text:
It is the intent of the Legislature to do all of the following:

(a) Permit all counties to provide children with service alternatives to group home care through the development of expanded family-based services programs and to expand the capacity of group homes to provide services appropriate to the changing needs of children in their care.

(b) Encourage collaboration among persons and entities including, but not limited to, parents, county welfare departments, county mental health departments, county probation departments, county health departments, special education local planning agencies, school districts, and private service providers for the purpose of planning and providing individualized services for children and their birth or substitute families.

(c) Ensure local community participation in the development of innovative delivery of services by county placing agencies and service providers and the use of the service resources and expertise of nonprofit providers to develop family-based and community-based service alternatives.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 311, Sec. 71. Effective August 19, 1998.)

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 12.86. Children’s Services Program Development


kind: section

code: WIC

text:
(a) The State Department of Social Services shall convene a workgroup of public and private nonprofit stakeholders that shall develop a plan for transforming the current system of group care for foster children or youth, and for children with serious emotional disorders (SED), into a system of residentially based services. The stakeholders may include, but not be limited to, representatives of the department, the State Department of Education, the State Department of Health Care Services, and the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; county child welfare, probation, mental health, and alcohol and drug programs; local education authorities; current and former foster youth, parents of foster children or youth, and children or youth with SED; private nonprofit agencies operating group homes; children’s advocates; and other interested parties.

(b) The plan developed pursuant to this chapter shall utilize the reports delivered to the Legislature pursuant to Section 75 of Chapter 311 of the Statutes of 1998 by the Steering Committee for the Reexamination of the Role of Group Care in a Family-Based System of Care in June 2001 and August 2002, and the “Framework for a New System for Residentially-Based Services in California” published in March 2006.

(c) In the development, implementation, and subsequent revisions of the plan developed pursuant to subdivision (a), the knowledge and experience gained by counties and private nonprofit agencies through the operation of their residentially based services programs created under voluntary agreements made pursuant to Section 18987.72, including, but not limited to, the results of evaluations prepared pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (c) of Section 18987.72 shall be utilized.

(d) The workgroup described in subdivision (a) shall be the workgroup described in Section 11461.2. The responsibilities described in subdivisions (b) and (c) shall be assumed by the workgroup and the recommendations shall be submitted as set forth in subdivision (f) of Section 11461.2.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 22, Sec. 108. (AB 75) Effective June 27, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 110 of Ch. 22.)

division: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 12.87. Reform of Residentially Based Services for Children and Youth


text:
(a) Each county may enter into performance agreements with private nonprofit agencies to encourage innovation in the delivery of children’s services, to develop services not available in the community, and to promote change in the child welfare services system.

(b) In developing the agreements, counties and service providers shall pursue services that enhance the ability of children to remain in the least restrictive, most family-like setting possible and promote services that address the needs and strengths of individual children and their families.

(c) Programs developed pursuant to this section shall operate within the county, or in another county with the approval of that county.

(d) If the director issues a waiver pursuant to Section 18987.62, the agreements pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be for a period of up to three years, but may be renewed or extended consistent with any extension of the waiver granted by the State Department of Social Services pursuant to subdivision (f) of Section 18987.62.

(e) For waivers entered into before January 1, 2010, a county shall provide a report to the director due six months prior to the end of the original agreement period to report on the details of the agreement, the results achieved during its operation, and the applicability of the approach to a wider population. The director shall make these reports available to the Legislature upon request.

(f) Commencing January 1, 2010, in order to comply with the reporting requirement set forth in subdivision (e), the county or private nonprofit agency shall fund an independent evaluation of the waiver, with a report of the results due to the department six months prior to the end of the waiver period of three years. The evaluation and report shall include, but need not be limited to, the details of the agreement, the results achieved during its operation, and the applicability of the approach to a wider population. The department, the county, and the private nonprofit agency shall agree with the design and parameters of the independent evaluation prior to the approval of the waiver.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 445, Sec. 1. (AB 488) Effective January 1, 2010.)

chapter: 12.86. Children’s Services Program Development


text:
(a) Upon request from a county, the director may waive regulations governing foster care payments or the operation of group homes to enable counties to implement the agreements established pursuant to Section 18987.61. Waivers granted by the director shall be applicable only to services provided under the terms of the agreement and for the duration of the agreement, whichever is earlier, unless the director authorizes an extension of the waiver pursuant to subdivision (f). A waiver shall only be granted when all of the following apply:

(1) The agreement promises to offer a worthwhile test of an innovative approach or to encourage the development of a new service for which there is a recognized need.

(2) The regulatory requirement prevents the implementation of the agreement.

(3) The requesting county proposes to monitor the agreement through performance measures that ensure that the purposes of the waived regulation will be achieved.

(b) The director shall take steps that are necessary to prevent the loss of any substantial amounts of federal funds as a result of the waivers granted under this section. The waiver may specify the extent to which the requesting county shall share in any cost resulting from any loss of federal funding.

(c) The director shall not waive regulations that apply to the health and safety of children served by participating private nonprofit agencies.

(d) The director shall notify the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the Legislature whenever waivers are granted and when a waiver of regulations was required for the implementation of the county’s proposed agreement. The director shall identify the reason why the development of the services outlined by the agreement between the county and the service provider are hindered by the regulations to be waived.

(e) The county or private nonprofit agency shall fund an independent evaluation of the waiver as described in subdivision (f) of Section 18987.61.

(f) The director may grant a county’s request to extend the waiver, in increments of three years, based upon a review and analysis of all of the following information:

(1) The results of the report, if required under subdivision (e) of Section 18987.61.

(2) The results of the independent evaluation of the waiver pursuant to subdivision (e) of this section.

(3) Justification for the extension, and verification of continued compliance with this section.

(g) (1) For any waiver approved on or before January 1, 2010, an extension of the waiver for up to an additional three years may be based upon the department’s review and analysis of the information required to be submitted in subdivision (f).

(2) If an independent evaluation has not yet been completed, the department may grant an extension based upon its review of available information. However, an independent evaluation shall be required to be completed within one year prior to the end of the waiver.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 663, Sec. 9. (SB 1319) Effective January 1, 2013.)


text:
For purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(a) (1) “Residentially based services” means behavioral or therapeutic interventions delivered in nondetention group care settings in which multiple children or youth live in the same housing unit and receive care and supervision from paid staff. Residentially based services are most effectively used as intensive, short-term interventions when children have unmet needs that create conditions that render them or those around them unsafe, or that prevent the effective delivery of needed services and supports provided in the children’s own homes or in other family settings, such as with a relative, guardian, foster family, or adoptive family.

(2) “Residentially based services” shall include the following interventions and services:

(A) Environmental interventions that establish a safe, stable, and structured living situation in which children or youth can receive the comfort, attention, structure, and guidance needed to help them reduce the intensity of conditions that led to their placement in the program, so that their caregivers can identify and address the factors creating those conditions.

(B) Intensive treatment interventions that facilitate the rapid movement of children or youth toward connection or reconnection with appropriate and natural home, school, and community ecologies, by helping them and their families find ways to mitigate the conditions that led to their placement in the program with positive and productive alternatives.

(C) Parallel, predischarge, community-based interventions that help family members and other people in the social ecologies that children and youth will be joining or rejoining, to prepare for connection or reconnection. These preparations should be initiated upon placement and proceed apace with the environmental interventions being provided within the residential setting.

(D) Followup postdischarge support and services, consistent with the child’s case plan, provided as needed after children or youth have exited the residential component and returned to their own family or to another family living situation, in order to ensure the stability and success of the connection or reconnection with home, school, and community.

(b) “County” means a county that enters into a voluntary agreement with a private nonprofit agency to test alternative program designs and funding models pursuant to this chapter, and may include a consortia or consortium of counties.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2007, Ch. 466, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2008.)

chapter: 12.87. Reform of Residentially Based Services for Children and Youth


text:
(a) In order to obtain knowledge and experience with which to inform the process of developing and implementing the plan for residentially based services, required by Section 18987.7, the department shall encourage counties and private nonprofit agencies to develop voluntary agreements to test alternative program design and funding models for transforming existing group home programs into residentially based services programs in order to meet the diverse needs of children or youth and families in the child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health systems.

(b) (1) With the approval of the department, any counties participating in the federal Title IV-E waiver capped allocation demonstration project pursuant to Section 18260, at their option, and two other counties may enter into and implement voluntary agreements with private nonprofit agencies to transform all or part of an existing group home program into a residentially based services program.

(2) If one or more counties participating in the federal Title IV-E waiver capped allocation demonstration project opts not to enter into a voluntary agreement pursuant to this chapter, the department may select one or more nonwaiver counties. The department may approve up to four counties to participate in the voluntary agreements pursuant to this section.

(3) The department shall select participating counties, based on letters of interest submitted to the department from counties, in consultation with the California Alliance of Child and Family Services and the County Welfare Directors Association.

(c) Voluntary agreements by counties and nonprofit agencies shall satisfy all of the following requirements:

(1) Incorporate and address all of the components and elements for residentially based services described in the “Framework for a New System for Residentially-Based Services in California.”

(2) Reflect active collaboration among the private nonprofit agency that will operate the residentially based services program and county departments of social services, mental health, or juvenile justice, alcohol and drug programs, county offices of education, or other public entities, as appropriate, to ensure that children, youth, and families receive the services and support necessary to meet their needs.

(3) Provide for an annual evaluation report, to be prepared jointly by the county and the private nonprofit agency. The evaluation report shall include analyses of the outcomes for children and youth, including achievement of permanency, average lengths of stay, and rates of entry and reentry into group care. The evaluation report shall also include analyses of the involvement of children or youth and their families, client satisfaction, the use of the program by the county, the operation of the program by the private nonprofit agency, payments made to the private nonprofit agency by the county, actual costs incurred by the nonprofit agency for the operation of the program, and the impact of the program on state and county AFDC-FC program costs. The county shall send a copy of each annual evaluation report to the director, and the director shall make these reports available to the Legislature upon request.

(4) Permit amendments, modifications, and extensions of the agreement to be made, with the mutual consent of both parties and with approval of the department, based on the evaluations described in paragraph (3), and on the experience and information acquired from the implementation and the ongoing operation of the program.

(5) Be consistent with the county’s system improvement plan developed pursuant to the California Child Welfare Outcomes and Accountability System.

(d) (1) Upon a county’s request, the director may waive child welfare regulations regarding the role of counties in conjunction with private nonprofit agencies operating residentially based services programs to enhance the development and implementation of case plans and the delivery of services in order to enable a county and a private nonprofit agency to implement an agreement described in subdivision (b). Nothing in this section shall be construed to supersede the requirements set forth in subdivision (c) of Section 16501.

(2) Notwithstanding Sections 11460 and 11462, or any other law or regulation governing payments under the AFDC-FC program, upon the request of one or more counties, and in accordance with the voluntary agreements as described in subdivision (b), the director may also approve the use of up to a total of five alternative funding models for determining the method and level of payments that will be made under the AFDC-FC program to private nonprofit agencies operating residentially based services programs in lieu of using the rate classification levels and schedule of standard rates provided for in Section 11462. These alternative funding models may include, but shall not be limited to, the use of cost reimbursement, case rates, per diem or monthly rates, or a combination thereof. An alternative funding model shall do all of the following:

(A) Support the values and goals for residentially based services, including active child and family involvement, permanence, collaborative decisionmaking, and outcome measurement.

(B) Ensure that quality care and effective services are delivered to appropriate children or youth at a reasonable cost to the public.

(C) Ensure that payment levels are sufficient to permit the private nonprofit agencies operating residentially based services programs to provide care and supervision, social work activities, parallel predischarge community-based interventions for families, and followup postdischarge support and services for children and their families, including the cost of hiring and retaining qualified staff.

(D) Facilitate compliance with state requirements and the attainment of federal and state performance objectives.

(E) Control overall program costs by providing incentives for the private nonprofit agencies to use the most cost-effective approaches for achieving positive outcomes for the children or youth and their families.

(F) Facilitate the ability of the private nonprofit agencies to access other available public sources of funding and services to meet the needs of the children or youth placed in their residentially based services programs, and the needs of their families.

(G) Enable the combination of various funding streams necessary to meet the full range of services needed by foster children or youth in residentially based services programs, with particular reference to funding for mental health treatment services through the Medi-Cal Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment program.

(H) Maximize federal financial participation, and mitigate the loss of federal funds, while ensuring the effective delivery of services to children or youth and families, and the achievement of positive outcomes.

(I) Provide for effective administrative oversight and enforcement mechanisms in order to ensure programmatic and fiscal accountability.

(3) A waiver granted by the director pursuant to paragraph (1), or an approval of an alternative funding model pursuant to paragraph (2), shall be applicable only to the development, implementation, and ongoing operation of a residentially based services program and related county activities provided under the terms of the agreement and for the duration of the agreement, and shall be granted only when all of the following apply:

(A) The agreement promises to offer a worthwhile test related to the development, implementation, and ongoing operation of a residentially based services program as described in this chapter.

(B) Existing regulatory provisions or the existing AFDC-FC payment requirements, or both, impose barriers for the effective, efficient, and timely implementation of the agreement.

(C) The requesting county proposes to monitor the agreement for compliance with the terms of the waiver or the alternative funding model, or both.

(D) Notwithstanding any change to payments made to group homes under Section 11462, the department may pay higher AFDC-FC payments for children and youth who are enrolled in a residentially based services program, to be offset by cost efficiencies achieved through shorter lengths of stay in foster care, or a reduction of reentries into foster care, as a result of providing predischarge support and postdischarge services to the children or youth and their families. Any upfront costs for this project shall be offset by other program savings identified by the department, to ensure that there are no net General Fund costs in each fiscal year.

(e) In addition to the requirements set forth in subdivision (c), the voluntary agreements shall do all of the following:

(1) Provide that, to the extent that some of the care, services, and other activities associated with a residentially based services program operated under an agreement described in subdivision (b) are not eligible for federal financial participation as foster care maintenance payments under Part E (commencing with Section 470) of Title IV of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 670 et seq.), but may be eligible for federal financial participation as administration or training, or may be eligible for federal financial participation under other programs, including, but not limited to, Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1396 et seq.), the appropriate state departments shall take measures to obtain that federal funding.

(2) Provide that, prior to approving any waiver or alternative funding model pursuant to subdivision (d), the director shall make a determination that the design of the residentially based services program to be operated under the agreement described in subdivision (b) would ensure the health and safety of children or youth to be served.

(f) Agreements entered into pursuant to this section shall terminate on or before January 1, 2017, or may be extended until January 1, 2019, upon approval by the department, on a case-by-case basis, unless a later enacted statute extends or removes this limitation.

(g) The department shall report during the legislative budget hearings on the status of any county agreements entered into pursuant to subdivision (b), and on the development of statewide residentially based services programs. This report shall be submitted with the recommendations made pursuant to Section 11461.2.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 773, Sec. 120. (AB 403) Effective January 1, 2016.)


text:
(a) In order to ensure maximum flexibility in providing adult social services programs administered by the State Department of Social Services, including, but not limited to, In-Home Supportive Services and adult protective services, and that are impacted by the realignment of state and county services by the act that added this chapter, a county may submit to the Director of Social Services a request to waive existing state regulations which hinder the coordination and provision of services.

(b) Any county may appeal any negative decision regarding a requested waiver of state regulations submitted pursuant to subdivision (a) that is made by the Director of Social Services to the Secretary of California Health and Human Services.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 227, Sec. 100. (AB 1400) Effective January 1, 2012.)

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 12.9. Regulatory Flexibility for Adult Social Services


text:
Any request under this chapter shall contain, at a minimum, all of the following:

(a) The regulation or regulations for which the county requests a waiver.

(b) A statement as to why the identified regulation or regulations should be waived.

(c) A statement as to why the identified regulation or regulations inhibit the efficient administration of the program.

(d) A comparison of the following:

(1) The services and the number of persons to be served under the requested waiver.

(2) The services and the number of persons to be served without the requested waiver.

(e) Projected costs or savings due to the requested waiver.

(f) Any impact on state and federal funding.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1991, Ch. 91, Sec. 37. Effective June 30, 1991.)

chapter: 12.9. Regulatory Flexibility for Adult Social Services


text:
When approving a county request for a waiver pursuant to this chapter, the Secretary of the Health and Welfare Agency shall ensure all of the following:

(a) Services and eligible persons served under the affected program are maintained.

(b) There is no increase in costs to the state or to clients.

(c) There is no loss of federal financial participation.

(d) The Secretary of the Health and Welfare Agency shall notify the appropriate policy committees and fiscal committees of the Legislature no later than 30 days before any waiver or waivers granted pursuant to this chapter take effect.


text:
(a) Any agency established by San Mateo County for purposes of providing any combination of human services may apply for a waiver of existing state regulations pertaining to single agency operations and auditing and accounting requirements that hinder the coordination of human services provided by that agency.

(b) When the services to be coordinated are any combination of those listed in Section 18986.11, the process for requesting and granting a waiver shall conform to the requirements of Article 3 (commencing with Section 18986.20) of Chapter 12.8.

(c) When the services to be coordinated include services that are not listed in Section 18986.11, the process for requesting and granting a waiver shall conform to the requirements of Sections 18989.1 and 18989.2.

(d) Any request for a waiver of confidentiality requirements to permit a sharing of information within the county agency shall conform to the requirements of Section 18986.45 and shall be only for purposes of consolidated case management.

(e) In no event shall the waiver request violate Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 17600) of Part 5.5.

(f) In no event shall a waiver be granted for modifications to regulations governing qualifications for professionals employed in human service programs that are consolidated by the county.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 1155, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1993.)

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 12.95. San Mateo County Consolidated Human Services Agency


text:
Any request under this chapter shall contain, at a minimum, all of the following:

(a) The regulation or regulations for which the county requests a waiver.

(b) A statement as to why the identified regulation or regulations should be waived.

(c) A statement as to why the identified regulation or regulations inhibit the efficient administration of the program.

(d) A comparison of the following:

(1) The services and the number of persons to be served under the requested waiver.

(2) The services and the number of persons to be served without the requested waiver.

(e) Projected costs or savings due to the requested waiver.

(f) Any impact on state and federal funding.

(g) A statement that the collective bargaining agent or agents for any affected employees have been provided with notice of the waiver and the information included in the waiver.

chapter: 12.95. San Mateo County Consolidated Human Services Agency


text:
The request for waiver shall be submitted to the Secretary of the Health and Welfare Agency. When approving a request for a waiver pursuant to this chapter, the Secretary of the Health and Welfare Agency shall ensure all of the following:

(a) Services and eligible persons served under the affected program or programs are maintained.

(b) There is no increase in costs to the state or to clients.

(c) There is no loss of federal financial participation.

(d) The waiver does not revise the implementation of the requirements of Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 17600) of Part 5.5 regarding the realignment of health, mental health, and social services programs.

(e) The Secretary of the Health and Welfare Agency shall notify the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the Legislature no later than 30 days before any waiver or waivers pursuant to this chapter take effect.


text:
(a) Placer County, with the assistance of the appropriate state departments, within the existing resources of those departments, shall implement a program upon approval of that county, for the funding and delivery of services and benefits through an integrated and comprehensive county health and human services system.

(b) The Placer County program shall, in providing services through an integrated system to families and individuals, among other things, do all of the following:

(1) Implement and evaluate a system of universal intake for those seeking services.

(2) Implement and evaluate a system whereby a family or individual eligible for more than one service may be provided those services by as few as a single county employee, through an integrated, coordinated service plan.

(3) Implement and evaluate a system of administration that centralizes the management and support of client services.

(4) Implement and evaluate a system of reporting and accountability that provides for the combined provision of services as provided for in paragraph (2), without the loss of state or federal funds provided under current law.

(c) The integrated system may include, but need not be limited to, any or all of the following:

(1) Adoption services.

(2) Child abuse prevention services.

(3) Child welfare services.

(4) Delinquency prevention services.

(5) Drug and alcohol services.

(6) Mental health services.

(7) Eligibility determination.

(8) Employment and training services.

(9) Foster care services.

(10) Health services.

(11) Public health services.

(12) Housing services.

(13) Medically indigent program services.

(14) All other appropriately identified and targeted services, except for dental care.

(d) Programs or services shall be included in the program only to the extent that federal funding to either the state or the county will not be reduced as a result of the inclusion of the services in the program. This program shall not generate any increased expenditures from the General Fund.

(e) The county and the appropriate state departments shall jointly seek federal approval of the program, as may be needed to ensure its funding and allow for the integrated provision of services.

(f) This chapter does not authorize Placer County to discontinue meeting its obligations under current law to provide services or to reduce its accountability for the provision of these services.

(g) This chapter does not authorize Placer County to reduce its eligibility under current law for state funding for the services included in the program.

(h) Placer County shall utilize any and all state general and county funds that it is legally allocated or entitled to receive. Through the creation of integrated health and social services structures, the county shall maximize federal matching funds.

(i) The appropriate state departments that are assisting and cooperating in the implementation of the program authorized by this chapter shall have the authority to waive regulations regarding the method of providing services and the method of reporting and accountability, as may be required to meet the goals set forth in subdivision (b).

history: (History: Added by renumbering Section 18986.60 by Stats. 2017, Ch. 561, Sec. 295. (AB 1516) Effective January 1, 2018.)

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 12.96. Placer County Integrated Health and Human Services Program


text:
(a) Humboldt County, Mendocino County, Alameda County, and any additional county or counties, as determined by the Secretary of California Health and Human Services, with the assistance and participation of the appropriate state departments, within the existing resources of those departments, may implement a program, upon approval of the county board of supervisors for the funding and delivery of services and benefits through an integrated and comprehensive county health and human services system.

(b) In providing services through an integrated system to families and individuals, the program may, among other things, do all of the following:

(1) Implement and evaluate a system of universal intake for those seeking services.

(2) Implement and evaluate a system whereby a family or individual eligible for more than one service may be provided those services through an integrated, coordinated service plan.

(3) Implement and evaluate a system of administration that integrates and coordinates the management and support of client services.

(4) Implement and evaluate a system of reporting and accountability that provides for the combined provision of services as provided for in paragraph (2), without the loss of state or federal funds provided under current law.

(5) In consultation with the appropriate state departments, as designated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, any participating county may develop specific goals in addition to those specified in paragraphs (1) to (4), inclusive, to achieve an integrated and comprehensive county health and human services system.

(c) The integrated system may include any or all of the following:

(1) Adoption services.

(2) Child abuse prevention services.

(3) Child welfare services.

(4) Delinquency prevention services.

(5) Drug and alcohol services.

(6) Mental health services.

(7) Eligibility determination.

(8) Employment and training services.

(9) Foster care services.

(10) Health services.

(11) Public health services.

(12) Housing services.

(13) Medically indigent program services.

(d) (1) Part 2.6 (commencing with Section 56) of Division 1 of the Civil Code applies to the programs or services providing integrated services.

(2) Before a program obtains an individual’s medical information, including mental health and drug treatment records, his or her informed authorization shall be obtained, or the informed authorization of his or her custodial parent, or his or her guardian shall be obtained if the individual is a minor, unless the minor is authorized to give consent.

(3) Medical information shall not be disclosed to any individual who is not authorized to have that information pursuant to the authorization provided in paragraph (2).

(4) Medical information shall not be disclosed for any purpose that is not authorized by the authorization in paragraph (2).

(5) The sharing of information permitted under paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) shall be governed by memoranda of understanding among the agencies represented on the team. These memoranda shall specify the types of information that may be shared without a signed release form, and the process to be used to ensure that current confidentiality requirements, as described in subdivision (d), are met.

(6) A client shall have access to his or her medical information and shall have the right to correct any inaccurate information contained in the medical information.

(e) Programs or services shall be included in the program only to the extent that federal funding to either the state or the county will not be reduced as a result of the inclusion of the services in the project. This program shall not generate any increased expenditures from the General Fund.

(f) Each participating county and the appropriate state departments shall jointly seek federal approval of the program, as may be needed to ensure its funding and allow for the integrated provision of services.

(g) This chapter does not authorize each participating county to discontinue meeting its obligations under current law to provide services or to reduce its accountability for the provision of these services.

(h) This chapter does not authorize a participating county to reduce the county’s eligibility under current law for state funding for the services included in the program.

(i) A participating county shall utilize any and all state general and county funds that it is legally allocated or entitled to receive. Through the creation of integrated health and social services structures, the county shall maximize federal matching funds.

(j) The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall designate a lead department to coordinate the state’s participation in the county’s program.

(k) The appropriate state departments, as designated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, that are assisting, participating, and cooperating in the implementation of the program authorized by this chapter shall have the authority to waive regulations regarding the method of providing services and the method of reporting and accountability, as may be required to meet the goals set forth in subdivision (b). However, the departments shall not waive regulations pertaining to privacy and confidentiality of records, civil service merit systems, or collective bargaining. The departments shall not waive regulations if the waiver results in a diminished amount or level of services or benefits to eligible recipients as compared to the benefits and services that would have been provided to recipients absent the waiver.

history: (History: Added by renumbering Section 18986.86 by Stats. 2017, Ch. 561, Sec. 296. (AB 1516) Effective January 1, 2018.)

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 12.991. County Integrated Health and Human Services Program


text:
(a) A participating county shall, in consultation with the appropriate state departments, as designated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, develop outcomes and performance measures specific to the project before the implementation of the pilot program. Implementation of a pilot program pursuant to this chapter shall occur no later than January 1, 2009.

(b) A participating county shall evaluate its program with the participation of the appropriate state departments, as designated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and prepare interim and final evaluations and submit them to the Governor or the Governor’s designee and the appropriate policy committees of the Legislature. The interim report shall be submitted not later than six months following the third year of the implementation of the program. The final report shall be submitted not later than July 1, 2008.

(c) Each participating county shall provide for the evaluation of the program.

history: (History: Added by renumbering Section 18986.87 by Stats. 2017, Ch. 561, Sec. 297. (AB 1516) Effective January 1, 2018.)

chapter: 12.991. County Integrated Health and Human Services Program


text:
(a) (1) Notwithstanding the dates provided in subdivisions (a) and (b) of Section 18991.2, the County of San Diego and any other county may, upon approval of their respective county board of supervisors, each operate an integrated and comprehensive county health and human services system.

(2) A system described in paragraph (1) shall comply with the requirements of this section and is subject to the approval of the California Health and Human Services Agency. The California Health and Human Services Agency shall grant approval for a county if the county furnishes a certified copy of a current ordinance or resolution authorizing an integrated and comprehensive health and human services system in that county.

(b) In providing services through an integrated system to families and individuals, the system may, among other things, do both of the following:

(1) Maintain and evaluate a system of administration that integrates and coordinates the management and support of client services.

(2) Maintain a system of reporting and accountability that provides for the combined provision of services without the loss of state or federal funds provided under current law.

(c) The integrated and comprehensive county health and human services system may include, but is not limited to, any of the following:

(1) Adoption services.

(2) Child abuse prevention services.

(3) Child welfare services.

(4) Delinquency prevention services.

(5) Drug and alcohol services.

(6) Mental health services.

(7) Eligibility determination.

(8) Employment and training services.

(9) Foster care services.

(10) Health services.

(11) Public health services.

(12) Housing services.

(13) Medically indigent program services.

(14) Veterans’ services.

(15) Aging services.

(16) Any other related program as designated by the board of supervisors.

(d) The county shall comply with all applicable state and federal privacy laws that govern medical and social service information, including, but not limited to, the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (Part 2.6 (commencing with Section 56) of Division 1 of the Civil Code), the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), and Sections 827, 5328, and 10850.

(e) Programs or services shall be included in the system only to the extent that federal funding to either the state or the county will not be reduced as a result of the inclusion of the services in the project.

(f) This section does not authorize the county to discontinue meeting its obligations under current law to provide services or to reduce its accountability for the provision of these services.

(g) The county shall utilize any and all state general funds and county funds that it is legally allocated or entitled to receive. Through the creation of integrated health and social services structures, the county shall maximize federal matching funds. This integration shall not result in increased expenditures from the State General Fund.

(h) The appropriate state departments, as designated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, that are assisting, participating, and cooperating in the program authorized by this section shall have the authority to waive regulations, with the concurrence of the county, regarding the method of providing services and the method of reporting and accountability, as may be required to meet the goals set forth in subdivision (b). However, the departments shall not waive regulations pertaining to privacy and confidentiality of records, civil service merit systems, or collective bargaining. The departments shall not waive regulations if the waiver results in a diminished amount or level of services or benefits to eligible recipients as compared to the benefits and services that would have been provided to recipients absent the waiver.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 325, Sec. 1. (AB 2821) Effective January 1, 2019.)


text: There is hereby created the Community Challenge Grant Program in the State Department of Health Services to provide community challenge grants to reduce the number of teenage and unwed pregnancies.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 197, Sec. 51. Effective July 22, 1996.)

chapter: 14. Community Challenge Grant Program

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 14. Community Challenge Grant Program


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

(a) One in three children in California is born out of wedlock.

(b) As many as 70,000 children were born to teenagers in each of at least the last two years and nearly 25 percent of these were born to teenage mothers who have previously had children.

(c) Children who grow up without fathers are five times more likely to be poor, twice as likely to drop out of school, and much more likely to end up in foster care or juvenile justice facilities.

(d) Girls raised in single-parent families are three times more likely to become unwed teenage mothers than those girls raised in two-parent families.

(e) Boys without a father in the home are more likely to become incarcerated, unemployed, or uninvolved with their own children when they become fathers.

(f) The consequences of teenage pregnancy and fatherlessness are significant and far-reaching.

(g) Teenage and unwed pregnancy are problems that affect community health and success.

(h) Government can best solve the problems of teenage and unwed pregnancies in partnership with local communities, parents, and families.

(i) Communities should decide what prevention strategies will work and be acceptable.

(j) Parents and families should be included in the teenage pregnancy prevention strategies.


text:
(a) The State Department of Health Services shall administer grants for purposes of this chapter that shall be awarded pursuant to a request for application process.

(b) Grants shall be awarded to existing and new community-based nonprofit organizations and county and local governments for purposes of implementing locally developed prevention and intervention strategies designed to do the following:

(1) Reduce the number of teenage and unwed pregnancies.

(2) Reduce the number of children growing up in homes without fathers as a result of these pregnancies.

(3) Promote responsible parenting and the involvement of the father in the economic, social, and emotional support of his children.

(c) Grant funding shall not be used for clinical services and shall target, but not be limited to, the following populations:

(1) Presexual adolescents.

(2) Sexually active adolescents.

(3) Pregnant and parenting adolescents.

(4) Parents and families.

(5) Adults at risk for unwed motherhood or absentee fatherhood.

(d) The department shall provide outreach and training to potential grantees to increase the number of agencies and groups that may be able to successfully compete for the grants.

(e) The department shall issue periodic reports that describe the projects that have been awarded grants pursuant to this chapter.


text:
(a) An advisory committee of 10 members shall be appointed to advise and consult with the department regarding the Community Challenge Grant Program in the following areas:

(1) The broad goals of the program.

(2) Effective strategies for implementing the program.

(3) Elements of evaluating the effectiveness of the program grantees.

(4) Strategies for engaging nongovernmental resources and expertise in the implementation and success of the program.

(b) Six members shall be appointed by the Secretary of California Health and Human Services, two members by the Speaker of the Assembly, and two members by the Senate Committee on Rules.

(c) The advisory committee shall reflect a broad constituency and multidisciplinary approach to the problem of teenage and unwed pregnancy, including persons that represent corporations and foundations, the religious community, parents, teenagers, the education and academic community, community-based organizations, and public health organizations.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 227, Sec. 101. (AB 1400) Effective January 1, 2012.)


text:
Grant applications shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(a) Plans for community collaboration with parents, local agencies, businesses, school leaders, community groups, and private organizations.

(b) Measurable objectives selected by the applicant.

(c) Evidence of the applicant’s capability to effect proposed changes.

(d) A needs assessment.

(e) A comprehensive description of the population or populations proposed to be served.

(f) A project description, a work plan, and budget justifications.

(g) A project evaluation and a process for data collection to facilitate the department’s ability to conduct a statewide evaluation.


text:
(a) Criteria for grant selection shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(1) Degree of community input and collaboration in the project.

(2) Degree of involvement of parents and families within the community.

(3) Degree of involvement of nongovernmental organizations.

(4) Degree of need for the project in the local community.

(5) Geographic, economic, population, and ethnic diversity.

(6) Feasibility.

(7) Cost effectiveness.

(8) Degree to which project outcomes can be measured and evaluated.

(b) The department shall provide an explanation for the reasons why an applicant is not funded.


text:
(a) Grantees shall be required to match a portion of the grant awarded under the Community Challenge Grant Program with either dollar or measurable in-kind contributions as provided by this section.

(b) Grantees shall provide a match of not less than 10 percent for the first year of the grant, not less than 15 percent for the second year of the grant, and not less than 20 percent for the third year of the grant.

(c) The match required by this section shall be supplemental to the funds appropriated for the Community Challenge Grant Program and shall be from nongovernmental sources.


text:
(a) The costs for state administration of the Community Challenge Grant Program may be up to 5 percent of the total appropriation for the program. The Legislature shall be notified of the administrative costs of this program pursuant to Section 28 of the Budget Act of 1996. Indirect costs for grantees shall not exceed 10 percent of the grant amount.

(b) The department may use local assistance funds allocated for the program to provide training to potential grantees authorized by subdivision (d) of Section 18993.2.

(c) The department may use local assistance funds allocated to the program for the evaluation of the program required by subdivision (b) of Section 18993.8.


text: The department shall conduct a statewide independent evaluation of the program, assessing the program’s effectiveness in achieving stated outcomes as established by the department. The evaluation shall be performed only when for this purpose funds are appropriated in the annual Budget Act.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 728, Sec. 211. (SB 71) Effective January 1, 2013.)


text: The program provided for under this chapter shall be implemented only to the extent that funds are appropriated in the Budget Act.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 839, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2001.)


text:
(a) This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the California Families and Children Home Visit Program.

(b) The department shall implement this chapter only to the extent that funds are appropriated for that purpose in the annual Budget Act.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 329, Sec. 41. Effective August 21, 1998.)

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 14.1. California Families and Children Home Visit Program


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

(a) About 26 percent of California’s children under the age of 18 years live in families with incomes below the federal poverty line, an increase of 56 percent since 1980. Poverty is associated with numerous problems, including low educational performance, poor nutrition, the mistreatment of children, and juvenile delinquency.

(b) State vital statistics data indicate that about 33 percent of California’s children were born out-of-wedlock in 1991, an increase of 61 percent since 1980. Growing up in a single parent household is associated with greater likelihood of living in poverty, higher school dropout rates, higher incidence of teenage pregnancy, and reduced levels of employment.

(c) Research has found that poor parenting practices and family stress can increase the incidence of child behavior problems in children as young as three years of age. These behavioral problems can affect a variety of children’s life outcomes including success in school and incidence of juvenile delinquency.

(d) Over one-fourth of California’s children speak a foreign language.

(e) California’s children are becoming more culturally and ethnically diverse.

(f) Recent findings in the area of brain development research indicate that inadequate parent-child interaction can negatively affect the cognitive development of children.

(g) High quality voluntary home visit programs have been shown to improve a variety of parental and child outcomes. Specifically, these outcomes include reductions in poor birth outcomes, reductions in the mistreatment of children, reductions of and greater spacing between pregnancies, reduced use of welfare, and increased amounts of parental employment. Studies show that low-income, single parents exhibit the largest improvements over the long run from these programs.

(h) Research also shows that home visit programs that address a broad array of family needs are more likely to improve life outcomes for families and children. Examples of improved life outcomes include reductions in the mistreatment of children, increased rates of school completion, reduced incidence of teenage pregnancy, reduced interaction with the juvenile justice system, and improved health.

(i) It is the intent of the Legislature, in enacting this chapter, to establish a high-quality voluntary home visiting program for at-risk families.

chapter: 14.1. California Families and Children Home Visit Program


text:
(a) “At risk” means families who experience multiple stress factors, and who are more likely than the general population to have adverse health, social, and economic outcomes.

(b) “Home visit” means a strategy of service delivery in which specially trained professional or paraprofessional personnel provide services in the client’s home. These personnel typically make contact with at-risk families during pregnancy or at childbirth and continue contact with the client in the parent’s home for between two and five years with the purpose of providing information and family support services.

(c) “Family support services” means any services intended to improve parent-child interaction, aid families to become more self-sufficient, or reduce family stress. These services include help with goal setting, information about parent-child interaction, information about and help in accessing other health and social services, and development of problem-solving skills.


text:
(a) The Office of Child Abuse Prevention in the State Department of Social Services shall be responsible for award of implementation grants and continued operation of the California Families and Children Home Visit Program.

(b) Office of Child Abuse Prevention’s responsibilities include:

(1) Provision of technical assistance to local home visit programs.

(2) Evaluation and assessment of local programs with the objective of improving program results.

(3) Certification that local programs continue to meet standards determined by the agency to be important for successful positive life outcomes for clients. The Office of Child Abuse Prevention shall, when reviewing grant applications under this chapter, take into consideration geographical and population diversity.


text:
(a) Each county that chooses to participate in the California Families and Children Home Visit Program shall develop and submit to the Office of Child Abuse Prevention a three-year plan for phasing in a home visit program for eligible families.

(b) Each implementation plan shall include:

(1) The method of determining, and a description of the at-risk population served. Counties shall assess local community needs, and make modifications that are consistent with the California Safe and Healthy Families Model Program, or its successor.

(2) A clearly defined mission statement, and specific goals and objectives that are consistent with the mission statement.

(3) A proposed voluntary home visit service delivery model, incorporating the key components and standards of the California Safe and Healthy Families Model Program, or its successor. The essential components and standards of the California Safe and Healthy Families Program Model include:

(A) A comprehensive service array that includes, but is not limited to, systematic assessment, individualized family service planning, intensive home visiting, child health and development monitoring and intervention, center-based activities that serve parents, infants, and older siblings, linkage to health care and other community resources, and an on-going problem solving case coordination.

(B) Services provided by a multidisciplinary team, that includes appropriate supervision to home visitors and other team members, management of the caseload, and ensuring that service quality is maintained.

(C) Caseloads that are balanced in size, not to exceed 25 cases per home visitor, and intensity (service intensity varies with client need).

(D) On-going training and skill development.

(E) An approach to implementation that addresses relationships with existing service systems.

(4) A description of how home visit “best practices” are incorporated into a proposed model.

(5) A description of how the applicant proposes to coordinate and collaborate with other community service providers including community-based organizations, schools, religious organizations, community police, health care districts, and welfare and social service agencies.

(6) Provisions for families participating in the voluntary home visit program, to provide informed consent and to ensure the confidentiality of the records pertaining to the program.

(7) Specified quality assurance and improvement processes.

(8) Projected results by which positive outcomes and the success of the home visit program is to be measured.

(c) The Office of Child Abuse Prevention shall evaluate implementation plans and award implementation grants to selected voluntary home visit programs. In order to ensure that implementation proposals reflect the prevention and early intervention focus of home visits, the Office of Child Abuse Prevention shall develop proposed criteria for awarding implementation grants in accordance with each plan’s addressing of those elements set forth in subdivision (b).


text:
County programs are eligible for continued funding following an implementation assessment if both of the following are true:

(a) The assessment results in a determination that the county program has been implemented in accordance with the plan, and that the county program has established mechanisms to continue high-quality program operation.

(b) County administrators agree in writing that continued funding is contingent on the program continuing to produce high-quality results.


text: A planning grant may be awarded under this chapter to a county that has demonstrated a need to implement a program, but which is not ready to implement the program, or that is in need of additional planning to expand existing support services.


text: The Office of Child Abuse Prevention shall provide administrative oversight for the California Families and Children Home Visit Program.


text: It is the intent of the Legislature that the State Department of Social Services, in consultation with other relevant state officials, seek and use any federal funds that may be available for the purposes of this chapter.


text:
(a) There is hereby established the California Families and Children Home Visit Program Task Force, which shall be convened by the Office of Child Abuse Prevention.

(b) The membership of the task force shall include, but need not be limited to, all of the following:

(1) The head of the Office of Child Abuse Prevention or his or her designee.

(2) The directors, or designees, of all of the following:

(A) The State Department of Social Services.

(B) The State Department of Public Health.

(C) The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Division of Juvenile Justice.

(D) The State Department of Education.

(E) The California Emergency Management Agency.

(3) At least two county administrators from counties participating in this program, to be appointed by the director, with the consent of the county.

(4) The manager of this program from the Office of Child Abuse Prevention.

(5) Two legislative representatives, who shall be members of policy committees with jurisdiction over social services issues pertaining to children, with at least one each to be appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly and the Senate Committee on Rules.

(c) The task force shall do both of the following:

(1) Identify permanent funding sources from federal and state programs. Sources from which funding may be integrated for purposes of this chapter may include, but are not limited to, Medi-Cal Targeted Case Management and Administrative Program funds, provided for pursuant to Sections 14132.44 and 14132.47, family preservation funds, private health care providers, including health maintenance organizations and nonprofit hospitals, the California Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children, federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act funds, and Healthy Families Program funds.

(2) Develop recommendations for permanent funding for this chapter, in order that eligible families who choose to participate have access to the program.

(d) Each member of the task force shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed, by his or her employing agency, for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of his or her duties.

(e) The task force shall be supported by a reasonable amount of staff time, which shall be provided by the agencies represented on the task force, to the extent feasible within an agency’s existing resources. The task force may request data from, and may utilize the technical expertise of, other state agencies.

(f) The task force, under the guidance of the Office of Child Abuse Prevention, shall submit its report to the Legislature not later than November 1, 1999.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 34, Sec. 252. (SB 1009) Effective June 27, 2012.)


text: A grant for operation of a program under this chapter may be awarded to a county that has demonstrated readiness to begin operation of a program or to expand an existing support services program. A grant to operate a program under this chapter shall supplement, and not supplant, existing services and funds.


text: Each grantee shall be required to provide matching funds with one dollar ($1) for every two dollars ($2) awarded. The match may be either in cash or through in-kind services or resources with comparable value.


text:
(a) Research and program evaluation shall provide information for the development and implementation of this chapter. The Office of Child Abuse Prevention shall incorporate new research and program evaluation information in order to improve program quality and effectiveness as this information becomes available pursuant to this chapter.

(b) Research and program evaluation shall provide information for the development and implementation of this chapter. The Office of Child Abuse Prevention shall incorporate new research and program evaluation information to improve program quality and effectiveness as this information becomes available pursuant to the program.


text:
(a) Of the funds appropriated in the Budget Act of 1998 for purposes of this chapter, not less than one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) shall be used for research and program evaluation. The Office of Child Abuse Prevention shall maximize its research capacity by using these funds to match foundation or university research and program evaluation grants.

(b) The department shall be responsible for performing an evaluation of the programs under this chapter. In conjunction with participating research entities, the department shall develop a research design methodology that describes data collection, data validation, and research techniques to be used in conducting the program evaluation, and the extent to which related evaluation research will be incorporated. Focus areas to measure whether outcomes for families and children are improved may relate to all or some of the following:

(1) Child well-being.

(2) Child protective services.

(3) Foster care.

(4) Family preservation and self-sufficiency.

(5) Parental or child involvement in the justice system.

(6) School achievement.

(7) Substance abuse.

(8) Parental employment.


text: Of the funds appropriated for purposes of this chapter, not more than 7.5 percent shall be used for state support staff to facilitate the Office of Child Abuse Prevention’s ability to manage this program, provide for program evaluation oversight, and manage the activities of the task force created pursuant to Section 18994.9.


text:
(a) The State Emergency Food Assistance Program, which is administered by the State Department of Social Services, shall be renamed as the “CalFood Program.” The CalFood Program shall provide food and funding for the provision of emergency food to food banks established pursuant to the federal Emergency Food Assistance Program (7 C.F.R. Parts 250 and 251) whose ongoing primary function is to facilitate the distribution of food to low-income households.

(b) (1) The CalFood Account is hereby established in the Emergency Food for Families Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund established pursuant to Section 18852 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, and may receive federal funds and voluntary donations or contributions.

(2) Notwithstanding Section 18853 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, the following shall apply:

(A) (i) All moneys received by the CalFood Account shall, upon appropriation by the Legislature, be allocated to the State Department of Social Services for allocation to the CalFood Program and, excluding those contributions made pursuant to Section 18851 of the Revenue and Taxation Code and funds received through Parts 250 and 251 of Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations, shall be used for the purchase, storage, and transportation of food grown or produced in California.

(ii) The percentage of storage and transportation expenditures compared to the CalFood Program fund’s annual budget may be increased from their levels in the 2021–22 fiscal year after a determination by the department in consultation with food bank stakeholders to reflect the true costs to acquire, store, and distribute foods purchased through the CalFood Program. The department shall report to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee on any changes to the rate and the supporting methodology.

(B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), funds received by the CalFood Account shall, upon appropriation by the Legislature, be allocated to the State Department of Social Services for allocation to the CalFood Program as described in subparagraph (A), and shall, in part, be used to pay for the department’s administrative costs associated with the administration of the CalFood Program.

(c) (1) The Public Higher Education Pantry Assistance Program Account is hereby established in the Emergency Food for Families Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund established pursuant to Section 18852 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.

(2) Notwithstanding Section 18853 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, funds in the Public Higher Education Pantry Assistance Program Account shall, upon appropriation by the Legislature, be allocated to the State Department of Social Services for allocation to food banks established pursuant to Parts 250 and 251 of Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations that meet both of the following criteria:

(A) The primary function of the food bank is the distribution of food to low-income households.

(B) The food bank has identified specific costs associated with supporting on-campus pantry and hunger relief efforts serving low-income students.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 50, Sec. 88. (SB 187) Effective June 30, 2022.)

chapter: 14.5. The CalFood Program

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 14.5. The CalFood Program


text:
(a) (1) Subject to an appropriation for this purpose, the State Department of Social Services shall administer the State Emergency Food Bank Reserve Program to provide food, children’s diapers, wipes, and funding for the provision of emergency food, children’s diapers, wipes, and related costs to food banks serving low-income Californians to prevent hunger during natural or human-made disasters.

(2) For purposes of this chapter, “food banks” means participating providers operating in California under the federal Emergency Food Assistance Program (Parts 250 and 251 of Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations), or the federal Commodity Supplemental Food Program (Parts 247 and 250 of Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations), members of the nonprofit organization Feeding America that are based in California, and members of the California Association of Food Banks.

(b) Upon a proclamation or declaration of a disaster or state of emergency by the governing body of a county, city, or city and county, or by an official designated by ordinance adopted by that governing body, the state, or the federal government, the department may distribute funds for the purposes set forth in subdivision (c). The department shall determine the best method for distribution to ensure that the funds are used for the purposes specified in this chapter.

(c) Funds distributed pursuant to this chapter may be used for all of the following purposes:

(1) To purchase and distribute food in eligible communities.

(2) To reimburse food banks for food and the costs associated with the procurement and distribution of food in eligible communities.

(3) To purchase and distribute children’s diapers and wipes in eligible communities.

(4) To reimburse food banks for children’s diapers and wipes and the costs associated with the procurement and distribution of children’s diapers and wipes in eligible communities.

(d) Notwithstanding any other law, agreements awarded pursuant to this section shall be exempt from the requirements of Article 4 (commencing with Section 19130) of Chapter 5 of Part 2 of Division 5 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the Public Contract Code, and the State Contracting Manual, and shall not be subject to the approval of the Department of General Services.

(e) Notwithstanding the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code), the State Department of Social Services may implement, interpret, or make specific this chapter by means of letter or similar instructions without taking any regulatory action.

(f) The Legislature finds and declares that this chapter is a state law that provides assistance and services for undocumented persons within the meaning of Section 1621(d) of Title 8 of the United States Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 596, Sec. 2. (AB 798) Effective January 1, 2026.)

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 14.6. State Emergency Food Bank Reserve Program


text:
(a) The Emergency Food Assistance Program Advisory Board is hereby established. The board shall provide advice and assistance in the operation of the emergency food assistance program (EFAP). The board shall also provide advice on all matters relating to food distribution. The board shall annually review the state plan and any amendments submitted to the United States Department of Agriculture by the state, as well as the EFAP budget and review the EFAP annual report. The plan shall include equitable criteria for eligibility and the distribution of commodities and administrative funds.

(b) The board shall consist of 22 members, 12 to be appointed by the Governor, five to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules, and five to be appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly. Appointments shall reflect geographic diversity statewide, and shall include food bank and congregate feeding program representatives and people interested in the emergency food assistance program.

(c) The board shall be subject to the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act (Article 9 (commencing with Section 11120) of Chapter 1 of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 329, Sec. 42. Effective August 21, 1998.)

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 15. Emergency Food Assistance Program Advisory Board


text:
(a) Subject to an appropriation for this purpose in the annual Budget Act, the State Department of Social Services shall administer the California Guaranteed Income Pilot Program to provide grants to eligible entities for the purpose of administering pilot programs and projects that provide a guaranteed income to participants. The department shall prioritize funding for pilot programs and projects that serve California residents who age out of the extended foster care program at or after 21 years of age or who are pregnant individuals. The department, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, shall determine the methodology for, and manner of, distributing grants awarded pursuant to this chapter. In determining the methodology and manner of distributing grants, the department shall ensure that grant funds are awarded in an equitable manner to eligible entities in both rural and urban counties and in proportion to the number of individuals anticipated to be served by an eligible entity’s pilot program or project.

(b) In order to receive grant funds pursuant to this chapter, an eligible entity shall do all of the following:

(1) Present commitments of additional funding for pilot programs and projects to be funded with a grant received pursuant to this chapter equal to or greater than 50 percent of the amount of funding to be provided to the pilot program or project from a grant received pursuant to this chapter.

(2) Present a plan for providing all individuals who receive guaranteed income payments funded with a grant provided under this chapter with sufficient benefits counseling and informational materials to ensure that they are aware of any impact the receipt of a guaranteed income payment from the pilot program or project may have on their eligibility for other public benefit programs.

(3) Agree to assist the department in obtaining, or to pursue, to the extent necessary, all available exemptions or waivers to ensure that guaranteed income payments made under those pilots and projects are not considered income or resources for the recipient of the guaranteed income payments or any member of their household in any means-tested federal, state, or local public benefit programs.

(c) (1) Notwithstanding any other law, guaranteed income payments received by an individual from a pilot program or project funded pursuant to this chapter shall not be considered income or resources for purposes of determining the individual’s, or any member of their household’s, eligibility for benefits or assistance, or the amount or extent of benefits or assistance, under any state or local benefit or assistance program.

(2) The department shall, in consultation with stakeholders, and after consultation with the Legislature, identify federal benefit and assistance programs that require an exemption or waiver in order for a guaranteed income payment funded with a grant provided under this chapter to be excluded from consideration as income or resources for purposes of the federal program. Notwithstanding any other law, a state department or agency that administers a program identified by the department shall, if possible, approve an exemption or waiver, or provide any other authority deemed necessary by the department, to exclude guaranteed income payments from consideration as income or resources for purposes of the federal program, or, if the state department or agency does not have that authority, seek a federal waiver or exemption. The state’s failure to be granted a federal exemption or waiver, as described in this paragraph, shall not affect the department’s ability to administer the California Guaranteed Income Pilot Program, and the department may consider alternatives to prevent adverse consequences for participants, in consultation with the Legislature and stakeholders.

(d) Notwithstanding any other law, for the purposes of determining eligibility to receive benefits, or the amount or extent of medical assistance, under the Medi-Cal program, a guaranteed income payment funded with a grant provided under this chapter shall not be considered income or resources for a period of 12 months from receipt. This subdivision shall only be implemented by the State Department of Health Care Services to the extent consistent with federal law and any waivers received for the implementation of this subdivision, and federal financial participation for the Medi-Cal program is available and not otherwise jeopardized.

(e) (1) The department shall review and evaluate the pilot programs and projects funded pursuant to this chapter to determine, at a minimum, the economic impact of the programs and projects and their impact on the outcomes of individuals who receive guaranteed income payments funded with a grant provided under this chapter. To the extent feasible within existing resources and evaluation design, the evaluation shall include the applicability of the lessons learned from the pilot program for the state’s CalWORKs program, with the objective of reaching the goals of improved outcomes for families and children living in poverty. The department shall consult with stakeholders and legislative staff on the details of, and data components to include in, the evaluation, as well as any other topics to be addressed by the review and evaluation, in advance of any decision to contract for this evaluation. Notwithstanding any other law, the department may accept and, subject to an appropriation for this purpose, expend funds from any source, public or private, for the review and evaluation.

(2) (A) The department shall submit a report to the Legislature regarding the review and evaluation conducted pursuant to paragraph (1) and shall post a copy of the report on its internet website. The department shall comply with this subparagraph by no later than June 1, 2028.

(B) The report described in subparagraph (A) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.

(f) Upon allocation of funding to eligible entities, as described in this section, the department shall report to the Legislature, and post publicly on its internet website, information about the grants funded, including which specific eligible entities received grants, the expected number of foster youth receiving guaranteed income payments funded with a grant provided under this chapter, characteristics about, and the number of, other populations receiving guaranteed income payments funded with a grant provided under this chapter, and the length of time each guaranteed income pilot program or project will be administered.

(g) For the purposes of this section, “eligible entity” means either of the following:

(1) A city, county, city and county, tribe, consortium of tribes, or tribal organization, or any combination thereof.

(2) A nonprofit organization that is exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(5) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and that provides a letter of support for its pilot or project from any county or city and county in which the organization will operate its pilot or project.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2026, Ch. 26, Sec. 36. (AB 152) Effective June 29, 2026. Inoperative January 1, 2029, pursuant to Section 18997.4. Repealed as of January 1, 2030, pursuant to Section 18997.4.)

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 16. California Guaranteed Income Pilot Program


text:
Notwithstanding any other law:

(a) Contracts or grants awarded pursuant to this chapter shall be exempt from the personal services contracting requirements of Article 4 (commencing with Section 19130) of Chapter 5 of Part 2 of Division 5 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

(b) Contracts or grants awarded pursuant to this chapter shall be exempt from the Public Contract Code and the State Contracting Manual, and shall not be subject to the approval of the Department of General Services.

(c) Notwithstanding the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code), the department may implement, interpret, or make specific this chapter without taking any regulatory action.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 86, Sec. 56. (AB 153) Effective July 16, 2021. Inoperative January 1, 2029, pursuant to Section 18997.4. Repealed as of January 1, 2030, pursuant to Section 18997.4.)

chapter: 16. California Guaranteed Income Pilot Program


text:
(a) The department may establish an appropriate method, process, and structure for grant management, fiscal accountability, payments to guaranteed income pilot participants, and technical assistance and supports for grantees that ensure transparency and accountability in the use of state funds. The department may, at its discretion, contract with one or more entities, including, but not limited to, community development financial intermediaries, state financial entities, or community-based organizations, for these purposes.

(b) The department may, at its discretion, contract with a third-party vendor for the purpose of developing a benefits counseling tool or informational materials for use by grantees to assist in meeting the requirements of paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 18997.

(c) The department may, at its discretion, require grantees to use a specified third-party vendor for purposes of administering grantees’ pilots and to meet the requirements of this chapter.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 50, Sec. 89. (SB 187) Effective June 30, 2022. Inoperative January 1, 2029, pursuant to Section 18997.4. Repealed as of January 1, 2030, pursuant to Section 18997.4.)


text: Notwithstanding any other law, the department may accept and, subject to an appropriation for this purpose, expend funds from any source, public or private, to administer this chapter.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 43, Sec. 88. (AB 120) Effective July 10, 2023. Inoperative January 1, 2029, pursuant to Section 18997.4. Repealed as of January 1, 2030, pursuant to Section 18997.4.)


text: This chapter shall become inoperative on January 1, 2029, and, as of January 1, 2030, is repealed.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2026, Ch. 26, Sec. 37. (AB 152) Effective June 29, 2026. Repealed as of January 1, 2030, by its own provisions. Note: Repeal affects Chapter 16, commencing with Section 18997.)


text:
(a) This chapter shall be known, and may be cited, as the California Hope, Opportunity, Perseverance, and Empowerment (HOPE) for Children Trust Account Act.

(b) The California Hope, Opportunity, Perseverance, and Empowerment (HOPE) for Children Trust Account Program is hereby established for the purpose of providing an eligible child with a trust account pursuant to this chapter.

(c) This chapter shall be construed liberally in order to effectuate its legislative intent of creating opportunities, economic autonomy, and hope, and to promote intergenerational wealth and asset building for an eligible child and eligible youth as one of the many strategies California must employ to reverse our state’s record level of inequality. The purposes of this chapter and all of its provisions with respect to the powers granted shall be broadly interpreted to effectuate that intent and those purposes and not as to any limitation of powers.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 569, Sec. 57. (AB 156) Effective September 27, 2022.)

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 16.1. The California Hope, Opportunity, Perseverance, and Empowerment (HOPE) for Children Trust Account Act


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

(a) “Account,” “trust account,” or “HOPE trust account,” means the California Hope, Opportunity, Perseverance, and Empowerment (HOPE) for Children Trust Account in the name of an eligible child or eligible youth.

(b) “Board” means the California Hope, Opportunity, Perseverance, and Empowerment (HOPE) for Children Trust Account Program Board established pursuant to Section 18997.52.

(c) “Department” means the State Department of Social Services.

(d) “Eligible child” means either a resident of California who is under 18 years of age, is not emancipated from their parent, Indian custodian, or legal guardian, and meets one of the following qualifications, or a resident of California who is 18 years of age or older and who, prior to attaining 18 years of age, was not emancipated from their parent, Indian custodian, or legal guardian and met the qualification in paragraph (1):

(1) (A) They reside in California and their parent, Indian custodian, or legal guardian died during the federally declared COVID-19 public health emergency, and the cause of death for the parent, Indian custodian, or legal guardian is listed as COVID-19 on their death certificate or they died as a medically recognized consequence of having long-term COVID-19, and the minor’s family household income, considering the income prior to the death of the parent, Indian custodian, or legal guardian, is at or below the income that would make the child eligible for Medi-Cal benefits under Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 14000) of Part 3. For purposes of this paragraph, “family household income” is limited to the incomes of parents, Indian custodians, or legal guardians, and “federal poverty level” means the poverty guidelines updated periodically in the Federal Register by the United States Department of Health and Human Services under the authority of Section 9902(2) of Title 42 of the United States Code.

(B) The Treasurer shall verify the cause of death of the parent, Indian custodian, or legal guardian once they receive either of the following:

(i) A death certificate that lists the cause of death as COVID-19.

(ii) A death certificate that lists the cause of death as a medically recognized consequence of having long-term COVID-19 and documentation that the person was diagnosed or was in the process of being diagnosed with long-term COVID-19.

(C) The Treasurer shall verify the minor’s family household income prior to the death of the parent, Indian custodian, or legal guardian once they receive either of the following:

(i) Government-issued documents that establish the identity of the child and that the person whose death certificate was provided pursuant to subparagraph (B) was their parent, Indian custodian, or legal guardian with whom the child resided.

(ii) A statement signed by a person who is eligible to do so under penalty of perjury that establishes the identity of the child and that the person whose death certificate was provided pursuant to subparagraph (B) was the child’s parent, Indian custodian, or legal guardian with whom the child resided. The Treasurer’s office, in consultation with the board, shall establish a process to challenge a statement submitted pursuant to this clause.

(2) (A) A foster child who resides in California, or is a California resident who is placed out of state by a juvenile or tribal court, and meets both of the following:

(i) The child has been adjudged a dependent child of the juvenile court on the grounds that the child is a person described by Section 300, or the child has been adjudged a ward of the juvenile court on the grounds that the child is a person described by Section 601 or 602, or the child is a dependent child of the court of an Indian tribe, consortium of tribes, or tribal organization who is the subject of a petition filed in the tribal court pursuant to the tribal court’s jurisdiction in accordance with the tribe’s law and the tribe has notified the department or the HOPE Trust Account Program about the child’s status as a dependent child under the tribal court. The department shall not require an Indian tribe, consortium of tribes, tribal organization, or tribal court representative to notify the department of any child who is a dependent of the tribal court.

(ii) The child meets one of the following:

(I) The child is subject to a foster care order, has been in foster care for at least 18 months, and reunification services have been terminated by an order of a juvenile or tribal court.

(II) The child is subject to a foster care order after 16 years of age, and reunification services have been terminated by an order of a juvenile or tribal court.

(B) Notwithstanding clause (ii) of subparagraph (A), if the child reunifies with their parent, Indian custodian, or legal guardian, is adopted, enters into a tribal customary adoption, or is placed into a legal guardianship, at any point in time subsequent to meeting the qualification specified in clause (i) of subparagraph (A), the child shall remain an eligible child and program enrollee and shall be able to access their HOPE trust account, but shall no longer be eligible for annual contributions effective 12 months following the date of reunification, adoption, or legal guardianship, or until the child reaches 18 years of age, whichever is sooner.

(e) “Eligible youth” means a program enrollee for whom a HOPE trust account was established and who is now eligible to withdraw or transfer funds from their HOPE trust account.

(f) “Fund” means the California Hope, Opportunity, Perseverance, and Empowerment (HOPE) for Children Trust Account Fund created pursuant to Section 18997.53.

(g) “HOPE Trust Account Program” or “program” means the California Hope, Opportunity, Perseverance, and Empowerment (HOPE) for Children Trust Account Program established pursuant to this chapter.

(h) “Program enrollee” means an eligible child who has been enrolled in the program and an eligible youth who enrolled as an eligible child was in the program and has not terminated their participation.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 20, Sec. 41. (AB 137) Effective June 30, 2025.)

chapter: 16.1. The California Hope, Opportunity, Perseverance, and Empowerment (HOPE) for Children Trust Account Act


text:
(a) (1) There is hereby created within state government the California Hope, Opportunity, Perseverance, and Empowerment (HOPE) for Children Trust Account Program Board, which shall consist of 11 members, as follows:

(A) The Treasurer, or their designee, who shall serve as the chair.

(B) The Director of Finance, or their designee.

(C) The Controller, or their designee.

(D) An individual with expertise in poverty alleviation and the racial wealth gap appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules.

(E) An individual with investment expertise appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly.

(F) An individual with expertise on financial empowerment and consumer protection appointed by the Governor.

(G) A public member who has experienced childhood poverty appointed by the Governor.

(H) A public member who is 18 to 26 years of age, inclusive, and who was previously or is currently a foster youth with at least 18 months spent in the foster care system appointed by the Assembly.

(I) A public member who is 18 to 26 years of age, inclusive, and who has lost an immediate family member to death caused by or as a consequence of COVID-19 or long-term COVID-19, and has experienced poverty appointed by the Senate.

(J) Two additional nonvoting members appointed by the Governor.

(2) Members of the board appointed by the Governor, the Senate Committee on Rules, and the Speaker of the Assembly shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority.

(b) All members of the board shall serve without compensation. Members of the board shall be reimbursed for necessary travel expenses incurred in connection with their board duties.

(c) Board members and other staff of the board shall not do any of the following:

(1) Directly or indirectly have any interest in the making of any investment made for the program, or in the gains or profits accruing from any investment made for the program.

(2) Borrow any funds or deposits of the HOPE trust accounts, or use those funds or deposits in any manner, for themselves or as an agent or partner of others.

(3) Become an endorser, surety, or obligor on investments by the board.

(d) The board and staff, including contracted administrators and consultants, shall discharge their duties as fiduciaries with respect to the HOPE trust accounts solely in the interest of the program enrollees as follows:

(1) For the exclusive purposes of providing benefits to program enrollees and defraying reasonable expenses of administering the program.

(2) By investing with the care, skill, prudence, and diligence under the circumstances then prevailing that a prudent person acting in a like capacity and familiar with those matters would use in the conduct of an enterprise of a like character and with like aims.

(e) The board, subject to its authority and fiduciary duty, shall administer the program and the funds appropriated for the program in alignment with the intent of the Legislature to create opportunities, economic autonomy, and hope, and to promote wealth and asset building for an eligible child and eligible youth to address California’s record levels of inequality.

(f) The HOPE trust accounts are an instrumentality of the state. Any security issued, managed, or invested by the board within the HOPE trust accounts on behalf of a program enrollee shall be exempt from Sections 25110, 25120, and 25130 of the Corporations Code.

(g) To achieve the functions specified in this section, the board shall have the power and authority to do all of the following:

(1) Make and enter into contracts necessary for the administration of the program.

(2) Adopt a seal and change and amend it from time to time.

(3) Cause moneys in the HOPE trust accounts to be held and invested and reinvested.

(4) (A) Accept any grants, gifts, legislative appropriation, and other moneys from the state, any unit of federal, state, or local government, or any other person, firm, partnership, philanthropic entity, or corporation for deposit to the HOPE Trust Account Fund.

(B) The board shall provide a way for grants, gifts, appropriations, or other moneys to the HOPE Trust Account Program to be made in any amount and with the ability to have the funds targeted to specific subgroups, as defined by the entity giving, granting, or appropriating the funds, provided that they are not limited in such a way that would conflict with the intent of the Legislature in establishing the program.

(5) The Treasurer shall, on behalf of the board, appoint an executive director, who shall not be a member of the board and who shall serve at the pleasure of the Treasurer. The Treasurer shall determine the duties of the executive director and other staff, as appropriate, and set their compensation. The board may authorize the executive director to enter into contracts on behalf of the board or conduct any business necessary for the efficient operation of the board.

(6) Make provisions for the payment of costs of administration and operation of the program.

(7) Employ staff.

(8) Retain and contract with private financial institutions, other financial and service providers, consultants, actuaries, counsel, auditors, third-party administrators, and other professionals, as necessary.

(9) Procure insurance against any loss in connection with the property, assets, or activities of the trust.

(10) Procure insurance indemnifying each member of the board from personal loss or liability resulting from a member’s action or inaction as a member of the board.

(11) Cause expenses incurred to initiate, implement, maintain, and administer the program to be paid from deposits to, or investment returns or assets of, the program or arrangements established under the program, to the extent permitted under state and federal law.

(12) Carry out the duties and obligations of the program pursuant to this chapter and exercise any and all other powers as appropriate for the effectuation of the purposes, objectives, and provisions of this chapter pertaining to the program.

(h) The board may adopt regulations to implement this chapter consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code). The adoption, amendment, repeal, or readoption of a regulation authorized by this section is deemed to address an emergency, for purposes of Sections 11346.1 and 11349.6 of the Government Code, and the board is hereby exempted for this purpose from the requirements of subdivision (b) of Section 11346.1 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 1010, Sec. 8. (SB 242) Effective January 1, 2025.)