the appointment scheduled by the county.

(F) Inform the individual of the right to reschedule the appointment once within the 20-calendar-day period.

(G) Inform the individual that if good cause is not found, a compliance plan will be developed and the individual will be expected to agree to the plan or face a sanction.

(H) Inform the individual of the name, telephone number, and address of state and local legal aid and welfare rights organizations that may assist the individual with the good cause and compliance plan process.

(I) Describe the transportation and child care services that a person is entitled to, as needed in order to attend the appointment.

(c) If the individual fails to attend the appointment, the county shall attempt to contact the individual by telephone at the time of or after the appointment in order to establish a finding of good cause or no good cause, and, if a finding of no good cause is made, develop a compliance plan to correct the instance of nonparticipation.

(d) If the individual fails to attend the meeting and the county is not able to contact the individual in accordance with subdivision (c), and the individual fails to contact the county within the 20-calendar-day period, a sanction shall be imposed in accordance with Section 11327.5.

(e) If the individual attends the appointment or contacts the county by phone within the 20-calendar-day period and is either found by the county to have had good cause for their refusal or failure, or agrees to a compliance plan to correct the failure or refusal, the county shall rescind the notice of action issued pursuant to subdivision (b). If the individual agrees to a compliance plan at the appointment, the individual shall be provided a copy of the plan. If the individual agrees to a compliance plan over the telephone, a copy of the plan shall be mailed to the client.

(f) If the individual is found by the county to have had good cause for their refusal or failure, an instance of noncompliance shall not be considered to have occurred.

(g) If the individual is found by the county not to have had good cause, but agrees to a compliance plan and then fulfills the terms of the compliance plan, an instance of noncompliance shall not be considered to have occurred.

(h) If the individual enters into a written compliance plan, but does not fulfill the terms of the plan, and the county determines, based on available information, that the individual did not have good cause for failure to meet the terms of the plan, the county shall send a notice of action to impose a sanction. The procedures specified in subdivision (b) shall not be applicable to a sanction imposed under this subdivision.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 79, Sec. 21. (SB 119) Effective July 29, 2025.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
(a) Sanctions shall be imposed in accordance with subdivision (b) or (c), as appropriate, if an individual has failed or refused to comply with program requirements without good cause and conciliation efforts, as described in Section 11327.4, have failed.

(b) The sanctions provided for in subdivisions (c) and (d) shall not apply to an individual who is exempt from the requirements of this article but is voluntarily participating in the program. If that individual engages in conduct that would bring about the actions provided for in subdivisions (c) and (d), except for his or her status as a voluntary program participant, the individual shall not be given priority so long as other individuals are actively seeking to participate.

(c) Financial sanctions for failing or refusing to comply with program requirements without good cause shall cause a reduction in the family’s grant by removing the noncomplying family member from the assistance unit for a period of time specified in subdivision (d).

(1) For families that qualify for aid due to unemployment of the family’s primary wage earner, the sanctioned parent shall be removed from the assistance unit. Unless the spouse or the family’s second parent meets the provisions of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (2), if the sanctioned parent’s spouse or the family’s second parent is not participating in the program, both the sanctioned parent and the spouse or second parent shall be removed from the assistance unit. The county shall notify the spouse of the noncomplying participant or second parent in writing at the commencement of conciliation of his or her own opportunity to participate and the impact on sanctions of that participation.

(2) (A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), exemption criteria specified in Section 11320.3, conciliation specified in Section 11327.4, and good cause criteria specified in Section 11320.31 and subdivision (f) of Section 11320.3 shall apply to the sanctioned parent’s spouse or the family’s second parent.

(B) Exemption criteria specified in paragraphs (5) and (6) of subdivision (b) of Section 11320.3 do not apply to a spouse or second parent who is participating to avoid the sanction of the noncomplying parent.

(C) If the sanctioned parent’s spouse or the family’s second parent chooses to participate to avoid the noncomplying parent’s sanction, subsequently fails or refuses to participate without good cause, and does not conciliate, he or she shall be removed from the assistance unit for a period of time specified in subdivision (d).

(D) If the sanctioned parent’s spouse or the family’s second parent is under his or her own sanction at the time of the first parent’s sanction, the spouse or second parent shall not be provided the opportunity to avoid the first parent’s sanction until the spouse or second parent’s sanction is completed.

(3) For families that qualify due to the absence or incapacity of a parent, only the noncomplying parent shall be removed from the assistance unit.

(4) If the noncomplying individual is the only dependent child in the family, his or her needs shall not be taken into account in determining the family’s need for assistance and the amount of the assistance payment.

(5) If the noncomplying individual is one of several dependent children in the family, his or her needs shall not be taken into account in determining the family’s need for assistance and the amount of the assistance payment.

(d) An instance of noncompliance without good cause shall result in a financial sanction. This sanction shall terminate at any point if the noncomplying participant performs the activity or activities he or she previously refused to perform.

(e) Sanctions shall become effective on the first day of the first payment-month that the sanctioned individual’s needs are removed from aid under this chapter.

(f) In the event this section conflicts with federal law, the department shall adopt regulations to conform to federal law.

history: (History: Amended (as amended by Stats. 2009, 4th Ex., Ch. 8, Sec. 2) by Stats. 2011, Ch. 8, Sec. 15. (SB 72) Effective March 24, 2011. Conditionally superseded on or after July 1, 2026; See amendment by Stats. 2025, Ch. 79.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
(a) Sanctions shall be imposed in accordance with subdivision (b) or (c), as appropriate, if an individual has failed or refused to comply with program requirements without good cause and conciliation efforts, as described in Section 11327.4, have failed.

(b) (1) The sanctions provided for in subdivisions (c) and (d) shall not apply to an individual who is exempt from the requirements of this article but is voluntarily participating in the program. If that individual engages in conduct that would bring about the actions provided for in subdivisions (c) and (d), except for their status as a voluntary program participant, the individual shall not be given priority so long as other individuals are actively seeking to participate.

(2) Within the first 90 days after an individual is determined eligible for aid, the sanctions provided for in subdivisions (c) and (d) shall not apply.

(c) Financial sanctions for failing or refusing to comply with program requirements without good cause shall cause a reduction in the family’s grant by removing the noncomplying family member from the assistance unit for a period of time specified in subdivision (d).

(1) For families that qualify for aid due to unemployment of the family’s primary wage earner, the sanctioned parent shall be removed from the assistance unit. Unless the spouse or the family’s second parent meets the provisions of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (2), if the sanctioned parent’s spouse or the family’s second parent is not participating in the program, both the sanctioned parent and the spouse or second parent shall be removed from the assistance unit. The county shall notify the spouse of the noncomplying participant or second parent in writing at the commencement of conciliation of their own opportunity to participate and the impact on sanctions of that participation.

(2) (A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), exemption criteria specified in Section 11320.3, conciliation specified in Section 11327.4, and good cause criteria specified in Section 11320.31 and subdivision (f) of Section 11320.3 shall apply to the sanctioned parent’s spouse or the family’s second parent.

(B) Exemption criteria specified in paragraphs (5) and (6) of subdivision (b) of Section 11320.3 do not apply to a spouse or second parent who is participating to avoid the sanction of the noncomplying parent.

(C) If the sanctioned parent’s spouse or the family’s second parent chooses to participate to avoid the noncomplying parent’s sanction, subsequently fails or refuses to participate without good cause, and does not conciliate, they shall be removed from the assistance unit for a period of time specified in subdivision (d).

(D) If the sanctioned parent’s spouse or the family’s second parent is under their own sanction at the time of the first parent’s sanction, the spouse or second parent shall not be provided the opportunity to avoid the first parent’s sanction until the spouse or second parent’s sanction is completed.

(3) For families that qualify due to the absence or incapacity of a parent, only the noncomplying parent shall be removed from the assistance unit.

(4) If the noncomplying individual is the only dependent child in the family, their needs shall not be taken into account in determining the family’s need for assistance and the amount of the assistance payment.

(5) If the noncomplying individual is one of several dependent children in the family, their needs shall not be taken into account in determining the family’s need for assistance and the amount of the assistance payment.

(d) (1) An instance of noncompliance without good cause shall result in a financial sanction. This sanction shall terminate at any point if the noncomplying participant indicates to the county verbally or in writing that they want to cure their sanction and that they want to begin participating in welfare-to-work activities, or at any point the county verifies or otherwise discovers that, based on the most recent documentation available, the individual is or has been meeting the federally required minimum average number of hours per week of welfare-to-work participation as set forth in Section 607 of Title 42 of the United States Code. If the participant wants to change their assigned activities, the county and the participant shall agree verbally or in writing to a new or amended welfare-to-work plan.

(2) 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 and administer the changes made to this subdivision by the act that added this paragraph, through all-county letters or similar instruction that shall have the same force and effect as regulations until regulations are adopted.

(e) Sanctions shall become effective on the first day of the first payment-month that the sanctioned individual’s needs are removed from aid under this chapter.

(f) In the event this section conflicts with federal law, the department shall adopt regulations to conform to federal law.

(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 by Stats. 2025, Ch. 79, Sec. 23. (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: Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any person who is not required, but who volunteers, to participate in the program established by this article and fails to appear for a scheduled appointment prior to entering into the welfare-to-work plan shall be deemed to not be subject to the requirements of this article and the conciliation efforts and sanction requirements established under Sections 11327.4 and 11327.5 shall not apply.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 270, Sec. 120. Effective August 11, 1997. Operative January 1, 1998, by Sec. 183 of Ch. 270.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
(a) Except as specified in this section, whenever a participant believes that any program requirement or assignment in this program is in violation of his or her welfare-to-work plan or is inconsistent with this article, the participant may request a state hearing pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 10950) of Part 2 or utilize a formal grievance procedure to be established by the county board of supervisors and specified in each county plan.

(b) If the participant is not satisfied with the outcome of the grievance procedure, he or she may appeal the decision in accordance with the procedures set forth in Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 10950) of Part 2. Participants shall be subject to sanctions pending the outcome of the formal grievance procedure or any subsequent appeal, only if they fail to participate during the period the grievance procedure is being processed. However, a participant shall not utilize the grievance procedure to appeal the results of an assessment made pursuant to Section 11325.4.

(c) If a participant is not satisfied with the decision of a hearing conducted pursuant to Section 10950 concerning on-the-job working conditions or workers’ compensation coverage, the participant may file a further appeal with the appropriate state regulating agency.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 902, Sec. 38. Effective January 1, 1999.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text: In determining whether good cause exists for a refusal or failure to comply with program requirements, the county shall take into consideration whether the participant has a mental disability that caused or substantially contributed to the refusal or failure to comply with program requirements. This determination shall be made, where appropriate, in consultation with the county mental health department.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1997, Ch. 270, Sec. 122. Effective August 11, 1997. Operative January 1, 1998, by Sec. 183 of Ch. 270.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
(a) Notwithstanding any other law, a person shall not be subject to the sanctions specified in Section 11327.5 unless the county verifies that the person had childcare available at the time they were supposed to participate in a specified welfare-to-work activity.

(b) Prior to imposing sanctions pursuant to Section 11327.5, the county shall confirm that it provided the participant a request form and the reimbursement rules for childcare supportive services and that, if eligible for childcare supportive services, the participant had secured childcare.

(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 on the date the department notifies the Legislature that the Statewide Automated Welfare System can perform the necessary automation to implement this section.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 79, Sec. 22. (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 participant under this article shall have all due process rights granted pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 10950) of Part 2.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1990, Ch. 1568, Sec. 7. Effective September 30, 1990. Operative October 1, 1990, by Sec. 15 of Ch. 1568.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
(a) The department, under the direction of the Health and Welfare Agency, the Chancellor’s office of the California Community Colleges, and the State Department of Education shall each develop and implement regulations whereby any payment for education and training services from funds appropriated for the purposes of this article and delivered pursuant to Section 11322.6 by an entity contracting with a county shall be made in accordance with a competitively selected fixed unit price performance-based contract. Under these contracts, full payment shall not be considered earned until either of the following has occurred:

(1) The participant has successfully completed the education program.

(2) The participant has successfully completed the job training program and has been retained in unsubsidized employment for at least 180 days.

(b) Up to 70 percent of the fixed unit price for job training may be paid upon placement. At least 30 percent of the fixed unit price for job training shall be withheld for the followup during the 180-day retention period. Progress payments shall be made from this portion upon evidence of job retention at 30, 90, and 180 days. A pro rata share of the 70 percent payment shall be paid to the training provider if the participant fails to complete the training.

(c) The department may exempt county contracts for CalWORKs educational services from subdivisions (a) and (b) in instances where counties are unable to obtain educational services due to the absence of an available adult education program or the small number of CalWORKs referrals. The department, in conjunction with the State Department of Education, shall develop criteria for granting the exemptions from subdivisions (a) and (b). The departments shall also consider using funds set aside for CalWORKs educational services in the State Department of Education’s annual budget allocation or funds allocated to the State Department of Education for CalWORKs costs in the annual Budget Act, to pay for the costs of education contracts permitted by this subdivision.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 902, Sec. 39. Effective January 1, 1999.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
(a) The department shall evaluate the program and shall collect data on program cost, caseload movement, and program outcomes, including data on all of the following:

(1) The numbers of voluntary and mandatory participants in each program component.

(2) The amount of time that each participant remains in each component and the types of services, including supportive services, each participant receives.

(3) The number of recipients in each component that move to each of the other components.

(4) The number of participants sanctioned as well as the amount and duration of the sanction, the reason for the sanction, and the amount of time the participant was in the program prior to the sanction.

(5) The number of participants who go off aid, and to the extent possible, the reason they have gone off aid.

(6) The number of applicants who reapplied for and received aid after having gone off aid during the time they were participating in the program.

(7) The starting salary of employed participants.

(8) Participants’ job retention rates.

(9) The appropriateness of the categorization of participants.

(10) The appropriateness of assessments and employment plans.

(11) The appropriateness of preemployment preparation assignments, including a periodic review of the appropriateness of these assignments.

(12) The effectiveness of training components based upon the number of individuals placed in employment.

(13) The timeliness of preemployment preparation assignment reviews.

(14) The appropriateness of sanctions applied under this article.

(b) The department may use standard statistical sampling methods to conduct the evaluation. The department shall maintain this data for the state and for each county. The department may contract with a qualified organization for the evaluation required by this section. The department shall submit a plan for implementing this evaluation to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee. To the extent possible, the data collection system for this evaluation shall be designed to collect data in the least expensive and least time-consuming manner possible.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 745, Sec. 243. Effective October 12, 2001.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
(a) The department shall seek any federal funds available for implementation of this article, including, but not limited to, funds available under Title IV of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 601 et seq.).

(b) (1) The department shall seek any waiver from the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services which is necessary to implement this article.

(2) Any provision of this article that may only be implemented pursuant to a waiver from the United States Department of Health and Human Services shall only be operative during the period for which the waiver is granted, as stated in a declaration that shall be executed by the director when the waiver is obtained.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 270, Sec. 127. Effective August 11, 1997. Operative January 1, 1998, by Sec. 183 of Ch. 270.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
(a) No funds appropriated for purposes of this article shall be used to fund education or training services in any county plan if these services could reasonably be provided by local educational agencies from Section A or Section B of the State School Fund which are not otherwise committed.

(b) No local educational agency shall be authorized to receive funds appropriated for purposes of this article unless it has demonstrated that it has fully committed all the funds from Section A or Section B of the State School Fund available to it, as certified by the district to the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges, or the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

(c) The Chancellor of the California Community Colleges and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, as appropriate, shall certify this information to the Director of Finance.

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


text:
With respect to paragraph (7) of subdivision (b) of Section 11320.3 and Section 11325.71, the Legislature finds and declares all of the following, but only for the operative period of these added provisions:

(a) Due to the significant General Fund revenue decline for the 2009–10 fiscal year, funding has been reduced for the CalWORKs program.

(b) Due to the federal funding available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5) (ARRA) for CalWORKs grants, reductions in 2009–10 are being achieved in the county single allocation.

(c) Reduced funding, including a three-hundred-seventy-five-million-dollar ($375,000,000) reduction to the county single allocation in the 2009–10 and 2010–11 Budget Acts, and increased caseload for CalWORKs will result in insufficient resources to provide the full range of welfare-to-work services in the 2009–10 and 2010–11 fiscal years.

(d) Reduced funding, including a three hundred seventy-six million eight hundred fifty thousand dollar ($376,850,000) reduction to the county single allocation in the 2011–12 Budget Act, will result in insufficient resources to provide the full range of welfare-to-work services in the 2011–12 fiscal year.

(e) Reduced funding, including a reduction to the county single allocation, for the period between July 1, 2012, until January 1, 2015, will result in insufficient resources to provide the full range of welfare-to-work services during that time period.

(f) It is the intent of the Legislature that the limited resources for CalWORKs services be effectively utilized, as established in paragraph (7) of subdivision (b) of Section 11320.3.

(g) It is the further intent of the Legislature to provide additional flexibility to address funding constraints, as established in Section 11325.71, in addition to the existing flexibility provided under subdivision (f) of Section 11320.3.

(h) It is the further intent of the Legislature to minimize disruption of welfare-to-work services for individuals already participating, and prioritize exemptions and good cause for applicants.

(i) Funding and caseload factors will result in circumstances beyond the control of the counties in the 2009–10, 2010–11, and 2011–12 fiscal years, and relief should be provided for federal penalties that may result.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 47, Sec. 21. (SB 1041) Effective June 27, 2012.)

article: 3.2. Welfare-to-Work Activities


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

(a) Stable housing is a fundamental component of self-sufficiency and child well-being.

(b) According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, residential stability is a necessary precursor to effectively addressing barriers that inhibit self-sufficiency, and research is clear that children who lack safe and stable housing demonstrate worse academic and social outcomes.

(c) Housing support in the CalWORKs program is minimal and families struggle to find and retain safe, affordable, and stable housing.

(d) Expanding homeless and housing support in the CalWORKs program would help meet a critical need for families working to achieve self-sufficiency.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 29, Sec. 70. (SB 855) Effective June 20, 2014.)

article: 3.3. CalWORKs Housing Support

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 2. California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids Act > 3.3. CalWORKs Housing Support


text:
(a) The department shall award funds in accordance with subdivision (e) to counties for the purpose of providing CalWORKs housing supports to CalWORKs recipients who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, including recipients who have not yet received an eviction notice, and for whom housing instability would be a barrier to self-sufficiency or child well-being.

(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), this section does not create an entitlement to housing supports, which are intended to be a service to CalWORKs families and not a form of assistance, to be provided to families at the discretion of the county.

(c) It is the intent of the Legislature that housing supports provided pursuant to this article utilize evidence-based models, including those established in the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program. Supports provided may include, but shall not be limited to, all of the following:

(1) Financial assistance, including rental assistance, security deposits, utility payments, moving cost assistance, and motel and hotel vouchers.

(2) Housing stabilization and relocation, including outreach and engagement, landlord recruitment, case management, housing search and placement, legal services, and credit repair.

(d) The asset limit threshold specified in subdivision (f) of Section 11450 shall not be used to determine a family’s eligibility for receipt of housing supports provided pursuant to this article.

(e) Funds appropriated for purposes of this article shall be awarded to participating counties by the State Department of Social Services according to criteria developed by the department in consultation with the County Welfare Directors Association and Housing California.

(f) The department, in consultation with the County Welfare Directors Association and Housing California and other stakeholders, shall develop each of the following:

(1) The criteria by which counties may be awarded funds to provide housing supports to eligible CalWORKs recipients pursuant to this article.

(2) The proportion of funding to be expended on reasonable and appropriate administrative activities to minimize overhead and maximize services.

(3) Tracking and reporting procedures.

(g) The department, in consultation with appropriate legislative staff and the County Welfare Directors Association, shall determine, in a manner that reflects the legislative intent for the use of these funds and that is most beneficial to the overall CalWORKs program, whether housing supports provided with this funding are considered to be assistance or nonassistance payments.

(h) Counties may continue to provide housing supports under this section to a recipient who is discontinued because the recipient no longer meets the income eligibility requirements of Section 11450.12.

(i) (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 department may implement and administer the changes made to this section by the act that added this subdivision by means of all-county letters or similar instructions from the department that shall have the same force and effect as regulations until regulations are adopted.

(2) The department shall adopt regulations implementing the changes specified in paragraph (1) no later than July 1, 2024.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 85, Sec. 33. (AB 135) Effective July 16, 2021.)

article: 3.3. CalWORKs Housing Support


text:
(a) (1) The Legislature hereby establishes the CalWORKs Home Visiting Program as a voluntary program for the purpose of supporting positive health, development, and well-being outcomes for pregnant and parenting people, families, and infants born into poverty, expanding their future educational, economic, and financial capability opportunities, and improving the likelihood that they will exit poverty.

(2) The program shall provide high-quality, evidence-based, culturally competent services to pregnant people, parents or caretaker relatives, and children that meet the needs of at-risk assistance units, including those in underserved, rural, tribal, impoverished, and other communities. The services provided under this article shall not exceed the duration of the applicable home visiting model.

(b) Subject to an appropriation in the annual Budget Act, the department shall award funds to participating counties for the purposes of this article in order to provide voluntary evidence-based home visiting services to any assistance unit that meets the requirements of this article. Services authorized pursuant to this section are not entitlement services and participating counties may limit the number of families participating in the program to ensure that the costs do not exceed the amount of funds awarded to the county for this purpose. Funding awarded for the purpose of home visiting services provided under this article shall not supplant expenditures from any other existing funding sources subject to county control for home visiting services. Funding appropriated may be used in combination with funding from other sources if the entirety of services provided meet the award requirements of the program.

(c) (1) Participation in the program established in this article is optional for counties, and counties that apply for, and are awarded, funds shall agree to the terms of this article. A county’s application for funding shall describe all of the following:

(A) How the program’s purposes, as specified in subdivision (a), will be accomplished.

(B) How the county will integrate and coordinate the evidence-based home visiting programs with county workers and core CalWORKs services to maximize the utilization of those services provided to CalWORKs recipients.

(C) How the county consulted with existing home visiting programs, if applicable.

(D) The county’s plan to recruit and retain home visitors that reflect the population of its CalWORKs program.

(E) The voluntary population of CalWORKs applicants and recipients the county intends to serve, which shall include those populations identified in paragraph (2).

(2) A voluntary participant shall meet both of the following criteria:

(A) The individual is one of the following:

(i) A member of a CalWORKs assistance unit.

(ii) The parent or caretaker relative for a child-only case.

(iii) An individual who is apparently eligible for CalWORKs aid.

(B) (i) The individual is pregnant or the individual is a parent or caretaker relative of a child less than 24 months of age at the time the individual enrolls in the program.

(ii) A county may serve additional individuals not described in clause (i) with departmental approval (For example, parents or caretaker relatives of children younger than 36 months of age at the time of enrollment).

(3) The department shall work with counties to develop the outreach and engagement process that will effectively reach the priority populations.

(4) The county shall demonstrate in its application to the department how services will be designed and provided as specified in Section 11330.7.

(d) (1) Participation in the program for eligible assistance units shall not be considered a condition of CalWORKs eligibility and this shall be explained in the document required pursuant to paragraph (2).

(2) Participation in the program shall be offered in writing to an eligible parent or caretaker relative. A document that includes a description of the program, its anticipated benefits and duration, a description of how to opt into the home visiting program, and a description of how to terminate participation shall be given to the parent or caretaker relative. Other forms of outreach are permitted and encouraged.

(3) An assistance unit agreeing to receive services under this article need not be eligible for, nor shall be required to participate in, the welfare-to-work program established pursuant to Article 3.2 (commencing with Section 11320). If an assistance unit elects to participate in the welfare-to-work program, the scheduled hours to be spent directly with the home visitor shall count toward allowable activities under a welfare-to-work plan.

(4) Participation in this program shall not affect a family’s application for aid nor eligibility for any other CalWORKs benefits, supports, or services, including, but not limited to, welfare-to-work exemptions pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 11320.3, good cause for not participating pursuant to subdivision (f) of Section 11320.3, participating in housing support services pursuant to Article 3.3 (commencing with Section 11330), or participating in family stabilization pursuant to Section 11325.24.

(5) If the parent or assisted caretaker has been removed from the assistance unit or exits the CalWORKs program, voluntary home visiting services may continue for up to 12 months or until completion of the evidence-based home visiting program, whichever is sooner, or until the parent or assisted caretaker relative terminates their own participation.

(6) A county and the home visiting program may incorporate participation of the noncustodial parent of a child who is a member of a CalWORKs assistance unit into home visiting services, subject to the mutual agreement of the custodial and noncustodial parents.

(e) The following definitions shall apply for purposes of this article:

(1) “Cultural competence” means the ability to interact effectively with people of different cultures.

(2) “Evidence-based home visiting” means a home visiting model approved by the department, which shall be evaluated considering criteria developed by the United States Department of Health and Human Services for evidence-based home visiting.

(3) “Home” means a temporary or permanent residence or living space, or another location identified by the assistance unit.

(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 and administer the changes made to this section by the act that added this subdivision by means of all-county letters or similar instructions from the department that shall have the same force and effect as regulations until regulations are adopted.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 376, Sec. 1. (AB 607) Effective January 1, 2026.)

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 2. California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids Act > 3.4. CalWORKs Home Visiting Initiative Program


text:
(a) A primary component of the program described in this article shall be case management and evidence-based home visiting for the purpose of family support, which shall commence upon the determination that an individual is eligible in accordance with paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 11330.6 and shall continue until the eligible individual completes the evidence-based home visiting program or terminates the individual’s own participation.

(b) Home visiting shall include, but not be limited to, resources and referrals to all of the following:

(1) Prenatal, infant, and toddler care.

(2) Infant and child nutrition.

(3) Developmental screening and assessments.

(4) Parent education, parent and child interaction, child development, and child care.

(5) Job readiness and barrier removal.

(6) Domestic violence and sexual assault, mental health, and substance abuse treatment, as applicable.

(c) Home visitors shall encourage participants to enroll their child in a high-quality, early learning setting, or participate in playgroups, or other child enrichment activities, as appropriate, and parent participation in this early learning setting shall count towards allowable activities under a welfare-to-work plan developed by the parent or caretaker relative under Section 11325.21.

(d) Home visiting services shall only be those intended to achieve the goals established in subdivision (a) of Section 11330.6 and that are provided in the home of an assistance unit or at a location agreed upon by the parent or caretaker relative and the home visitor. Home visiting services shall only be provided by a registered nurse, nurse practitioner, social worker, or other person able to provide culturally appropriate services who is trained and certified according to the requirements of this article, has completed a background check, and has completed training as specified in subdivision (g) for the purposes of implementing this article.

(e) Home visiting services and visits shall not be mandatory, random, or unannounced.

(f) Counties may give preferential treatment to contractors of home visiting programs that are able to colocate home visitors and CalWORKs caseworkers in order to facilitate communication and coordination.

(g) (1) All home visiting providers shall complete training in the following areas before providing services to a CalWORKs recipient:

(A) (i) CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, CalFresh, California Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and other programs, with county-specific information about how the home visiting professionals can help a parent access additional services for which the parent may be eligible and troubleshoot problems with benefits or eligibility that would impact the parent’s access to services.

(ii) This training shall be administered by the county and shall include, but not be limited to, the demographics of the population served and the supports and services available for CalWORKs recipients.

(iii) Any costs incurred shall be funded as part of the allocation from the department to that county.

(B) (i) Cultural competency and implicit bias.

(ii) It is the responsibility of the contractor to ensure that all home visitors have received implicit bias and cultural competency trainings. The department shall establish the minimum training standards as required in this section.

(iii) Contractors are encouraged to partner with local organizations to develop a curriculum that best suits the needs of the home visiting program participants.

(C) (i) Strengths-based practices for working with families with unmet needs.

(ii) Either the contracted provider or the county shall administer this training.

(2) A county that staffs its home visiting program solely with county staff is exempt from the requirements of paragraph (1) to the extent the training would duplicate training already received.

(h) Counties, in coordination with home visitors and CalWORKs staff, may establish processes to provide one-time, as-needed funding for the purchase of material goods for a program participant’s household related to care, health, and safety of the child and family, which shall not exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 50, Sec. 43. (SB 187) Effective June 30, 2022.)

article: 3.4. CalWORKs Home Visiting Initiative Program


text:
(a) For the purpose of implementing this article, the department shall form and consult with a workgroup of stakeholders, including legislative staff, representatives of counties and county human services agencies, CalWORKs eligibility workers, home visitors with experience serving CalWORKs recipients, current or former CalWORKs clients, advocates for clients, local and state First 5 representatives, the State Department of Health Care Services, the State Department of Public Health, home visiting program administrators, home visiting program experts and advocates, and other stakeholders. The workgroup shall be maintained indefinitely to provide continuous quality improvement, utilizing the data collected and received pursuant to subdivision (c), and shall biennially provide technical assistance to county home visiting programs.

(b) The department shall convene counties with participating home visiting programs to gather twice annually, beginning April 1, 2019, to share challenges, lessons learned, and best practices. These meetings shall be open to all stakeholders described in subdivision (a).

(c) The department shall collect, and counties and participating home visitation organizations shall provide, as a condition of funding, data necessary to administer the program and also related to the outcomes of participants and children, including by race, ethnicity, national origin, primary and secondary language, and county. The data shall include program outcomes for the parents and children served in the program and these data components shall be identified in consultation with the stakeholder workgroup referenced in subdivision (a), and pursuant to subdivision (d). All state, county, and other participating organizations shall protect the personal information of individuals and families collected or maintained against loss, unauthorized access, and illegal use or disclosure, consistent with applicable state and federal laws.

(d) (1) The department shall work with at least one independent, research-based institution to identify existing, and establish additional, outcome measurements. The Legislature shall be consulted as part of the outcomes measurement development process. These measurements shall inform an evaluation report that shall be provided to the Legislature no later than January 10, 2022. The evaluation shall include program outcomes for the parents and children served in the program, models utilized, and measures specific to CalWORKs objectives. Notwithstanding any other law, the department may accept and expend funds from nongovernment sources for the evaluation, for a longitudinal study of the home visiting program that is in addition to the evaluation, or for both. The report shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following information, with respect to the period of evaluation:

(A) Rates of children receiving regular well-child checkups and, if available, immunization rates according to the American Academy of Pediatrics Bright Futures guidelines.

(B) Rates of children receiving developmental screening and referrals for further assessment.

(C) Rates of participation in early learning programs.

(D) Service referrals by type.

(E) Services accessed by type.

(F) Number of home visits completed, including data on duration of families’ enrollment in home visiting services.

(G) Parental satisfaction with their gains in parenting skills and knowledge.

(H) Food and housing stability.

(I) Workforce training, employment, and financial stability.

(J) Participation in educational programs or English as a second language programs, or both, as applicable.

(K) Access to immigration services and remedies.

(L) Indicators of home visiting program workforce capacity, including demographics, characteristics, composition, including employer and certification status, and future training needs of the home visiting workforce.

(M) Child welfare referrals and outcomes.

(N) Additional descriptive and outcome indicators, as appropriate.

(2) The requirement for submitting a report pursuant to paragraph (1) is inoperative on January 10, 2026, pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 497, Sec. 308. (AB 991) Effective January 1, 2020.)


text: This article shall become operative on January 1, 2019.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 35, Sec. 19. (AB 1811) Effective June 27, 2018. Note: This section makes Article 3.4, commencing with Section 11330.6, operative on January 1, 2019.)


text:
(a) The Legislature finds and declares that the connection between teenage parenting and long-term welfare dependency has been well documented by recent social science research. An estimated 60 percent of teenage parents who are currently receiving welfare will have 10 or more years of dependency on aid. Average time on aid for teenage parents is significantly longer than for parents who begin families at an older age.

(b) The Legislature finds that teenage parents who receive assistance under the CalWORKs program have unique education, vocational, training, health, and other social service needs that are not specifically provided for as part of the welfare-to-work activities. Research shows that successful programs that help teenage parents achieve self-sufficiency contain the following features:

(1) A comprehensive range of health and social services.

(2) Adequate supportive services.

(3) A sympathetic and supportive program atmosphere.

(4) Individual attention, especially regarding education pace and plan.

(5) An open format and an extended period of program availability.

(6) Caring, nonjudgmental staff.

(7) Strong case management systems, including followup activities to determine whether a student is progressing in his or her studies.

(c) The Legislature declares that this article is intended to ensure that the GAIN program does all of the following:

(1) Provide the education and training services needed by teenage parents to help them earn a high school diploma or its equivalent, including vocational training and preparation that may be available through local education agencies.

(2) Link teenagers to other needed health and social services available in the community.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 902, Sec. 40. Effective January 1, 1999. As prescribed in former Section 11334.8, this section (as part of Article 3.5) resumed full operation on April 1, 2013, after a period of inoperation or limited operation. Note: Former Section 11334.8 was last amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 439, before its repeal on April 1, 2013.)

article: 3.5. Cal-Learn Program

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 2. California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids Act > 3.5. Cal-Learn Program


text:
(a) Recipients of aid under this chapter who are under 19 years of age, who are pregnant or custodial parents, shall be required to participate in the program, subject to both of the following requirements:

(1) The teen shall participate in the program until earning a high school diploma or its equivalent.

(2) The teen shall participate in the program as a student attending school on a full-time basis, as normally defined by the school in which the participant enrolls.

(b) A teen, as defined in paragraph (2) of subdivision (d), may continue to participate in the program provided for under this article. A teen participating under this article pursuant to this subdivision shall be eligible for the same benefits as is any individual required to participate in the program.

(c) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the county shall exempt a teen from the program, as verified by the county, subject to annual redetermination, when any of the following conditions occur:

(1) The teen is expelled from school and obtains verification that no other school in the district will permit the teen to attend, and the case manager cannot arrange for enrollment in an alternative school.

(2) The teen cannot receive payment for childcare or transportation expenses due to lack of program funding.

(3) Childcare is necessary and unavailable.

(4) Public or private transportation is necessary and unavailable.

(5) A foster care payment is made under this chapter on behalf of the teen.

(6) The teen has an illness, injury, or incapacity, as determined by a doctor’s verification, that substantially deprives the teen of the ability to meet program requirements or to be successful in earning a high school diploma or its equivalent, and an alternative education program cannot be arranged.

(7) The teen is in a situation or a crisis that is destabilizing their family, including, but not limited to, any of the following:

(A) Homelessness or imminent risk of homelessness.

(B) A lack of safety due to domestic violence.

(C) Untreated or undertreated behavioral and mental health needs.

(D) The misuse of controlled substances or alcohol.

(d) For the purposes of this article, “teen” or “teenage parent” means either of the following:

(1) A custodial parent or pregnant person under 19 years of age, who is required to participate pursuant to subdivision (a).

(2) A custodial parent or pregnant person 19 years of age who, prior to becoming 19 years of age, was participating in the program pursuant to subdivision (a), and who is otherwise eligible for voluntary continued participation in the program.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 615, Sec. 5. (SB 521) Effective January 1, 2024.)

article: 3.5. Cal-Learn Program


text:
Counties shall arrange for the provision of education and supportive services that teenage parents need to successfully participate in the Cal-Learn Program. The county shall identify the need of each individual for, and the method of providing, the following services:

(a) Supportive services, including child care and transportation, as specified in Section 11323.2. Supportive services shall be limited to those that are necessary to enable the teenage parent to attend school regularly.

(b) Intensive case management services, as described in Section 11332.5.

(c) Any other services necessary for the teen parent to successfully participate in the Cal-Learn Program, that may include, but not be limited to, mental health services and substance abuse treatment.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 902, Sec. 42. Effective January 1, 1999. As prescribed in former Section 11334.8, this section (as part of Article 3.5) resumed full operation on April 1, 2013, after a period of inoperation or limited operation. Note: Former Section 11334.8 was last amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 439, before its repeal on April 1, 2013.)

article: 3.5. Cal-Learn Program


text:
(a) Participation by a teenage parent shall be deferred if the county determines that any of the services an individual is assessed as needing pursuant to Section 11331.7 are not available.

(b) Participation by a teenage parent shall be deferred so long as the individual has a special need that directly affects his or her ability to attend school or be successful in earning a high school diploma and the special need cannot be addressed.

(c) Participation by a teenage parent shall be deferred after the birth of a child for a period of postpartum recovery as prescribed by a physician.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1993, Ch. 1252, Sec. 10. Effective January 1, 1994. As prescribed in former Section 11334.8, this section (as part of Article 3.5) resumed full operation on April 1, 2013, after a period of inoperation or limited operation. Note: Former Section 11334.8 was last amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 439, before its repeal on April 1, 2013.)

article: 3.5. Cal-Learn Program


text:
(a) Counties shall arrange for the provision of case management services and counseling to teenage parents to assist their participation in the Cal-Learn Program. Case management services shall include all of the following:

(1) Designing a realistic plan that assists in maximizing the ability of each client to graduate from high school or its equivalent and includes referrals to services that:

(A) Reduce the incidence of maternal and child morbidity and mortality, including the incidence of low birthweight infants.

(B) Enhance the teen’s parenting skills.

(C) Facilitate an effective ongoing relationship between the teenage parent, the noncustodial parent, and the child where it is in the best interest of the child and the teenage parent.

(D) Assess the suitability of the teenage parent’s living situation, including, but not limited to, the physical and emotional health and safety of the teenage parent and the child.

(2) Providing referrals to appropriate community services needed to assist the teenage parent’s return to school.

(3) Monitoring each client’s progress and making the necessary changes to improve the individual’s program.

(4) (A) Acting as a counselor, colleague, and role model so that each teenage parent has someone to trust and to turn to for advice, guidance, and ideas.

(B) Case managers should be prepared to provide intensive counseling during all phases of a teenage parent’s progress through the program.

(5) Ensuring that each teenage parent understands the program requirements and the consequences of not making adequate or satisfactory progress required under this article.

(b) Counties shall afford case managers assigned to assist teenage parents sufficient time to provide the needed case management services.

(c) (1) Case managers assigned to assist teenage parents shall possess an expertise in understanding the education, training, and other social and health service needs of teenage parents, as well as the local programs that provide these services.

(2) Each county, in conjunction with the department, shall provide training to persons assigned to work with teenage parents to develop the expertise required by paragraph (1).

(d) The county plan required by Section 11320.6 shall describe the way each county proposes to provide case management services to teenage parents.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1993, Ch. 1252, Sec. 11. Effective January 1, 1994. As prescribed in former Section 11334.8, this section (as part of Article 3.5) resumed full operation on April 1, 2013, after a period of inoperation or limited operation. Note: Former Section 11334.8 was last amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 439, before its repeal on April 1, 2013.)

article: 3.5. Cal-Learn Program


text:
(a) Notwithstanding Article 3.2 (commencing with Section 11320), there shall be no limits on the amount of time that a teen under 19 years of age may participate in the initial education components of the program in order to achieve a high school diploma or its equivalent.

(b) A teen who begins participation in the program before 19 years of age may continue to receive needed intensive case management services after 19 years of age until the individual earns a high school diploma or its equivalent.

(c) A month in which a recipient participates in the program pursuant to this section shall not be counted as a month of receipt of aid for the purposes of subdivision (a) of, and paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of, Section 11454.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 615, Sec. 6. (SB 521) Effective January 1, 2024.)

article: 3.5. Cal-Learn Program


text:
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), counties shall contract for the provision of intensive case management services, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 11331.7 and in Section 11332.5, with public or nonprofit agencies or school districts that administer services pursuant to one or more of the following intensive case management models:

(1) The Adolescent Family Life Program (Article 1 (commencing with Section 124175) of Chapter 4 of Part 2 of Division 106 of the Health and Safety Code).

(2) A home visiting model approved by the department for the CalWORKs Home Visiting Program established pursuant to Article 3.4 (commencing with Section 11330.6), with priority on models that have demonstrated relevance serving the Cal-Learn population.

(3) Evidence-based home visiting models as identified by the United States Department of Health and Human Services that serve the specific demographic of Cal-Learn.

(b) In cases where services from contractors administering one or more of the models specified in subdivision (a) are not available or cost effective, counties may contract with other public or nonprofit agencies or school districts for intensive case management services or provide intensive case management services directly if all the following conditions are met:

(1) The department has determined that the proposed intensive case management model conforms with the standards and scope of services of an evidence-based model of the Adolescent Family Life Program, meets the same criteria as an evidence-based model identified by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, HomVEE review, or conforms to an intensive case management model specified or required by the department.

(2) The submitted county plan is determined by the department to sufficiently document that a model specified in subdivision (a) is not available or cost effective.

(3) The county has consulted with applicable local health agencies to assist in the implementation of the provision of services provided in the intensive case management model.

(c) Counties shall include approved contractors pursuant to subdivision (a) or (b) in their planning of the Cal-Learn Program to ensure participation in the county’s planning and implementation of the Cal-Learn program.

(d) The department shall consult with the State Department of Public Health to implement the purposes of this program.

(e) It is the intent of the Legislature to review the implementation of the changes to this section enacted by the act that added this subdivision during the course of the 2020–21 fiscal year to determine how these changes impact service delivery and counties’ ability to maintain service levels as they existed in 2019–20 and prior to these changes.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 11, Sec. 56. (AB 79) Effective June 29, 2020. Note: Former Section 11334.8 was last amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 439, before its repeal on April 1, 2013.)

article: 3.5. Cal-Learn Program


text:
(a) Counties shall develop linkages with local service providers that serve teenage parents.

(b) The county plan shall specifically describe those required services that are available to teenage parents, as follows:

(1) An identification of available services to teenagers.

(2) The extent to which these programs are currently serving AFDC recipients.

(3) The resources that these programs may make available to GAIN participants.

(4) The linkages established with these programs.

(c) The department shall review each county’s plan to determine both of the following:

(1) Whether the intensity of case management services provided by the county meets the requirements of subdivision (b) of Section 11331.7.

(2) Whether the availability of services to teenagers is adequate.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 902, Sec. 43. Effective January 1, 1999. As prescribed in former Section 11334.8, this section (as part of Article 3.5) resumed full operation on April 1, 2013, after a period of inoperation or limited operation. Note: Former Section 11334.8 was last amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 439, before its repeal on April 1, 2013.)

article: 3.5. Cal-Learn Program


text:
(a) A participating or exempt student, as described in Section 11331.5, or a deferred student, as described in Section 11332, shall, not more than four times in a calendar year, receive a one-hundred-dollar ($100) supplement to the amount of aid paid pursuant to Section 11450.

(b) A participant required to participate pursuant to Section 11333.5 who successfully completes high school or a California high school equivalency examination shall receive a five-hundred-dollar ($500) supplement. An assistance unit shall not receive a one-hundred-dollar ($100) supplement when a five-hundred-dollar ($500) supplement for the same report card or progress report is paid. The five-hundred-dollar ($500) supplement shall be paid to the teen in the month following submission of the record of completion, if received by the county no later than the 11th calendar day of the month, or in the second month following submission of the record of completion, if received by the county after the 11th calendar day of the month.

(c) (1) For purposes of this section, in a school that provides periodic report cards with letter grades, satisfactory progress means maintaining a grade point average of at least 2.0 on a scale on which A equals 4.0 points and F equals 0 points, and adequate progress means maintaining a grade point average of at least 1.0 on the same scale.

(2) For purposes of this section, in a school or other educational program that does not provide letter grades indicating student performance, satisfactory progress or inadequate progress shall be determined by the school’s regular assessment of periodic progress.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 615, Sec. 8. (SB 521) Effective January 1, 2024.)

article: 3.5. Cal-Learn Program


text: Sanctions and bonuses pursuant to Section 11333.7 shall be applied in the first quarter following participant notification of program requirements.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 902, Sec. 46. Effective January 1, 1999. As prescribed in former Section 11334.8, this section (as part of Article 3.5) resumed full operation on April 1, 2013, after a period of inoperation or limited operation. Note: Former Section 11334.8 was last amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 439, before its repeal on April 1, 2013.)

article: 3.5. Cal-Learn Program


text: Notwithstanding Sections 11322 and 11322.2, the state shall fund 100 percent of the nonfederal share of case management and supportive services provided under the Cal-Learn program. The net costs of bonuses and sanctions provided pursuant to Section 11330.10 shall be subject to the same financial participation as payment under subdivision (a) of Section 11450, and administrative cost associated with applying these bonuses and sanctions shall be subject to the financial participation specified in Section 15204.2.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 69, Sec. 36. Effective June 30, 1993. As prescribed in former Section 11334.8, this section (as part of Article 3.5) resumed full operation on April 1, 2013, after a period of inoperation or limited operation. Note: Former Section 11334.8 was last amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 439, before its repeal on April 1, 2013.)

article: 3.5. Cal-Learn Program


text:
(a) The department shall provide to the budget committees of the Legislature, no later than February 1, 2013, and, notwithstanding Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, on February 1 annually thereafter, a report that includes all of the following information:

(1) The number of counties implementing a Cal-Learn Program.

(2) The number of recipients being served in each county with intensive case management services.

(3) Outcomes for recipients, including graduation rates and repeat pregnancies.

(b) The report described in subdivision (a) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 47, Sec. 22. (SB 1041) Effective June 27, 2012.)

article: 3.5. Cal-Learn Program


text: The director may provide funds to support this article in an item separate from other welfare-to-work activities, and these funds shall not be subject to Section 11322.4.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 902, Sec. 47. Effective January 1, 1999. As prescribed in former Section 11334.8, this section (as part of Article 3.5) resumed full operation on April 1, 2013, after a period of inoperation or limited operation. Note: Former Section 11334.8 was last amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 439, before its repeal on April 1, 2013.)

article: 3.5. Cal-Learn Program


text:
(a) The department shall reduce the allocation of money from Items 5180-151-001 and 5180-151-890 of the Budget Act with respect to any county to which both of the following apply:

(1) The county did not have an approved Cal-Learn county plan pursuant to Section 11333.5 as of April 1, 1995, or subsequently amends the plan in the manner set forth in paragraph (2).

(2) The county has taken action to enter into an agreement with the department for less than full implementation of this article and an agreement is in effect on July 1, 1996.

(b) The amount of the reduction required by subdivision (a) shall be an amount equal to three times the full cost incurred by the department to implement the affected function.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 307, Sec. 6. Effective August 3, 1995. As prescribed in former Section 11334.8, this section (as part of Article 3.5) resumed full operation on April 1, 2013, after a period of inoperation or limited operation. Note: Former Section 11334.8 was last amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 439, before its repeal on April 1, 2013.)

article: 3.5. Cal-Learn Program


text: County GAIN programs shall cooperate with the department and the State Department of Education in the provision and coordination of services under the New Chance Program at program sites. To the extent consistent with the county plan adopted pursuant to Section 11320.2, county programs shall provide supportive services, and, if not available from other sources, education and training services, to teenage parents who participate in the New Chance Program. These services shall be administered in a manner which is consistent with services provided under the New Chance Program at program sites.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 1989, Ch. 931, Sec. 3.)

article: 3.6. New Chance Program

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 2. California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids Act > 3.6. New Chance Program


text: This article shall be known, and may be cited, as the CalWORKs Educational Opportunity and Attainment Program.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 24, Sec. 30. (SB 89) Effective June 27, 2017. Section operative January 1, 2018, pursuant to Section 11346.)

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 2. California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids Act > 3.7. CalWORKs Educational Opportunity and Attainment Program


text:
(a) A CalWORKs recipient may apply to receive a one-time education incentive award in the amount of five hundred dollars ($500) for completion of a high school diploma or its equivalent.

(b) (1) A CalWORKs recipient may apply to receive a one-time education stipend totaling one thousand dollars ($1,000) for enrollment in a term of an education or training program leading to a career technical education program certificate, an associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree.

(2) The stipend described in paragraph (1) shall be paid to a CalWORKs recipient at the outset of the term for which he or she is registered.

article: 3.7. CalWORKs Educational Opportunity and Attainment Program


text:
(a) (1) A CalWORKs recipient who applies for an education incentive award pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 11341 shall submit evidence of completion of the high school educational program to the county.

(2) Upon verification of completion of the high school educational program described in paragraph (1), the county shall pay the recipient the award described in subdivision (a) of Section 11341 in the month following receipt of the record of completion, if submitted by the 11th day of the month, or in the second month following receipt of the record of completion if submitted later than the 11th day of the month.

(b) (1) A CalWORKs recipient who applies for an education stipend described in subdivision (b) of Section 11341 shall submit evidence of enrollment to the county. A recipient is not eligible unless all of the following criteria are satisfied:

(A) The recipient is enrolled in an education or training program that is included in the recipient’s welfare-to-work plan approved by the county.

(B) The recipient is enrolled in an education or training program consistent with subdivision (f) of Section 11325.23.

(C) The recipient is enrolled in an education or training program described in subdivision (b) of Section 11341 while receiving CalWORKs assistance.

(2) Within 10 business days of verifying that a recipient is enrolled in an education or training program as described in paragraph (1), the county shall certify that the recipient is eligible for the education stipend and shall issue the stipend payment to the recipient.


text:
(a) A CalWORKs recipient who is receiving an education incentive award or education stipend but then ceases to receive CalWORKs assistance is not eligible for the same education incentive award if he or she begins receiving CalWORKs assistance in the future.

(b) A CalWORKS recipient is permanently ineligible for an education incentive award or education stipend under either of the following circumstances:

(1) The recipient has exhausted his or her CalWORKS benefits.

(2) The recipient has committed public assistance fraud, as described in Article 7 (commencing with Section 11476.6).

(c) A CalWORKs recipient shall not receive an education award or education stipend in any month during which he or she is sanctioned.


text: The education incentive awards and stipends authorized pursuant to this article are not entitlement benefits. A county is required to comply with the provisions of this article only to the extent funding for this purpose is appropriated in the annual Budget Act and available to the county. A county shall not be required to expend county funds for the provision of education incentive awards and stipends pursuant to this article.


text: This article shall become operative on January 1, 2018.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 24, Sec. 30. (SB 89) Effective June 27, 2017. Note: Delayed operative date applies to Article 3.7 commencing with Section 11340.)


text: In complying with Section 10353 of the Public Contract Code, a contractor shall give priority consideration to qualified recipients of aid under this chapter. For purposes of this article, priority consideration means that a contractor shall hire all qualified job applicants who are recipients of aid under this chapter and who apply within five working days of the listing of the job opening with the Employment Development Department, before hiring any other applicant.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1984, Ch. 1259, Sec. 3.)

article: 3.9. Employment with Public Contractors

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 2. California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids Act > 3.9. Employment with Public Contractors


text: Notwithstanding any other provision of law, participation by a recipient of aid under this chapter, shall be voluntary only, and in no event shall any person be subject to sanctions, through loss of benefits or eligibility, for not applying for, accepting, or continuing in such a position.

article: 3.9. Employment with Public Contractors


text: Contractors shall immediately list with the appropriate local office of the Employment Development Department all suitable employment openings in positions funded by a contract subject to Section 10353 of the Public Contract Code. The Employment Development Department shall advise qualified recipients of aid of these openings and shall refer them to the contractor within five working days from the listing of the openings. The Employment Development Department shall advise recipients of aid of the voluntary nature of an application for such an opening, and that the recipients shall have priority in being hired for these openings, provided the recipient possesses all the necessary skills and meets all requirements of the employer.

article: 3.9. Employment with Public Contractors


text: This article and Section 10353 of the Public Contract Code may be waived by the Governor, if requested to do so by the state agency involved, in order to address an emergency which threatens the public health or safety, the state’s natural resources, or the economy. If an emergency waiver is granted, notification including reasons for the waiver shall be forwarded to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee within five working days.

article: 3.9. Employment with Public Contractors


text: In the event that the State Department of Social Services determines that a waiver of any federal regulations or policies, or both, are required to fulfill the provisions of this article, the department shall seek those waivers. If the waivers necessary are not granted by March 1, 1985, the department shall report on the barriers to the waivers and the expected date of waiver approval.

article: 3.9. Employment with Public Contractors


text:
Whenever an unrelated adult male resides with a family applying for or receiving aid under this chapter, he shall be required to make a financial contribution to the family which shall not be less than it would cost him to provide himself with an independent living arrangement.

The minimum financial contribution to the family shall be determined in accordance with standards established by the department which takes into account such adult male person’s income and expenses. The regulations formulated by the department shall require the mother of the children and the unrelated male to present all of the facts in connection with the sharing of expenses which comprise the agreement whereby said adult male resides with the family. The conditions of the agreement and the facts related to the sharing of the family expenses shall be signed under penalty of perjury by both the mother of the child and the unrelated male. In the event that either the mother or the adult male person willfully and knowingly fails to cooperate during the period such joint sharing of expenses arrangement exists in setting forth all of the facts in accordance with provisions of this section, aid to the family may be discontinued.

The provisions of this section do not apply to a bona fide paying lodger, roomer or boarder living in the home of a family applying for or receiving aid under this chapter.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 1417.)

article: 4. Relatives’ Responsibility

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 2. California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids Act > 4. Relatives’ Responsibility


text:
Any parent whose absence is the basis upon which an application is filed for aid in behalf of a child shall complete and return to the county within 15 days after service pursuant to Section 11476 a written statement of his current monthly income, his total income over the past 12 months, a description of all real and personal property owned by him, together with an estimate of its value, the number of dependents for whom he is providing support, the amount he is contributing regularly, toward the support of all children for whom application for aid is made under this chapter, his social security number, his current monthly living expenses and such other information as is pertinent to determining his ability to support his children.

A violation of this section constitutes a misdemeanor.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1971, Ch. 578.)

article: 4. Relatives’ Responsibility


text: Effective on the date that the director executes a declaration pursuant to Section 11217, the department shall establish a state-funded Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payment Program as specified in this article.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 559, Sec. 34. (AB 12) Effective January 1, 2011. This section also became operative on January 1, 2011, pursuant to Section 11379.)

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 2. California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids Act > 4.5. Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payment Program


text: The Legislature finds and declares that the continuation of the state-funded Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payment Program is intended to enhance family preservation and stability by recognizing that some dependent children and wards of the juvenile court who are not otherwise eligible under Subtitle IV-E (commencing with Section 470) of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 670 et seq.) are in long-term, stable placements with relatives, that these placements are the permanent plan for the child, that dependencies can be dismissed pursuant to Section 366.3 with legal guardianship granted to the relative, and that there is no need for continued governmental intervention in the family life through ongoing, scheduled court and social services supervision of the placement. Continuation of the state-funded Kin-GAP Program is necessary to ensure that wards and dependent children of the juvenile court whose placement in the home of an approved relative are equally eligible for the benefits derived from legal permanency with the related guardian and that the state can maximize improvements to federal permanency outcome measures by exiting nonfederally eligible youth to the state’s subsidized kinship guardianship program.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 43, Sec. 45. (AB 120) Effective July 10, 2023.)

article: 4.5. Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payment Program


text:
For purposes of this article, the following definitions shall apply:

(a) “Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payments (Kin-GAP)” means the state-funded aid provided under the terms of this article on behalf of children in kinship care who are not eligible for federally funded Kin-GAP pursuant to Section 11385.

(b) “Kinship guardian” means a person who (1) has been appointed the legal guardian of a dependent child pursuant to Section 360 or 366.26, or a ward of the juvenile court pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 728 and (2) is a relative of the child.

(c) “Relative” means an adult who is related to the child by blood, adoption, or affinity within the fifth degree of kinship, including stepparents, stepsiblings, and all relatives whose status is preceded by the words “great,” “great-great,” or “grand” or the spouse of any of those persons even if the marriage was terminated by death or dissolution.

(d) “Approved home of the prospective relative guardian” means any of the following:

(1) The home of a relative who has been approved as a resource family home pursuant to Section 16519.5 of this code or Section 1517 of the Health and Safety Code.

(2) The home of a relative who has been approved as a tribally approved home, as defined in subdivision (r) of Section 224.1.

(3) The home of a relative who has been assessed pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 361.3 and Section 361.4, and into which the juvenile court has authorized placement.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 43, Sec. 46. (AB 120) Effective July 10, 2023.)