text:
Each foster family agency participating in this program shall enter into a contract or memorandum of understanding with the county and provide all of the following personnel and administrative and support services:

(a) (1) Special attention to the selection and training of foster parents.

(2) All participating intensive treatment foster care (ITFC) foster parents shall be provided with at least 40 hours of training in the care of emotionally disturbed children or children who have a serious behavioral problem before becoming an ITFC parent, and before placement of a child pursuant to this program, 32 hours of ongoing in-service training within the first 12 months after becoming a certified ITFC parent, and 12 hours of ongoing in-service training each year thereafter. Training shall include, but not be limited to, working with abused and neglected children, behavior de-escalation techniques, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid. All training shall be completed prior to the child’s placement in the home. In two-parent homes, placement may be made after one parent has completed 40 hours of training, provided that an additional 20 hours of ongoing in-service training are completed within 12 months after becoming an ITFC foster parent, and provided that the second parent has completed 40 hours of training and completes an additional 20 hours of training within the first six months of certification of the foster parent as an ITFC foster parent.

(3) Upon approval of the county interagency review team or the county placing agency, the training requirements specified in paragraph (2) for a participating foster parent in this program may be waived for foster parents with prior experience that includes, but is not limited to, working for at least one year with emotionally disturbed children or children who have a serious behavioral problem.

(4) Foster parents shall be provided with all necessary support services.

(b) Caseloads for participating social work case managers that average eight children, except as provided in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 18358.30.

(c) The specific assignment to each certified family home of a trained support counselor with experience in residential treatment.

(1) The support counselor shall have one of the following:

(A) A bachelor’s degree in a social science related field and at least six months of experience in working with emotionally disturbed children or children who have a serious behavioral problem.

(B) An associate degree in a social science related field and have at least one year’s experience in working with emotionally disturbed children or children who have a serious behavioral problem.

(C) Upon approval of the county interagency review team or the county placing agency, the educational requirements may be waived for support counselors with at least two years of experience working with emotionally disturbed children or children who have a serious behavioral problem, and who demonstrate a combination of education, skills, and experience that meets the specific cultural and linguistic needs of the target population.

(2) Each participating foster family agency shall provide each support counselor with 40 hours of training to include, but not be limited to, working with abused and neglected children, behavior de-escalation techniques, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, first aid, and developing treatment plans for emotionally disturbed children or children who have a serious behavioral problem. All training shall be completed prior to placing a child in a certified family home for which the support counselor is assigned responsibility. An additional 20 hours of ongoing in-service training is required within the first 12 months after becoming an ITFC support counselor.

(3) Each support counselor shall provide support service to the child and the foster family. This service shall include, but not be limited to, structuring a safe environment for the child, collateral contacts, and any administrative or training functions necessary to implement the child’s needs and services plan. The child’s needs and services plan shall ensure that services meet the child’s needs and are appropriate to and consistent with the minimum level of service specified in Section 18358.30. The child’s individual needs and services plan shall be reviewed and approved by the certified foster parents.

(d) Coordination services with local education agencies and the service provider’s nonpublic school, where applicable.

(e) A 24-hour on call administrator who is available to respond to emergency situations.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 241, Sec. 79. (SB 857) Effective January 1, 2026. Conditionally inoperative on or after July 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 18358.38. Repealed as of January 1 following the inoperative date.)


kind: section

code: WIC

text:
(a) Each foster family agency participating in the program shall develop the child’s needs and services plan, and have it agreed to by the county interagency review team, or county placing agency, and certified foster parents. Each foster family agency participating in the program shall provide the services and supports identified in the needs and services plan which are allowable under California’s foster care program in accordance with Sections 11460 and 11463, and their implementing regulations. Each foster family agency shall also arrange for the services needed by each child and for which the child meets eligibility criteria under applicable publicly funded programs, including, but not limited to, mental health, education, and health services. The foster family agency shall arrange for these services funded by those publicly funded programs to be delivered either by the private nonprofit organization that also operates the foster family agency or by another qualified provider. Children in the ITFC program who meet the public mental health system criteria for mental health services and supports shall have those services and supports funded by the Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) program pursuant to Section 14718 and other appropriate mental health system sources. This subdivision shall not be construed to change the eligibility criteria for EPSDT benefits or services pursuant to federal law. The services that the foster family agency shall provide or arrange for include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1) Individualized needs and services plans that ensure continuity and stability in the placement of participating children in certified family homes that meet the needs of eligible children, including children making the transition from institutional placement to noninstitutional placement. The needs and services plan for each child in placement shall describe the specific needs of the child and the appropriate level of services provided to the child pursuant to Section 18358.30.

(2) Education and mental health services for children.

(3) In-home and support services necessary to implement the case plan.

(4) Other necessary services for children in placement, including medical and dental services.

(b) No more than one emotionally disturbed child or child who has a serious behavioral problem shall be placed in a certified ITFC family home unless the participating foster family agency provides the placing or participating county welfare department with a written assessment of the risk and compatibility of placing together two children who are emotionally disturbed or have a serious behavioral problem. More than two children who are emotionally disturbed or have serious behavioral problems who are siblings may be placed together in the same certified family home if the placement is approved by the county interagency review team or the county placing agency of the participating county. However, there shall be no more than a total of five children living in a certified family home with two adults, and there shall be no more than a total of three children living in a certified family home with one adult, except in cases where children living in the home other than those placed pursuant to this chapter are 15 years of age or older.

(c) Any use of physical contact to manage the behavior of a child that is reported to the foster family agency pursuant to Section 18538.25 shall in turn be reported by the foster family agency to the Community Care Licensing Division of the department as a special incident pursuant to Section 80061 of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 34, Sec. 249. (SB 1009) Effective June 27, 2012. Operative July 1, 2012, by Sec. 254 of Ch. 34. Conditionally inoperative on or after July 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 18358.38. Repealed as of January 1 following the inoperative date.)

division: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

chapter: 6.2. Intensive Foster Care Programs

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 6.2. Intensive Foster Care Programs


text:
In addition to the requirements of Sections 18358.10 and 18358.15, any foster family agency that serves children under this program shall have a contract or memorandum of understanding with the county prior to accepting referrals of children. The contract or memorandum of understanding shall identify how the foster family agency will provide or arrange for the following services and activities:

(a) An effective 24 hours a day, seven days a week social work emergency response service. The plan shall include the criteria for an in-person response and define the timeframe in which in-person response will be made.

(b) Mental health coverage available as needed for mental health emergencies.

(c) Development of a service plan approved by the placing county for each child within one month of placement that thoroughly assesses the unique needs and strengths of the child in the life domains specified in paragraph (1), and identifies the necessary services and supports to improve outcomes.

(1) For purposes of this section, “life domains” means the framework of important aspects of a child’s life to be assessed in the child’s service plan, including, but not limited to, the following:

(A) Safety.

(B) Emotional and psychological well-being.

(C) Behavioral.

(D) Family and living situation.

(E) Social and recreational.

(F) Cultural and spiritual.

(G) Educational and vocational.

(H) Health.

(I) Developmental.

(2) Applicable services and supports associated with each life domain, which may include, but are not limited to, the following:

(A) The child’s need for mental health service interventions.

(B) Individual or group mental health treatment services.

(C) Psychotropic medication and monitoring.

(D) Behavior analysis, positive behavioral interventions, and behavioral modification techniques.

(E) Interventions designed to prevent entry or reentry into the juvenile justice system.

(F) Family reunification services, parent training, or other support services needed to return the child home, or when that is not possible, to establish, reestablish, or reinforce a lifelong relationship with a caring adult.

(G) Family finding services to support and enhance access to lifelong permanent relationships with relative and nonrelative kin.

(H) Targeted life skills training and resources to ensure appropriate access to social and recreational resources and relationships, as needed to support the achievement of important developmental milestones.

(I) Mentoring or developing of positive adult relationships.

(J) Education supports, as needed to maintain and enhance the child’s educational success and stability.

(K) Education liaison services as needed to support the child’s education in the least restrictive environment.

(L) Respite care.

(M) Support counselors.

(N) Case management to ensure appropriate and effective coordination of activities and resources as identified in the needs and services plan.

(d) A system for recruiting, training, and supervising qualified in-home support counselors.

(e) A system of record keeping that documents the delivery of services and supports to each child. This documentation shall be summarized and submitted on an annual basis to the county. Each agency shall report the type and cost of the services delivered.

(f) Written policies and procedures on how the program will be structured to ensure the safety of the child, how suicide attempts, runaways, sexual acting out or, violent and assaultive behavior will be handled, and what will occur to reduce or eliminate future episodes.

(g) Written procedures on frequency of treatment plan review, modifications of treatment plans, and the role of the foster family and the child’s parents in development of the treatment plan.

(h) A process for recruitment, selection and training of foster parents, including respite foster parents. The training curriculum shall include the following areas, at a minimum:

(1) Alternative forms of discipline.

(2) Child growth and development.

(3) Behavior management techniques.

(4) Differential needs and treatment of children.

(5) Behavior de-escalation techniques.

(i) Arranging for the provision of respite care services and frequency of respite care.

(j) Social work staffing. Social workers shall have a master’s degree consistent with subdivision (e) of Section 1506 of the Health and Safety Code, and shall have at least one year of experience working with seriously emotionally disturbed children or children who have a serious behavioral problem.

(k) Other staff or contract services to be utilized in service delivery, the tasks and responsibilities of those individuals, and the training they will receive.

(l) An evaluation component that includes quarterly reporting to the department of the following data, by age group. The department shall publish the data annually.

(1) Number of children placed under this chapter.

(2) Number of prior foster care placements for each child prior to entering the ITFC program.

(3) Outcomes for children referred to the program, including:

(A) Percentage of children discharged to a more intensive program.

(B) Percentage of children discharged to a less restrictive program, short of permanency.

(C) Percentage of children who drop down an ITFC level.

(D) Percentage of children discharged to reunification with a parent or guardian.

(E) Percentage of children discharged to adoption.

(F) Percentage of children discharged to kin guardianship.

(G) Percentage of children discharged to other permanent outcome.

(H) Percentage of children hospitalized.

(I) Number of ITFC families in which a child was placed.

(J) Percentage of children continuing in placement.

(m) A plan for surveying placing counties annually to ascertain and report to the department on the following:

(1) Quality of services provided.

(2) Progress toward treatment goals.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 241, Sec. 80. (SB 857) Effective January 1, 2026. Conditionally inoperative on or after July 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 18358.38. Repealed as of January 1 following the inoperative date.)


text:
In addition to the requirements of paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 18358.05, participating counties shall do all of the following:

(a) Determine the placement of eligible children in intensive treatment foster care programs. All children placed in the programs shall either have a completed level of care assessment indicating a need for services greater than regular foster care or have their placement reviewed by the participating county’s existing interagency review team or county placing agency.

(b) Enter into contracts or memoranda of understanding with participating foster family agencies.

(c) Provide routine case management services.

(d) Monitor the implementation of the case plan for the child.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 486, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 2009. Conditionally inoperative on or after July 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 18358.38. Repealed as of January 1 following the inoperative date.)


text:
(a) Certified foster parents participating under this chapter shall ensure the well-being of emotionally disturbed children or children with a serious behavioral problem under their care. This care includes, but is not limited to, all of the following:

(1) Participation in initial and ongoing in-service training and demonstration pursuant to Section 18358.1 and demonstration of an understanding of and ability to meet the needs of emotionally disturbed children or children with a serious behavioral problem.

(2) Participation in the implementation of the individual case plan and in the development and implementation of the needs and services plan for the child.

(3) Ensuring that the child’s medical and dental needs are met.

(b) To the extent possible, certified foster parents selected under this chapter shall have a background in special education, psychological counseling, nursing, or child development.

(c) (1) All certified foster parents selected to participate in this program shall rent, lease, or own their own homes which shall be certified by the foster family agency.

(2) The home of certified foster parents shall be within reasonably close proximity to the participating foster family agency or a satellite location of the agency, and to the extent possible, close to the child’s family and community.

(d) (1) All certified foster parents shall report any special incident pursuant to Section 80061 of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations. Additionally, any use of physical contact to manage the behavior of a child shall be reported as a special incident.

(2) Certified foster parents shall report incidents to the participating foster family agency, which shall report the incidents to the Community Care Licensing Division of the department pursuant to Section 18358.15.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 486, Sec. 8. Effective January 1, 2009. Conditionally inoperative on or after July 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 18358.38. Repealed as of January 1 following the inoperative date.)


text:
(a) Rates for foster family agency programs participating under this chapter shall be exempt from the current AFDC-FC foster family agency ratesetting system.

(b) Rates for foster family agency programs participating under this chapter shall be set according to the appropriate service and rate level based on the level of services provided to the eligible child and the certified foster family. For an eligible child placed from a group home program, the service and rate level shall not exceed the rate paid for group home placement. For an eligible child assessed by the county interagency review team or county placing agency as at imminent risk of group home placement or psychiatric hospitalization, the appropriate service and rate level for the child shall be determined by the interagency review team or county placing agency at time of placement. In all of the service and rate levels, the foster family agency programs shall:

(1) Provide social work services with average caseloads not to exceed eight children per worker, except that social worker average caseloads for children in Service and Rate Level E shall not exceed 12 children per worker.

(2) Pay an amount not less than two thousand one hundred dollars ($2,100) per child per month to the certified foster parent or parents.

(3) Perform activities necessary for the administration of the programs, including, but not limited to, training, recruitment, certification, and monitoring of the certified foster parents.

(4) (A) (i) Provide a minimum average range of service per month for children in each service and rate level in a participating foster family agency, represented by paid employee hours incurred by the participating foster family agency, by the in-home support counselor to the eligible child and the certified foster parents depending on the needs of the child and according to the following schedule:ServiceIn-Home SupportandCounselor HoursRate LevelPer MonthA98-114 hoursB81-97 hoursC64-80 hoursD47-63 hours(ii) Children placed at Service and Rate Level E shall receive behavior de-escalation and other support services on a flexible, as needed, basis from an in-home support counselor. The foster family agency shall provide one full-time in-home support counselor for every 20 children placed at this level.

(B) (i) For the interim period beginning July 1, 2012, through December 31, 2016, inclusive, only the following modified service and rate levels to support modified in-home support counselor hours per month shall apply:ServiceIn-Home SupportandCounselor HoursRate LevelPer MonthLevel I81-114 hoursLevel II47-80 hoursLevel IIILess than 47 hours(ii) Children placed at Service and Rate Level III shall receive behavior de-escalation and other support services on a flexible, as needed, basis from an in-home support counselor. The foster family agency shall provide one full-time in-home support counselor for every 20 children placed at this level.

(C) When the interagency review team or county placing agency and the foster family agency agree that alternative services are in the best interests of the child, the foster family agency may provide or arrange for services and supports allowable under California’s foster care program in lieu of in-home support services required by subparagraphs (A) and (B). These services and supports may include, but need not be limited to, activities in the Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care (MTFC) program.

(c) The department or placing county, or both, may review the level of services provided by the foster family agency program. If the level of services actually provided are less than those required by subdivision (b) for the child’s service and rate level, the rate shall be adjusted to reflect the level of service actually provided, and an overpayment may be established and recovered by the department.

(d) (1) On and after July 1, 1998, the standard rate schedule of service and rate levels shall be:ServiceFiscal Yearand1998-99Rate LevelStandard RateA$3,957B$3,628C$3,290D$2,970E$2,639(2) For the interim period beginning July 1, 2012, through December 31, 2016, inclusive, only the following modified service and rate levels to support the modified standard rate schedule shall apply:ServiceandRate LevelStandard RateLevel I$5,581Level II$4,798Level III$4,034(3) (A) On and after July 1, 1999, the standardized schedule of rates shall be adjusted by an amount equal to the California Necessities Index computed pursuant to Section 11453, rounded to the nearest dollar. The resultant amounts shall constitute the new standardized rate schedule, subject to further adjustment pursuant to subparagraph (B), for foster family agency programs participating under this chapter.

(B) In addition to the adjustment in subparagraph (A), commencing January 1, 2000, the standardized schedule of rates shall be increased by 2.36 percent, rounded to the nearest dollar. The resultant amounts shall constitute the new standardized rate schedule for foster family agency programs participating under this chapter.

(4) (A) Beginning with the 2000–01 fiscal year, the standardized schedule of rates shall be adjusted annually by an amount equal to the California Necessities Index computed pursuant to Section 11453, subject to the availability of funds. The resultant amounts, rounded to the nearest dollar, shall constitute the new standard rate schedule for foster family agency programs participating under this chapter.

(B) Effective October 1, 2009, the rates identified in this subdivision shall be reduced by 10 percent. The resulting amounts shall constitute the new standardized schedule of rates.

(5) Notwithstanding paragraphs (3) and (4), the rate identified in paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) shall be adjusted on July 1, 2013, and each July 1 thereafter through July 1, 2016, inclusive, by an amount equal to the California Necessities Index computed pursuant to Section 11453.

(e) (1) Rates for foster family agency programs participating under paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) shall not exceed Service and Rate Level A at any time during an eligible child’s placement. An eligible child may be initially placed in a participating intensive foster care program at any one of the five Service and Rate Levels A to E, inclusive, and thereafter placed at any level, either higher or lower, not to exceed a total of six months at any level other than Service and Rate Level E, unless it is determined to be in the best interests of the child by the child’s county interagency review team or county placing agency and the child’s certified foster parents. The child’s county interagency placement review team or county placement agency may, through a formal review of the child’s placement, extend the placement of an eligible child in a service and rate level higher than Service and Rate Level E for additional periods of up to six months each.

(2) Rates for foster family agency programs participating under paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) shall not exceed Service and Rate Level I at any time during an eligible child’s placement. An eligible child may be initially placed in a participating intensive foster care program at any one of the three Service and Rate Levels I to III, inclusive, and thereafter placed at any level, either higher or lower, not to exceed a total of six months at any level other than Service and Rate Level III, unless it is determined to be in the best interests of the child by the child’s county interagency review team or county placing agency, foster family agency, and the child’s certified foster parents. The child’s county interagency placement review team or county placement agency, through a formal review of the child’s placement, may extend the placement of an eligible child in a service and rate level higher than Service and Rate Level III for additional periods of up to six months each.

(f) It is the intent of the Legislature that the rate paid to participating foster family agency programs shall decrease as the child’s need for services from the foster family agency decreases. The foster family agency shall notify the placing county and the department of the reduced services and the pilot classification model, and the rate shall be reduced accordingly.

(g) It is the intent of the Legislature to prohibit any duplication of public funding. Therefore, social worker services, payments to certified foster parents, administrative activities, and the services of in-home support counselors that are funded by another public source shall not be counted in determining whether the foster family agency program has met its obligations to provide the items listed in paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (4) of subdivision (b). The department shall work with other potentially affected state departments to ensure that duplication of payment or services does not occur.

(h) It is the intent of the Legislature that the State Department of Social Services and the State Department of Health Care Services, in collaboration with county placing agencies and ITFC providers and other stakeholders, develop and implement an integrated system that provides for the appropriate level of placement and care, support services, and mental health treatment services to foster children served in these programs.

(i) Beginning in the 2011–12 fiscal year, and for each fiscal year thereafter, funding and expenditures for programs and activities under this section shall be in accordance with the requirements provided in Sections 30025 and 30026.5 of the Government Code.

(j) Notwithstanding subdivisions (d) and (e), the department shall implement a new interim rate structure for the period beginning January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2024, inclusive. The rate shall reflect the appropriate level of placement and address the need for specialized health care, support services, and mental health treatment services for foster children served in these programs.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 241, Sec. 81. (SB 857) Effective January 1, 2026. Conditionally inoperative on or after July 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 18358.38. Repealed as of January 1 following the inoperative date.)


text: Foster family agencies implementing intensive foster care programs shall under no circumstances have any interest in the properties occupied by the certified foster parents.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1990, Ch. 1250, Sec. 3. Conditionally inoperative on or after July 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 18358.38. Repealed as of January 1 following the inoperative date.)


text: In order to provide for continuity of services to children receiving intensive foster care services, the two foster family agencies providing services pursuant to this chapter prior to January 1, 1996, may continue to operate their programs until June 30, 1997, without the certification required by Section 18358.05 and without a contract or memorandum of understanding with counties that have children in placement as of January 1, 1996. By July 1, 1997, these foster family agencies shall meet all the requirements of this chapter, including certification and contract or memorandum of understanding with the placing county or counties.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 832, Sec. 6.5. Effective January 1, 1996. Conditionally inoperative on or after July 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 18358.38. Repealed as of January 1 following the inoperative date.)


text: The department shall develop, in consultation with the counties, providers, and other stakeholders, cost reporting, claiming, and other procedures necessary to maximize federal financial participation.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2008, Ch. 486, Sec. 10. Effective January 1, 2009. Conditionally inoperative on or after July 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 18358.38. Repealed as of January 1 following the inoperative date.)


text: This chapter shall become inoperative on July 1, 2028, or 24 months after the effective date specified in paragraph (9) of subdivision (h) of Section 11461, whichever is later, and, as of January 1 of the following year, is repealed.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 46, Sec. 55. (AB 161) Effective July 2, 2024. Conditionally repealed by its own provisions. Note: Repeal affects Chapter 6.2, commencing with Section 18358.)


text:
As used in this chapter, the following terms have the following meanings:

(a) “Client support staff” means professional and paraprofessional staff or contractors who meet the experience and education requirements of paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of subdivision (c) of Section 18360.10, and are operating within the scope of practice of their license or certification, to provide support and services to the eligible child and other individuals, as approved by the placing agency and informed by the child and family team, as defined in paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) of Section 16501, or the individualized health care plan team, as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 17710.

(b) “Eligible child” means a child or nonminor dependent in foster care who has intensive needs, including, but not limited to, medical, therapeutic, or behavioral needs.

(c) “Intensive services foster care” means a licensed foster family agency model or public delivery model of home-based family care for eligible children whose needs for safety, permanency, and well-being require specially trained resource parents and intensive professional and paraprofessional services and support in order to remain in a home-based setting, or to avoid or exit congregate care in a short-term residential therapeutic program, group home, or out-of-state residential center.

(d) “Intensive services foster care resource family” means a resource family, as defined in Section 16519.5 of this code or Section 1517 of the Health and Safety Code and, until December 31, 2020, a licensed foster family home or a certified family home of a licensed foster family agency, or, before January 1, 2020, the approved home of a relative or nonrelative extended family member, that has met the training requirements in this chapter or is in the process of completing training pursuant to paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 18360.10.

(e) “Intensive services foster care resource parent” means a foster parent of an intensive services foster care resource family.

(f) “Licensed foster family agency model” means an intensive services foster care program operated by a private nonprofit agency or a county that is licensed as a foster family agency.

(g) “Public delivery model” means an intensive services foster care program directly operated by a county as a governmental program.

(h) “Urgent placement needs” means immediate and extenuating circumstances requiring immediate placement with an intensive services foster care resource parent, as determined by the county placing agency based on the level of care rate protocol.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 935, Sec. 8.5. (SB 1083) Effective January 1, 2019. Conditionally inoperative on or after July 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 18360.36. Repealed as of January 1 following the inoperative date.)

chapter: 6.3. Intensive Services Foster Care

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 6.3. Intensive Services Foster Care


text:
(a) The department shall develop an intensive services foster care program that provides specialized programs to serve children with specific needs, including, but not limited to, the following:

(1) Intensive services and behavioral needs, including those currently being served under intensive treatment foster care.

(2) Specialized health care needs, including those with special health care needs, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 17710.

(b) The department shall develop a program that includes a private nonprofit delivery model and a public delivery model.

(c) The rate paid to an intensive services foster care resource family shall be the same whether it is paid through a licensed foster family agency model or public delivery model and shall be established pursuant to subparagraph (C) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (c) of Section 11463.

(d) The rate paid to the foster family agency shall be developed pursuant to subparagraph (C) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (c) of Section 11463.

(e) This chapter does not waive the requirements set forth in Section 16519.5 or Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 1500) of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code.

(f) A licensed foster family agency or county that operates a public delivery model intensive services foster care program is not prohibited from also operating as a therapeutic foster care service model program agency.

(g) A county that operates as a public delivery model shall submit to the department a program description that sets forth the manner in which it will substantially comply with the requirements of this chapter and Sections 11467, 11469.2, and 11469.3.

(h) The department shall adopt regulations to implement this chapter. Until regulations are adopted, the department may administer the program through the issuance of written directives that shall have the same force and effect as regulations. Any directive affecting Article 1 (commencing with Section 700) of Chapter 7 of Division 1 of Title 11 of the California Code of Regulations shall be approved by the Department of Justice. The directives shall be exempt from the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 777, Sec. 27. (AB 819) Effective January 1, 2020. Conditionally inoperative on or after July 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 18360.36. Repealed as of January 1 following the inoperative date.)


text:
(a) Each licensed foster family agency or county operating a public delivery model intensive services foster care program shall engage in both of the following:

(1) Targeted selection and specialized training of intensive services foster care resource families used to provide care and supervision to eligible children placed in an intensive services foster care program.

(2) Placement matching between eligible children with intensive services foster care resource families.

(b) In addition to the training requirements for resource families set forth in Section 16519.5 of this code and in Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 1500) of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code, intensive services foster care resource family training shall be a condition for participating in the intensive services foster care program, and conform to the following:

(1) (A) Preplacement training for intensive services foster care resource families shall be at least 40 hours and shall be completed prior to the placement of an eligible child, unless the intensive services foster care resource family meets the condition of paragraph (5). Training hours may be satisfied, in part or in whole, by either of the following:

(i) Twelve hours may be satisfied through the training required by paragraph (13) of subdivision (g) of Section 16519.5 or, for licensed foster family homes and certified family homes of foster family agencies, the preplacement training received pursuant to Section 1529.2 of the Health and Safety Code.

(ii) For an intensive services foster care resource parent who is also a health care professional, preplacement training hours may be satisfied on an hour-by-hour basis by the training hours necessary to obtain or maintain their licensure or certification.

(B) Ongoing training for intensive services foster care resource families shall be at least 24 hours within 12 months of the placement of an eligible child, and 12 hours for each year thereafter, which may be satisfied, in part or in whole, by either of the following:

(i) Eight hours may be satisfied through the training required by paragraph (14) of subdivision (g) of Section 16519.5 or, for licensed foster family homes and certified family homes of foster family agencies, the training received pursuant to Section 1529.2 of the Health and Safety Code.

(ii) For an intensive services foster care resource parent who is also a health care professional, ongoing training hours may be satisfied on an hour-by-hour basis by the training hours necessary to obtain or maintain their licensure or certification.

(2) In a two-parent intensive services foster care resource family, placement of an eligible child may be made after one parent has completed the preplacement training required by subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1), followed by the 24 hours of ongoing training required by subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1), provided that the second parent has completed 20 hours of the preplacement training required by subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) prior to the placement of an eligible child and the remaining 20 hours of the preplacement training required by subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) within 12 months of placement of an eligible child. The second parent shall not be required to complete the 24 hours of ongoing training required by subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1). Thereafter, each parent shall complete the 12 hours of ongoing training required by subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1).

(3) Any preplacement or ongoing training hours required by paragraphs (1) and (2) that are satisfied with training hours obtained pursuant to Section 16519.5 of this code or Section 1529.2 of the Health and Safety Code shall not waive the requirement to receive training necessary to meet the needs of a specific eligible child.

(4) The 40 hours of preplacement training required by subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) shall include, but not be limited to, information relating to working with children who have experienced trauma, behavior de-escalation techniques, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid. The preplacement training may be customized to each intensive services foster care resource family based on the populations of children the family intends to serve. Additional preplacement training subject matter may be required by the county placing agency depending on the special needs of an eligible child to be placed with the intensive services foster care resource family.

(5) An intensive services foster care resource family that has not completed the training required in this subdivision may accept an eligible child, or retain a child identified as an eligible child subsequent to placement, under the following conditions:

(A) (i) In a one-parent intensive services foster care resource family, the intensive services foster care resource parent completes the 40 hours of preplacement training required by subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) within 120 days after the placement, or identification, of an eligible child.

(ii) In a two-parent intensive services foster care resource family, the first parent completes the 40 hours of preplacement training required by subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) within 120 days after the placement, or identification, of an eligible child, and the second intensive services foster care resource parent completes the initial 20 hours of preplacement training within 180 days from the placement, or identification, of an eligible child and the remaining 20 hours of the preplacement training within 12 months of placement, or identification, of an eligible child. The second parent shall not be required to complete the 24 hours of ongoing training required by subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1).

(B) Placement, or identification, of an eligible child is made pursuant to the level of care rate protocol in order to meet the urgent placement needs of a child.

(C) The county placing agency shall provide or arrange for any necessary service and support to a child in a resource family pending the family’s transition to an intensive services foster care resource family or a placement change.

(c) (1) A licensed foster family agency or county operating an intensive services foster care program shall provide all of the following:

(A) (i) Necessary core services and supports that are identified in the individual needs and services plan and that constitute care and supervision, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 11460, and core services, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 11463.

(ii) Core services and support may be provided either directly by the licensed foster family agency or county or secured through agreements with other agencies.

(iii) Each licensed foster family agency or county operating an intensive services foster care program shall arrange for the services needed by each child for which the child meets the eligibility criteria under applicable publicly funded programs, including, but not limited to, mental health, education, and health services.

(iv) A licensed foster family agency shall describe its intensive services foster care program model in the program statement required pursuant to Section 1506.1 of the Health and Safety Code, including by identifying a 24-hour on-call administrator or designee, identifying the staff delivering core services and supports, and describing the manner in which core services and supports are delivered.

(B) Necessary professional and paraprofessional staff.

(C) Social work staff to manage cases of eligible children, consistent with the requirements set forth in Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 1500) of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code.

(2) (A) A licensed foster family agency or county operating an intensive services foster care program may employ client support staff, as appropriate, who have experience working with children, youth, and families with special needs.

(B) Client support staff shall have at least one of the following:

(i) A minimum of a bachelor’s degree and six months of experience in working with children who have serious emotional or behavioral needs, or children who have special needs, including, but not limited to, intensive medical needs.

(ii) A minimum of an associate’s degree and one year of experience in working with children who have serious emotional or behavioral needs, or children who have special needs, including, but not limited to, intensive medical needs.

(iii) The department may waive the educational requirements described in clauses (i) and (ii) for client support staff who have direct client supervision with at least two years of experience working with children who have serious emotional or behavioral needs, or children who have special needs, including, but not limited to, intensive medical needs, and who have demonstrated a combination of education, skills, and experience that meets the specific needs of the target population, including, but not limited to, cultural and linguistic needs.

(C) (i) Client support staff shall receive at least 40 hours of training that includes, but is not limited to, information relating to working with children who have experienced trauma, behavior de-escalation techniques, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid, and implementing individual needs and services plans for children who have serious emotional or behavioral needs or children who have special needs, including, but not limited to, intensive medical needs. A client support staff shall complete all training prior to an eligible child being placed in an intensive services foster care resource family home for which the client support staff is assigned responsibility.

(ii) Client support staff shall complete 20 hours of ongoing in-service training within the first 12 months after becoming an intensive services foster care client support staff.

(D) Each client support staff shall provide support services to the child and the intensive services foster care resource family to implement the child’s individual needs and services plan that is appropriate. The client support staff shall review the child’s individual needs and services plan with the intensive services foster care resource parents and the child and family team, as needed.

(3) If an eligible child is a child with special health care needs, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 17710, support professionals may be employed as staff or contractors operating within the scope of practice of their license or certification to implement the child’s individual needs and services plan and individualized health care plan, as approved by the county placing agency and informed by the child and family team, as defined in paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) of Section 16501, or the individualized health care plan team, as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 17710.

(4) Notwithstanding paragraphs (2) and (3), training hours may be satisfied for intensive services foster care client support staff caring for children with special health care needs on an hour-by-hour basis by the training received pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 17731, or as required by the licensing board within their scope of practice.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 241, Sec. 82. (SB 857) Effective January 1, 2026. Conditionally inoperative on or after July 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 18360.36. Repealed as of January 1 following the inoperative date.)


text:
(a) Each licensed foster family agency or county operating an intensive services foster care program shall develop a child’s individual needs and services plan in coordination with the child’s case worker, intensive services foster care resource family, and child and family team, if available. A county operating under a public delivery model or as a licensed foster family agency model may utilize the child’s case plan as the individual needs and services plan.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 17732, no more than three foster children, two of whom may be eligible children, may be placed in an intensive services foster care resource family home. Prior to the placement of a second or third foster child in the home, who may be an eligible or noneligible child, the requirements of paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (4) of subdivision (c) shall be met.

(c) Notwithstanding subdivision (b), a county placing agency may approve placements for additional foster children that would result in the placement of more than three foster children or more than two eligible children in the home in compelling circumstances, including in order to accommodate a preexisting relationship, to place a sibling group together when at least one sibling is an eligible child or was previously an eligible child in that home, or to accommodate the extraordinary needs of a specific child that the resource family has a unique ability to meet. A shortage of foster homes shall not be a compelling circumstance absent other factors. Prior to the approval of the placement of additional foster children beyond the capacity described in subdivision (b), all of the following requirements shall be met:

(1) A licensed foster family agency or county operating an intensive services foster care program shall provide each county placing agency that has children placed in that home or proposed to be placed in the home with a written assessment of the risk and compatibility of placing an additional child or children with the currently placed child or children in that home, and the ability of the resource family parent or parents to provide care and support for all of the children in the home.

(2) The needs and services plan of each child placed in the home shall specify the plan to ensure timely support and services for each child placed in the home.

(3) When a child and family team meeting has been conducted, the county placing agency shall consider information from the child and family teams of all children placed in the home or proposed to be placed that may impact placement.

(4) The capacity of the home shall not exceed the number determined by the department or county pursuant to Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 1500) of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code or Article 2 (commencing with Section 16519.5) of Chapter 5 of Part 4.

(5) The total number of eligible children placed in the home shall not exceed three unless all eligible children are related.

(6) A licensed foster family agency or county operating an intensive services foster care program shall provide to the director of the county child welfare department or the chief probation officer of the county probation department, or their respective designees, of all county placing agencies with children placed or proposed to be placed in the home with the written assessment of risk and compatibility and needs and services plans described in paragraphs (1) and (2).

(7) Placement of a child in the home pursuant to this subdivision shall be subject to the approval of the director of the county child welfare department or the chief probation officer of the county probation department, or their respective designees, of all of the county placing agencies with children placed or proposed to be placed in the home.

(d) If a foster child resides in an intensive services foster care resource family home pursuant to subdivision (b) or (c), and this foster child is being considered for intensive services foster care, and subsequently becomes a third eligible child, the continued placement of this child is authorized subject to the approval of the director of the county child welfare department or the chief probation officer of the county probation department, or their respective designees, of all the county placing agencies with children placed in the home.

(e) The county placing agency shall notify the department of each child in the placement and notify counsel of each child in the placement within 10 days of approval of a placement pursuant to subdivision (c) or approval to maintain a placement pursuant to subdivision (d). As part of the notification to the department, the county shall provide the department with a copy of the written assessment of the risk and compatibility described in subdivision (c).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 777, Sec. 28. (AB 819) Effective January 1, 2020. Conditionally inoperative on or after July 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 18360.36. Repealed as of January 1 following the inoperative date.)


text: The department, in consultation with counties and other stakeholders, shall consider options to expand the number of available resource families who are willing to provide intensive services foster care, including, but not limited to, the feasibility of counties and foster family agencies contracting with each other for services.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 777, Sec. 29. (AB 819) Effective January 1, 2020. Conditionally inoperative on or after July 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 18360.36. Repealed as of January 1 following the inoperative date.)


text:
(a) The county shall employ the level of care rate protocol developed pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 11463 to determine the placement of the eligible children into an intensive services foster care program.

(b) (1) The intensive services foster care rate developed pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 18360.05 may be paid to an intensive services foster care resource family with an eligible child once the preplacement training requirements in subdivision (b) of Section 18360.10 are satisfied.

(2) The intensive services foster care rate may be paid to a resource family that meets the requirements in paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 18360.10 for up to 60 days to meet the urgent placement needs of an eligible child. This may be extended for a 60-day period and, in a two-parent home, may be extended for a second 60-day period if the second parent has not completed training, based upon the needs of the child.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 732, Sec. 125. (AB 404) Effective January 1, 2018. Conditionally inoperative on or after July 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 18360.36. Repealed as of January 1 following the inoperative date.)


text:
(a) Each intensive services foster care resource family selected to participate in the intensive services foster care program shall rent, lease, or own their own home.

(b) Unless approval is granted pursuant to subdivision (c), a licensed foster family agency operating an intensive services foster care program shall not have an interest in the property occupied by an intensive services foster care resource family.

(c) The department shall review and preapprove any public-private housing arrangements developed by a licensed foster family agency to address the unique needs of an intensive services foster care resource family and eligible child. The review shall ensure that the arrangement does not jeopardize the interests of the intensive services foster care resource family and eligible child. The arrangements shall comply with state and federal laws, including those pertaining to fiscal, licensing, and corporate requirements.


history: (History: Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 46, Sec. 56. (AB 161) Effective July 2, 2024. Conditionally repealed by its own provisions. Note: Repeal affects Chapter 6.3, commencing with Section 18360.)


text: The intent of this chapter is to assist city and county health agencies to provide preventive health care through public health nursing services to the aged.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1977, Ch. 211.)

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 6.5. Preventive Health Care for the Aging


text:
(a) The State Department of Health Services may authorize the payment of state funds to defray in part the cost of projects or the continuation of projects under which the city or county health agency provides a program of scheduled visits by public health nurses to senior citizen housing and center facilities for health consultant services.

(b) The State Department of Health Services shall authorize the payment of state funds to city and county health agencies, as well as to the federal ACTION Agencies Retired Senior Volunteer Program to train, coordinate, and reimburse senior volunteers who will augment the program by providing referral, counseling, and other support services to senior clients.

(c) The state share of any such project shall not exceed 50 percent of funds expended in connection with that project, except that if the project is established for the purposes set forth in subdivision (b), the state shall not be required to provide matching funds. City or county matching funds may be in the form of cash, facilities or services on the basis of a local project plan submitted to and approved by the department, except that if the project is established for the purposes set forth in subdivision (b), neither the city nor the county shall be required to provide matching funds.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1980, Ch. 1274, Sec. 1.)

chapter: 6.5. Preventive Health Care for the Aging


text: The California Commission on Aging shall render such technical assistance and advice as is required by the department in carrying out the provisions of this chapter.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1973, Ch. 1058.)


text: The department, subject to the approval of the Attorney General, may enter into reciprocal agreements with corresponding state agencies of other states regarding the interstate transportation of poor and indigent persons, and to arrange with the proper officials in this state for the acceptance, transfer, and support of persons receiving public aid in other states in accordance with the terms of such reciprocal agreements; provided, that this state shall not nor shall any county or other political subdivision of this state be committed to the support of persons who are not in the opinion of the department entitled to public support by the laws of this state.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1965, Ch. 1784.)

chapter: 7. Uniform Transfer of Dependents Act

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 7. Uniform Transfer of Dependents Act


text: This chapter shall be so interpreted and construed as to effectuate its general purpose to make uniform the laws of those states which enact it.


text: This chapter may be cited as the Uniform Transfer of Dependents Act.


text: This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Relief Law of 1945.

chapter: 8. Relief Law of 1945

article: 1. General Provisions

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 8. Relief Law of 1945 > 1. General Provisions


text:
The provisions of this chapter (except the provisions of this section) are suspended and continue suspended from operation until the occurrence of an economic emergency in this state, which results from widespread hardship and destitution and necessitates immediate action for the relief of such hardship and destitution. No act shall be done nor power be exercised nor money be expended under or pursuant to such provisions until the occurrence of such an economic emergency has been determined as provided in this section.

Ascertainment and determination of the fact of the occurrence of such an economic emergency is committed to the Senate and Assembly and to the Governor. If and when the Senate and Assembly, by concurrent resolution filed with the Secretary of State, find and declare, and the Governor, by his proclamation filed with the Secretary of State, finds and declares, that there exists an economic emergency in this state, which results from widespread hardship and destitution and necessitates immediate action for the relief of such hardship and destitution (the resolution and the proclamation, respectively, to contain a statement of the facts upon which the finding is based), such an economic emergency is determined to have occurred and to exist, and thenceforth all of the provisions of this chapter are fully operative.

article: 1. General Provisions


text: After the provisions of this chapter become operative, the provisions of Part 5 of this division, relating to county aid and relief to indigents, shall not apply to any person who receives or is eligible to receive relief under this chapter; but Part 5 is not repealed by this chapter, and shall continue in full force and effect in respect to persons not eligible to receive relief under this chapter.

article: 1. General Provisions


text: As used in this chapter, the terms defined in this article have the meanings set forth in this article.

article: 1. General Provisions


text: “Department” means the State Department of Social Services.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1977, Ch. 1252.)

article: 1. General Provisions


text: “Aid” means state financial assistance to counties for the direct cost of relief and the cost of administration thereof.

article: 1. General Provisions


text:
“Relief” means assistance in cash or in kind provided to individuals or families to relieve hardship and destitution.

Relief to a person includes relief to his dependents, but relief does not include hospital or medical care.

article: 1. General Provisions


text: In accordance with the provisions of this chapter, every county shall provide relief to needy persons who are residents of this state.

article: 1. General Provisions


text:
For the purposes of this chapter, a resident of the state is a person who comes within all of the following descriptions:

(a) Who has lived continuously in the state for a period of one year preceding his application for relief.

(b) Who, during the one-year period, has not received any form of public assistance from any other state or political subdivision thereof.

(c) Who has not lost his residence by remaining away from this state for an uninterrupted period of one year. Absence from the state for labor or other special or temporary purpose does not occasion loss of residence.

article: 1. General Provisions


text: For the purposes of this chapter, a person who is a resident of the state is a resident of the county in which he has resided continuously for one year immediately preceding his application for relief.

article: 1. General Provisions


text: A county may incur all necessary expenses in transporting a nonresident applicant for or recipient of relief under this chapter to another state or county, when information at hand reasonably tends to show that the person has a legal residence in that state or county. The state shall reimburse the county for the full amount of the cost of such transportation.

article: 1. General Provisions


text: The direct administration of this chapter shall be carried out by the boards of supervisors of the several counties, directly or through their authorized agents. The administration shall be supervised by the department.

article: 2. Administration

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 8. Relief Law of 1945 > 2. Administration


text:
The department shall:

(a) Establish minimum and maximum standards for the amount and form of relief, on a budgetary basis, as provided in Sections 18472, 18473, and 18474.

(b) Establish standards of eligibility for relief, which shall be of uniform application throughout the state.

(c) Make investigations in relation to the administration of relief.

(d) Secure information and make reports thereon.

article: 2. Administration


text:
The department shall from time to time fix for each county maximum and minimum relief case budgets within the range of which the board of supervisors may establish its own policies.

All budgets and standards shall be based upon need and minimum budgets shall be sufficient to maintain the recipient and his dependents in accordance with minimum living requirements as provided in Section 18473.

article: 2. Administration


text: In determining and redetermining budgets and standards, the department may give consideration to living costs and may establish budgets and standards varying in monetary worth or amount, but providing a standard of living compatible with decency and health.

article: 2. Administration


text: Relief may be granted in cash or in kind, but relief may be granted in kind only after the method has been approved by the department.

article: 2. Administration


text: All income received by a person or family, regardless of source, shall be considered in determining the amount of relief to be provided.

article: 2. Administration


text:
In administering any funds appropriated or made available to the department for disbursement through the counties for relief purposes, the department shall:

(a) Require as a condition for receiving such grants-in-aid that the county shall bear the proportion of the total expense of furnishing relief required to be paid by the county under Section 18521.

(b) Establish rules and regulations, not in conflict with law, defining and controlling the conditions under which state aid may be granted or refused.

(c) Terminate any grants-in-aid to any county if the laws providing such grants, or the minimum standards prescribed by the department, are not complied with by the county or its officers or employees.

article: 2. Administration


text:
If any county fails to comply with the provisions of this chapter or the rules and regulations or orders of the department for the administration of relief by the county under this chapter, the director of the department shall formally notify the county of the particular respects in which it fails to comply with the law or the rules and regulations of the department, and of the changes which are necessary to effect full compliance. The county shall be allowed a reasonable time to effect compliance; if it fails to do so within such reasonable time, it shall be ordered to appear before the director to show cause, if it has any, for its failure to comply with the law or the rules and regulations of the department.

If a county is charged by the director with failure to comply with the law or the rules and regulations of the department, the county may demand a public hearing before the director. If a hearing is demanded, the director shall hold it promptly.

If the director finds that a county has failed to comply with the law or the rules and regulations of the department, and is unwilling or unable to make the changes necessary to effect full compliance, the director may withhold financial assistance for the direct and administrative costs of relief, or either, until the county complies.

article: 2. Administration


text: The department may operate the relief administration in any county after the denial of financial assistance to the county in accordance with the provisions of Section 18477, and the county proportion of the costs thereof shall be charged against the county and shall be a proper charge against the county. The department shall certify to the county auditor any amounts so charged against the county, the county auditor shall include in his state settlement report rendered to the Controller in the months of January and June the amounts so certified and due under the provisions of this section, and the county treasurer, at the time of the settlement with the state in such months, shall pay to the State Treasurer, upon the order of the Controller, the amounts due under the provisions of this section.

article: 2. Administration


text: Application for relief may be made to the county of which the applicant is a resident, or, in the case of an applicant who is a resident of the state but who is not a resident of any county, to the county in which the applicant is present.

article: 3. Procedure

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 8. Relief Law of 1945 > 3. Procedure


text:
The board of supervisors of every county as a board, or by committee or by such person as it may authorize, shall investigate every application for relief under this chapter, shall supervise by periodic visitation every person receiving such relief, shall devise ways and means for bringing persons unable to maintain themselves to self-support, and shall keep full and complete records of such investigation, supervision, relief, and rehabilitation as shall be prescribed by the department.

Such records shall be confidential and shall not be open to examination or inspection, except by the grand jury of the county or by a board or an officer of the state or the county charged with the supervision or direction of such relief or with the control of the expenditure of funds applicable to such relief.

Any citizen shall be entitled to demand and receive from the board, officer, committee, or person having custody of such records a statement of the amount, character, and value of the relief received by any person.

article: 3. Procedure


text:
Persons eligible for relief, who are residents of the state and residents of the county in which they apply for relief, shall be granted relief by the county of their residence, and the state shall pay to the county the state’s share of the cost of the relief.

Persons eligible for relief, who are residents of the state but who are not residents of any county, shall be granted relief by the county in which they apply for relief, and the state shall pay to the county providing the relief the full cost of the relief provided, until such persons have remained in a county for the period necessary to acquire residence in that county.

article: 3. Procedure


text: In case of dispute between two or more counties as to the responsibility for any person, or in case of dispute between a county and the department, either may appeal to the department for a hearing. The decision of the department is final.

article: 3. Procedure


text:
If any applicant or recipient is dissatisfied with the action of the board of supervisors, he shall, upon filing a petition with the department, have the right of appeal and shall be accorded an opportunity for a fair hearing. The department shall set such appeal for hearing 30 working days from the filing of the request and shall give all parties concerned written notice of the time and place at least 10 days prior to the hearing. At the hearing, the applicant or recipient may appear in person with counsel of his own choosing or in person and without such counsel.

The department shall consider the appeal and shall dismiss the appeal or award relief as prescribed in this chapter. The board of supervisors shall then pay to such person the sum awarded, if any, by the department.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1982, Ch. 110, Sec. 2.)

article: 3. Procedure


text: Whenever an applicant or recipient loses an appeal made pursuant to Section 18494, the applicant or recipient shall be liable for any amount paid pending the hearing which was at issue in the hearing, to the extent permitted by federal law.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 110, Sec. 3.)

article: 3. Procedure


text: Relief shall be provided only to persons who are in need, as determined by an investigation as prescribed by the department. Subject to the rules and regulations of the department, the county shall grant such emergency relief as may be necessary pending completion of the investigation.

article: 4. Eligibility

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 8. Relief Law of 1945 > 4. Eligibility


text:
As a condition to the grant or continuance of relief, the county may require the recipient to perform work provided by the county. Such work shall not be or replace work which otherwise would be undertaken through private or public employment. All persons performing such work shall be paid the prevailing wage scale for work of a similar character performed in the county.

No state funds shall be used for material or supplies, or for nonrelief employment, on work programs.

article: 4. Eligibility


text: Persons who are eligible for aid to the aged under the Old Age Security Law, aid to the blind, aid to the disabled, or aid to families with dependent children (including the caretaker of such children), are not eligible for relief under this chapter.

article: 4. Eligibility


text: No person shall be considered a needy person who has made any voluntary assignment or transfer of property for the purpose of qualifying for relief, and any transfer of property, other than heirlooms, made without adequate consideration in money or property within a period of one year prior to making application for relief shall be presumed to have been made for the purpose of qualifying for relief.

article: 4. Eligibility


text: No person is eligible for relief who, being physically capable thereof, refuses suitable employment. The department shall define “suitable employment,” but no person shall be required to accept work where a labor dispute exists.

article: 4. Eligibility


text:
Relief granted to any person who is not entitled thereto under the provisions of this chapter shall constitute a debt of the recipient, to the amount of such relief, to the state and the county participating in the granting of such relief. Recovery may be had upon such debt out of any property of the recipient not exempt from execution.

Any money refunded under the provisions of this section shall be repaid to the state and the county in the proportion that each contributed to the relief granted.

article: 5. Responsibility for Repayment

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 8. Relief Law of 1945 > 5. Responsibility for Repayment


text:
If the spouse, parent, or adult child of any recipient of relief is financially able to contribute to the support of the recipient, such relative is liable to reimburse the state and county for relief granted to the recipient to the extent of his financial ability so to do.

The board of supervisors of the county granting relief shall determine if the spouse, parent, or adult child has financial ability to support or contribute to the support of the recipient and was pecuniarily able to support or contribute to the support of the recipient during the time relief was provided to him. If, in the opinion of the board of supervisors, pecuniary ability existed when the relief was granted, and exists when the matter comes before the board of supervisors, the board shall request the district attorney or other civil legal officer of the county granting the relief to proceed against such responsible relative or relatives.

Upon such request, the district attorney or other civil legal officer shall maintain an action on behalf of the county granting relief against the relative or relatives to recover for the county the relief granted and to secure an order requiring the payment of any sums which may become due in the future.

All money collected by the county under the provisions of this section shall be credited to the state and the county in the proportion that each contributed to the relief granted.

article: 5. Responsibility for Repayment


text:
The provisions of this chapter providing for state payments to counties do not constitute appropriations of money from the State Treasury, and no provision of this chapter shall be construed to make an appropriation. No money shall be available for expenditure under this chapter until an appropriation for that purpose is made by the Legislature.

Any money appropriated to carry out the purposes of this chapter shall be deposited in, and disbursed from, the Relief Fund in the State Treasury, which fund is continued in existence.

article: 6. Payment of Relief Costs

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 8. Relief Law of 1945 > 6. Payment of Relief Costs


text:
(a) Until the rate of county expenditure for the direct and administrative costs of welfare activities under this chapter exceeds, on a fiscal year basis determined not less frequently than quarterly, eight one-hundredths of 1 percent (.08%) of the total assessed valuation of the property subject to county taxation, the state shall not participate in the expenditure.

(b) With respect to county funds expended at a rate exceeding eight one-hundredths of 1 percent (.08%) of the total assessed valuation of the property subject to county taxation, but not exceeding twelve one-hundredths of 1 percent (.12%) thereof, the state shall pay each county eighty percent (80%) of such expenditures.

(c) With respect to county funds expended at a rate exceeding twelve one-hundredths of 1 percent (.12%) of the total assessed valuation of the property subject to county taxation, but not exceeding sixteen one-hundredths of 1 percent (.16%) thereof, the state shall pay each county ninety percent (90%) of such expenditures.

(d) With respect to county funds expended at a rate exceeding sixteen one-hundredths of 1 percent (.16%) of the total assessed valuation of the property subject to county taxation, the state shall pay each county ninety-five percent (95%) of such expenditures.

(e) The state shall pay to each county the full amount of the total costs of relief to persons who are residents of the state but who are not residents of any county.

article: 6. Payment of Relief Costs


text: During such time as grants-in-aid are provided or made available by the United States government for either direct costs or administrative costs of welfare activities under this chapter, or both, the State Treasurer shall transfer the sums so granted to the Relief Fund. Of such sums, there shall be credited to the state an amount which bears the same proportion to the total of the sums so granted that the total state expenditure under this chapter during the period for which the grants are made bears to the total of both state and county expenditures under this chapter during that period. The remainder of such sums shall be credited to the counties of the state, and the State Treasurer shall pay to each county therefrom an amount which bears the same proportion to the whole of such remainder that the county funds expended by that county under this chapter during the period bears to the total of all county funds expended by all counties under this chapter during the period.

article: 6. Payment of Relief Costs


text:
The method of computing and paying the amounts provided for in Sections 18521 and 18522 for each quarter shall be as follows:

(a) The department shall, prior to the beginning of each quarter, estimate the amount to be paid for such quarter to each county under the provisions of Sections 18521 and 18522, such estimate to be based on a report filed by each county containing (1) its estimate of the total sum to be expended in such quarter in accordance with the provisions of this chapter; (2) records showing the number of individuals (cases) estimated to be in need of relief during the ensuing quarter; and (3) such other information and investigation as the department may find necessary.

(b) The department shall then certify to the State Controller the amounts so estimated by it for each county, reduced or increased as the case may be, by any sum by which it finds that its estimate for any prior quarter was greater or less than the amount which should have been paid to the county under this chapter for such quarter.

(c) The State Controller shall thereupon draw the necessary warrants, and prior to audit or settlement by the department and the State Controller, the State Treasurer shall pay to the treasurer of each county the amount so certified.

Upon the order of the department, the amount approved for the quarter may be paid in monthly installments and, if paid in monthly installments, all necessary adjustments for the prior quarters shall be made by additions or deductions from the allowance for the first month of each new quarter or in the manner prescribed by the department.

article: 6. Payment of Relief Costs


text:
Reports of payments of relief and of payments for the cost of administration thereof made under this chapter shall be presented by the respective counties at times and in the form prescribed by the department.

Such reports shall be audited by the department and the State Controller and, when and in the amount approved, shall be allowed to the county as a credit to apply against advances made under the terms of Section 18523.

article: 6. Payment of Relief Costs


text:
Every blind person who was a resident of the Oakland Orientation Center for the Blind on March 1, 1951, who may be transferred to other facilities either public or private and who is unable to work, shall be considered as a beneficiary of the state in exercise of the power to assist the handicapped, and when he has no other source of income or support, including receipt of benefits under any public assistance program, shall receive not less than two dollars ($2) per week as aid for his personal needs. Such payments shall be made from funds appropriated for the support of the department.

The director may contract with public or private agencies for the proper care of all residents who may be transferred from the Oakland Orientation Center for the Blind to other public or private facilities. Payments for the support of all persons so transferred shall be made from funds appropriated for the support of the department.

All residents who are transferred from the Oakland Orientation Center for the Blind to other facilities shall be provided at the expense of the state with room, board, medical, dental and eye care, and such other services as may be deemed necessary by the director.

history: (History: Added by renumbering Section 18651 by Stats. 1965, Ch. 1381.)

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 9. State Programs for the Blind Other Than Public Assistance > 2. Oakland Orientation Center for the Blind


text:
(a) (1) It is hereby declared to be the established policy of the state that every human being has the right to access sufficient affordable and healthy food.

(2) Food insecurity is defined as the occasional or constant lack of access to the food one needs to live a healthy life and the uncertainty of being able to acquire enough food to meet the needs of an individual or household due to insufficient money or other resources.

(b) All relevant state agencies, including, but not limited to, the State Department of Social Services, the Department of Food and Agriculture, the State Department of Health Care Services, the State Department of Education, and the State Department of Public Health, shall consider this state policy when revising, adopting, or establishing policies, regulations, and grant criteria when those policies, regulations, and criteria are pertinent to the distribution of sufficient affordable food.

(c) This section does not expand any obligation of the state to provide food or nutrition assistance or to require the expenditure of additional resources to develop food infrastructure.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 879, Sec. 2. (SB 628) Effective January 1, 2024.)

chapter: 9.5. State Healthy Food Access Policy

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 9.5. State Healthy Food Access Policy


text: Finding that hunger, undernutrition, and malnutrition are present and continuing problems faced by low-income California households, and further finding that the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Chapter 51 (commencing with Section 2011), Title 7, United States Code) offers significant health-vital benefits, the purpose of this chapter is to establish a statewide program to enable recipients of aid under Part 3 (commencing with Section 11000) or Part 5 (commencing with Section 17000) of this division and other low-income households to receive benefits under the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 227, Sec. 68. (AB 1400) Effective January 1, 2012.)

chapter: 10. CalFresh

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 10. CalFresh


text:
(a) The State Department of Social Services shall propose a new name for the Food Stamp Program in California, by July 1, 2009. The department shall convene stakeholders to develop the new name, as provided in subdivision (b). The new name shall reflect one or more of the following concepts:

(1) That food stamps are no longer delivered by stamps.

(2) That food stamps support healthy living.

(3) That food stamps are important to agriculture in California.

(4) That food stamps would be better viewed as a health and nutrition program than as a welfare program.

(b) The department shall convene a diverse group of stakeholders to develop the new name, including representatives from agencies working to improve health and reduce diet-related illnesses.

(c) The department is encouraged to test the impact the new name would have on improving the perception of the program among low-income residents, and on increasing program participation.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2008, Ch. 625, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2009.)


text:
(a) Pursuant to Section 18900.1, the name of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Chapter 51 (commencing with Section 2011) Title 7 of the United States Code) as administered in California shall be CalFresh.

(b) Any reference in any other law to the Food Stamp program shall refer to CalFresh.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 227, Sec. 69. (AB 1400) Effective January 1, 2012.)


text: Subject to an appropriation in the annual Budget Act for these purposes, in order to increase client access and retention within CalFresh, on or before July 1, 2023, the department shall develop a CalFresh user-centered simplified paper application that minimizes the burdens of the overall enrollment process for households that include older adults 60 years of age or older, or the age otherwise applicable under federal law, and people with disabilities who are eligible to be enrolled in the Elderly Simplified Application Project, a demonstration project operated by the United States Department of Agriculture. To the extent that the Elderly Simplified Application Project is no longer operational, the department shall maintain the simplified paper application for older adults and people with disabilities.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 85, Sec. 77. (AB 135) Effective July 16, 2021.)


text:
(a) (1) To the extent permitted under federal law, an individual shall have the option to complete an application or recertification interview and provide the required client signature by telephone.

(2) To fulfill the requirements of paragraph (1), counties may implement any method of electronic signature, including telephonic signature, in compliance with state and federal program requirements, that is supported by county business practices and available technology.

(3) Counties currently using the Consortium IV (C-IV) or LEADER Replacement System (LRS) of the Statewide Automated Welfare System (SAWS) shall comply with this subdivision beginning on or before January 1, 2023, and counties currently using the CalWORKs Information Network (CalWIN) system of SAWS shall comply with this section beginning on or before January 1, 2024.

(b) (1) The department, in consultation with counties, representatives of the statewide automated welfare system consortia, recognized exclusive representatives of eligibility workers, and advocates for CalFresh participants shall develop recommendations to implement a fully telephone-based service model statewide, including, but not limited to, the ability to complete the application, semi-annual report and recertification processes by telephone in all counties. The recommendations shall assess implementation of a telephone-based service model statewide in addition to, not in place of, existing options to complete the application, semi-annual report, and recertification for CalFresh in person, by mail, or online.

(2) The recommendations shall be provided to the Legislature during the 2022–23 budget hearings.

(3) The fully telephone-based service model assessed pursuant to subdivision (b) shall, to the extent permitted under federal law, satisfy both of the following criteria:

(A) Use simple, user-friendly language and instructions for CalFresh applicants, participants, eligibility workers, and application assisters.

(B) Provide service and assistance to applicants and participants in a manner that is accessible to individuals with disabilities and those who have limited English proficiency as required by applicable state and federal laws.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 85, Sec. 78. (AB 135) Effective July 16, 2021.)


text:
(a) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this section that recipients of Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment Program benefits provided in Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 12000) of Part 3, may receive CalFresh benefits if otherwise eligible. Households described in this section and Sections 18900.6 and 18900.7 shall include households receiving benefits under Chapter 10.1 (commencing with Section 18930). It is the intent of the Legislature to continue funding a hold harmless for populations described in Sections 18900.6 and 18900.7 beyond 2018–19, until natural program attrition within these populations negates the need for additional funding. It is the intent of the Legislature to provide ongoing funding for county administration for implementation of this section and funding for county administration for implementation of the hold harmless pursuant to Sections 18900.6 and 18900.7 for the duration of the hold harmless enacted by either of those sections.

(b) The department shall notify the federal Commissioner of Social Security and the Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture that the Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment Program benefits provided in Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 12000) of Part 3 do not include the bonus value of food stamps, as described in subdivision (g) of Section 2015 of Title 7 of the United States Code, effective June 1, 2019, unless the department notifies the Department of Finance that automation will not be complete by that date, in which case the department shall notify the Department of Finance of the date automation will be complete and the alternate implementation date, which shall be no later than August 1, 2019. No later than August 1, 2018, the department shall provide counties with instructions necessary to complete automation related to implementation of this section and Sections 18900.6 and 18900.7 by August 1, 2019.

(c) Subdivision (b) shall be implemented as follows:

(1) As of June 1, 2019, or the alternate implementation date described in subdivision (b), an individual who is otherwise eligible for CalFresh benefits and who is not in an existing CalFresh household as an excluded member, shall become eligible for CalFresh benefits notwithstanding that the individual is a recipient of Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment Program benefits provided in Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 12000) of Part 3.

(2) (A) For all existing CalFresh households as of June 1, 2019, or the alternate implementation date described in subdivision (b), that as a result of subdivision (b) include a previously excluded individual who receives Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment Program benefits provided in Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 12000) of Part 3, the county welfare department shall implement this provision by adding that individual, or those individuals, to the existing CalFresh household, and determining continuing eligibility and benefits pursuant to Sections 18901, 18901.7, and Chapter 10.1 (commencing with Section 18930), at the next periodic report or recertification, as described in Sections 18910 and 18910.1. This shall include households that temporarily lose their eligibility on or before the date when the SSI recipient would be added and have their benefits restored within 30 days of that date based on good cause or providing the necessary information to restore eligibility.

(B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), an existing CalFresh household described in that subparagraph may request, at any time following June 1, 2019, or the alternate implementation date described in subdivision (b), and before the next periodic report or recertification, that a previously excluded individual who receives Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment Program benefits provided in Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 12000) of Part 3, be added to the CalFresh household. Upon this request, the county welfare department shall determine continuing eligibility and benefits pursuant to Sections 18901, 18901.7, and Chapter 10.1 (commencing with Section 18930).

(3) (A) For a new CalFresh household enrolled within six calendar months of June 1, 2019, or the alternate implementation date described in subdivision (b), which consists entirely of individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment Program benefits provided in Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 12000) of Part 3 and is eligible for a certification period of 24 or 36 months, the household’s initial certification period may be no more than six months shorter than the maximum period allowable to help spread the workload of periodic reports and recertifications, and manage caseload relative to timeliness and accuracy standards.

(B) For a CalFresh household that is not described in subparagraph (A), the household’s certification period shall be the maximum allowed by federal law for the household type, unless the county complies with subdivision (b) of Section 18910, or, on a case-by-case basis only, the household’s individual circumstances require a shorter certification period.

(d) This section and Sections 18900.6 and 18900.7 shall be implemented by the department in consultation with stakeholders and counties. Beginning July 1, 2018, and quarterly thereafter through June 2019, or the alternate implementation date described in subdivision (b), the department shall convene discussions with the Legislature regarding implementation.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 27, Sec. 117. (SB 80) Effective June 27, 2019.)


text:
(a) There is hereby created the SSI/SSP Cash-In Supplemental Nutrition Benefit (SNB) Program.

(b) The department shall use state funds appropriated for this program to provide nutrition benefits to continuing CalFresh households that were eligible for and receiving CalFresh benefits as of June 1, 2019, or the alternate implementation date described in subdivision (b) of Section 18900.5, but for whom the household’s monthly CalFresh benefit was reduced when a previously excluded individual was added to the household pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 18900.5.

(c) (1) The amount of SNB provided to each household shall be based on an SNB table developed by the department.

(2) The benefit table described in paragraph (1) shall be issued annually and based on all of the following:

(A) The projected number of households described in subdivision (b).

(B) The size of households described in subdivision (b), as determined when the previously excluded individual was added to the household pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 18900.5.

(C) The number of previously excluded individuals added to the household pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 18900.5.

(D) The total funding appropriated for purposes of this section in the annual Budget Act.

(d) SNB provided pursuant to this section shall be delivered on a monthly basis through the electronic benefits transfer system created pursuant to Section 10072, in the same manner as CalFresh benefits, and, to the extent permitted by federal law, shall not be considered income for any means-tested program.

(e) SNB shall be provided to the household if the household continues to receive CalFresh benefits, and includes the individual added to the household pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 18900.5.

(f) A household whose CalFresh benefits are restored, consistent with current law governing CalFresh, following discontinuance for failure to provide the necessary documentation or information required to determine continuing eligibility, shall also have their SNB restored, without proration, back to the original date of discontinuance of the CalFresh benefits. If a household is discontinued for any other reason and reapplies for benefits, the supplemental benefit provisions outlined in this section shall not apply.

(g) A household that is eligible for and receives SNB under this section shall not at any point be eligible for transitional nutrition benefits as created in Section 18900.7, regardless of a change in household circumstances.

(h) The department shall develop client notices for the SNB program, as appropriate.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 27, Sec. 118. (SB 80) Effective June 27, 2019.)