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Measure AB 601
Authors Jackson  
Subject Child abuse: reporting.
Relating To relating to child abuse.
Title An act to amend Sections 16504, 16587, and 16589 of, and to add Sections 16544.5 and 18950.1 to, the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to child abuse.
Last Action Dt 2025-04-10
State Amended Assembly
Status In Committee Process
Active? Y
Vote Required Majority
Appropriation No
Fiscal Committee Yes
Local Program Yes
Substantive Changes None
Urgency No
Tax Levy No
Leginfo Link Bill
Actions
2025-08-29     In committee: Held under submission.
2025-08-18     In committee: Referred to suspense file.
2025-07-15     From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 6. Noes 0.) (July 15). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2025-07-08     From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on PUB. S. (Ayes 5. Noes 0.) (July 7). Re-referred to Com. on PUB. S.
2025-06-23     In committee: Hearing postponed by committee.
2025-06-11     Referred to Coms. on HUMAN S. and PUB. S.
2025-06-03     In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
2025-06-02     Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 79. Noes 0. Page 1839.)
2025-05-27     Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
2025-05-23     From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 14. Noes 0.) (May 23).
2025-05-21     Joint Rule 62(a), file notice suspended. (Page 1627.)
2025-05-21     In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
2025-05-14     In committee: Hearing postponed by committee.
2025-04-29     In committee: Hearing postponed by committee.
2025-04-21     Re-referred to Com. on APPR. pursuant to Assembly Rule 96.
2025-04-21     Re-referred to Com. on PUB. S.
2025-04-10     Read second time and amended.
2025-04-09     From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on PUB. S. (Ayes 6. Noes 0.) (April 8).
2025-03-26     Re-referred to Com. on HUM. S.
2025-03-25     From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on HUM. S. Read second time and amended.
2025-03-25     In committee: Hearing postponed by committee.
2025-03-03     Referred to Coms. on HUM. S. and PUB. S.
2025-02-14     From printer. May be heard in committee March 16.
2025-02-13     Read first time. To print.
Keywords
Tags
Versions
Amended Assembly     2025-04-10
Amended Assembly     2025-03-25
Introduced     2025-02-13
Last Version Text
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		<ns0:AuthorText authorType="LEAD_AUTHOR">Introduced by Assembly Member Jackson</ns0:AuthorText>
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		<ns0:Title>An act to amend Sections 16504, 16587, and 16589 of, and to add Sections 16544.5 and 18950.1 to, the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to child abuse.</ns0:Title>
		<ns0:RelatingClause>child abuse</ns0:RelatingClause>
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			<ns0:Subject>Child abuse: reporting.</ns0:Subject>
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			<html:p>Existing law, the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act, establishes procedures for the reporting and investigation of suspected child abuse or neglect. The act requires certain professionals, including specified health practitioners and social workers, known as “mandated reporters,” to report known or reasonably suspected child abuse or neglect to a local law enforcement agency or a county welfare or probation department, as specified.</html:p>
			<html:p>This bill would require the State Department of Social Services, through the State Office of Child Abuse Prevention, to, by no later than July 1, 2027, develop a standardized curriculum for mandated reporters, and to make that training available on its internet website. The bill would, except as provided, require an employer having one or more mandated reporters to ensure completion of the training within the first 3 months of the mandated reporter’s employment, or on or before March 1, 2030, whichever is later. The bill would require completion of the training to be documented in a manner that would allow the department to verify completion upon request.</html:p>
			<html:p>This bill would
			 require the State Department of Social Services and the State Department of Health Care Services to provide updates every 90 days to specified legislative committees on guidance to counties with respect to payer of last resort federal requirements and revenue maximization of specified funding sources for services related to these provisions, until those committees make findings that this requirement has been met.</html:p>
			<html:p>Existing law establishes the California Child Welfare Council to serve as an advisory board responsible for improving the collaboration and processes of the multiple agencies and the courts that serve the children and youth in the child welfare and foster care systems. Existing law requires the council to monitor and report the extent to which child welfare and foster care programs and the courts are responsive to the needs of children in their joint care.</html:p>
			<html:p>This bill would require the California Child
			 Welfare Council to establish a Mandated Reporting Advisory Committee, as specified, and would state the intent of the Legislature that the committee ensure the transformation of mandated reporting to community supporting continues and disparities in the child welfare system are eliminated.</html:p>
			<html:p>The federal Family First Prevention Services Act provides a state with the option to use certain federal funds to provide mental health and substance abuse prevention and treatment services and in-home parent skill-based programs to a child who is a candidate for foster care or a child in foster care who is a pregnant or parenting foster youth, as specified. Existing state law authorizes a county to elect to provide those prevention services by providing a written plan to the State Department of Social Services, which has oversight of the Family First Prevention Services program. Existing law requires the county to consult with other relevant county agencies, as specified, in the
			 development of the plan.</html:p>
			<html:p>The bill would require each county’s written plan to include the county’s plans to provide information for mandated reporters regarding resources available to support families in their communities. By imposing additional duties on counties, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.</html:p>
			<html:p>The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.</html:p>
			<html:p>This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.</html:p>
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		<ns0:Preamble>The people of the State of California do enact as follows:</ns0:Preamble>
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			<ns0:Num>SECTION 1.</ns0:Num>
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				Section 16504 of the 
				<ns0:DocName>Welfare and Institutions Code</ns0:DocName>
				 is amended to read:
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					<ns0:Num>16504.</ns0:Num>
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								(a)
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								Any child reported to the county child welfare services department to be endangered by abuse, neglect, or exploitation shall be eligible for initial intake and evaluation of risk services. Each county child welfare services department shall maintain and operate a 24-hour response system. An immediate in-person response shall be made by a county child welfare services department social worker in emergency situations in accordance with regulations of the department. The person making any initial response to a request for child welfare services shall consider providing
						appropriate social services to maintain the child safely in their own home. However, an in-person response is not required when the county child welfare services department, based upon an evaluation of risk, determines that an in-person response is not appropriate. An evaluation of risk includes collateral contacts, a review of previous referrals, and other relevant information.
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								(b)
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								A county child welfare services department social worker shall make an
						in-person response whenever a referral is received pursuant to Section 11254. Whenever a referral is received pursuant to Section 11254, the county child welfare services department social worker, within 20 calendar days from the receipt of the referral, shall determine whether the physical or emotional health or safety of the individual or child would be jeopardized if the individual and child lived in the same residence with the individual’s own parent or legal guardian, or other adult relative.
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								(c)
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								Notwithstanding Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code, any nonminor dependent, as described in subdivision (v) of Section 11403, reported to the county welfare services department to be endangered by abuse, neglect, or exploitation by a licensed or approved caregiver while in a foster
						care placement shall be eligible for evaluation of risk services, to determine if the placement is safe and appropriate. The county child welfare services department shall cross-report the suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation by the licensed or approved caregiver to the appropriate licensing or approval agency and, as appropriate, to law enforcement.
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								(d)
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								Notwithstanding any other law, county child welfare services departments do not need to substantiate or have allegations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation in order to provide services and stabilization support.
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			<ns0:Num>SEC. 2.</ns0:Num>
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				Section 16544.5 is added to the 
				<ns0:DocName>Welfare and Institutions Code</ns0:DocName>
				, to read:
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					<ns0:Num>16544.5.</ns0:Num>
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						<ns0:Content>
							<html:p>The California Child Welfare Council, through its Prevention and Early Intervention Committee, shall establish a Mandated Reporting Advisory Committee (MRAC). The MRAC shall include, but not be limited to, representatives of county agencies, labor organizations, community-based organizations, and parents and youth directly impacted by the child welfare system. It is the intent of the Legislature that the MRAC ensure the transformation of mandated reporting to community supporting continues and disparities in the child welfare system are eliminated.</html:p>
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			<ns0:Num>SEC. 3.</ns0:Num>
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				Section 16587 of the 
				<ns0:DocName>Welfare and Institutions Code</ns0:DocName>
				 is amended to read:
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					<ns0:Num>16587.</ns0:Num>
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								(a)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								A county may elect to provide the prevention services under this chapter by providing a written plan to the State Department of Social Services, in accordance with instructions issued by the department. The written plan shall include the county’s plans to provide information for mandated reporters regarding the resources available to support families in their communities. A county shall promptly notify the department of any changes to the written plan, including, but not limited to, an elimination or reduction of services. During the first year of implementation, a county may elect to provide the prevention services under this chapter by providing a written notice to the department while the county continues to develop its written plan. The
						county shall consult with other relevant county agencies that serve families and children, Indian tribes, local community representatives, caseworkers, and individuals and families with lived experience with the child welfare system in the development and ongoing implementation of the plan.
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							<html:p>
								(b)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								The department shall consult with Indian tribes on the development of the statewide prevention plan, associated allocation policies, and procedures for an Indian tribe, consortium of tribes, or tribal organization that has entered into an agreement with the state pursuant to Section 10553.1 to elect to provide the prevention services under this chapter.
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							<html:p>
								(c)
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								(1)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								A county or Indian tribe, consortium of tribes, or tribal organization that has entered into an agreement with the
						state pursuant to Section 10553.1 that elects to provide prevention services under this chapter may provide those services for all of the following:
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								(A)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								A child who is a candidate for foster care.
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							<html:p>
								(B)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								A child or nonminor dependent in foster care who is a pregnant or parenting foster youth.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(C)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								The parents or kin caregivers of a child described in this paragraph.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(2)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								(A)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								Prevention services under this chapter may be provided for a period of up to 12 months.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(B)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								Prevention services under this chapter may be provided for additional 12-month periods, including contiguous
						12-month periods, on a case-by-case basis, when a county or tribal caseworker determines and documents in the candidate for foster care or pregnant or parenting foster youth’s prevention plan that they continue to meet the requirements to receive prevention services as a candidate for foster care, or pregnant or parenting foster youth.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(C)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to alter or limit the time period for services provided under the Medi-Cal program to a Medi-Cal beneficiary, which shall be based on medical necessity.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(3)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								When a county knows or has reason to know a child is an Indian child, as defined in Section 224.1, the county shall provide prevention services under this chapter in a manner consistent with active efforts, as described in subdivision
						(f) of Section 224.1.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(d)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								A Title IV-E agency that elects to provide the prevention services under this chapter shall be responsible for:
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(1)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								(A)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								Determining whether a child is a candidate for foster care and eligible for prevention services based upon an in-person assessment, or an alternative assessment methodology approved by the State Department of Social Services.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(B)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								Identifying whether a child or nonminor dependent in foster care is a pregnant or parenting foster youth who will receive prevention services. A candidacy assessment and determination are not required for a pregnant or parenting foster youth to receive prevention services.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(2)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								Documenting the determination described in paragraph (1) in the child or youth’s prevention plan.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(3)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								Inquiring whether a child who is being assessed as a candidate for foster care and for prevention services under this chapter is or may be an Indian child in accordance with Section 224.2. When the county knows or has reason to know the child is an Indian child, as defined in Section 224.1, the county shall provide written notification to the tribe inviting the child’s tribe to partner with the county agency in the initial and ongoing assessments of the child and family and the development and implementation of the written prevention plan.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(4)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								(A)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								Developing and implementing a written prevention plan for the child or youth using a model approved by
						the department.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(B)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								In the case of a child who is a candidate for foster care, the prevention plan shall identify the foster care prevention strategy for the child and list the services or programs to be provided to, or on behalf of, the child, including the services or programs to be provided to the child’s parent or kin caregiver.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(C)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								In the case of a pregnant or parenting foster youth, the prevention plan shall list the services or programs to be provided to, or on behalf of, the youth to meet their individual needs, strengthen their ability to parent, describe the parenting support strategy to promote the health and development of, and prevent foster care for, any child born to the youth, and be included in the youth’s existing case plan.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(D)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								In the case of an Indian child, the development and implementation of the written prevention plan shall be in partnership with the Indian child’s tribe.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(5)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								Documenting all prevention services cases under this chapter in accordance with instructions issued by the department to county Title IV-E agencies.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(6)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								Ensuring that prevention services are provided using a trauma-informed approach, including an approach informed by historical and multigenerational trauma.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(7)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								Monitoring the safety of a candidate for foster care or pregnant or parenting foster youth receiving prevention services under this chapter, which shall include in-person contact with the child or youth by the caseworker to ensure the child’s or
						youth’s ongoing safety, as specified in the written prevention plan.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(8)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								Conducting periodic risk assessments for the child or youth while prevention services are being provided. The caseworker shall reexamine the prevention plan if they determine the risk of the child or youth entering foster care remains high despite the provision of prevention services. In the case of an Indian child, the assessments and any reexamination of the prevention plan shall be conducted in partnership with the Indian child’s tribe.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(9)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								Collecting and reporting any information or data necessary to the department for federal financial participation, federal reporting, or evaluation of the services provided, including, but not limited to, child-specific information and expenditure data.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(10)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								Continuously monitoring the implementation and provision of services provided under this chapter to ensure fidelity to the practice model, determine outcomes achieved, and determine how information learned from monitoring will be used to refine and improve practices, using a continuous quality improvement framework developed in accordance with instructions issued by the department to county Title IV-E agencies. Outcomes achieved shall include, but are not limited to, measures examining the equitable implementation and provision of services, as well as equitable distribution of outcomes.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(11)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								(A)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								Conducting or contracting for a well-designed and rigorous evaluation of each prevention service provided under this chapter, as coordinated by the department and
						in accordance with instructions issued by the department to county Title IV-E agencies. An evaluation shall examine the effectiveness of each service in improving outcomes for children and families across diverse groups receiving each service. The department shall consult with the State Department of Health Care Services on any instructions to counties that involve an evaluation of a prevention service that is paid for by Medi-Cal.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(B)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								This paragraph shall not apply to a prevention service for which the state has received a federal waiver of the evaluation requirements pursuant to Section 471(e)(5) of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 671(e)(5)).
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(C)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								Subject to the availability of state or other funds, the department may conduct or contract for a well-designed and rigorous
						evaluation of a prevention service as described in subparagraph (A). A Title IV-E agency’s participation in an evaluation of a prevention service by the department shall satisfy the agency’s responsibility under this paragraph.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(e)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								A Title IV-E agency may contract with another agency or community-based organization to perform the activities described in paragraphs (4) through (8), inclusive, of subdivision (d) in accordance with guidelines and instructions issued by the department. The county shall be responsible for supervising and ensuring appropriate performance of these activities. A county may work with one or more other counties utilizing the same prevention service to conduct a joint evaluation that meets the requirements of this section.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(f)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								A parent, caregiver, child,
						or youth’s nonparticipation in or noncompletion of offered prevention services, in and of itself, shall not be prima facie evidence that the child comes within Section 300 or prima facie evidence of substantial danger.
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			<ns0:Num>SEC. 4.</ns0:Num>
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				Section 16589 of the 
				<ns0:DocName>Welfare and Institutions Code</ns0:DocName>
				 is amended to read:
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					<ns0:Num>16589.</ns0:Num>
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							<html:p>
								(a)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								The State Department of Social Services shall have oversight of the Family First Prevention Services program established under this chapter. The department shall consult with the State Department of Health Care Services on any letters or instructions for the Family First Prevention Services program that intersect with services under the Medi-Cal program. 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 by means of all-county letters or similar written instructions from the department until regulations are adopted. These all-county letters
						or similar written instructions shall have the same force and effect as regulations until the adoption of regulations.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(b)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								(1)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to amend or otherwise alter state and federal requirements for Medi-Cal services. The State Department of Health Care Services shall maintain oversight over services claimed to the Medi-Cal program and shall be responsible for seeking any approvals necessary for the Medi-Cal program. The State Department of Health Care Services may provide guidance on whether federal financial participation is available for Medi-Cal services that may intersect with the implementation of prevention services under Part I of the federal Family First Prevention Services Act. Medi-Cal services shall only be claimed to the extent that any necessary federal approvals are
						obtained and medical assistance federal financial participation is available and is not otherwise jeopardized. Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the State Department of Health Care Services may provide Medi-Cal guidance to implement this chapter by means of plan or all-county letters, information notices, plan or provider bulletins, or other similar instructions, without taking any further regulatory action.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(2)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								The State Department of Social Services and State Department of Health Care Services shall jointly provide an update to the Assembly Committee on Budget and the Senate Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review, and to the subcommittees that have oversight of human services, on or before April 1, 2026, and every 90 days thereafter, on guidance to counties
						with respect to payer of last resort federal requirements and revenue maximization of Medicaid and Title IV-E funding to support services within this chapter. This subdivision shall become inoperative upon findings by the Assembly Committee on Budget and the Senate Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review, that this requirement has been satisfied.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(c)
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								(1)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								Notwithstanding any other law, contracts awarded by the State Department of Social Services for purposes of 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, the Public Contract Code, and the State Contracting Manual, and shall not be subject to the review or approval of the Department of General Services.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(2)
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								This subdivision shall become inoperative on July 1, 2028, unless a later enacted statute, that becomes operative on or before July 1, 2028, deletes or extends the date on which this subdivision becomes inoperative.
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		<ns0:BillSection id="id_642B8814-0A30-4FE2-9F8F-18B77EF2BA62">
			<ns0:Num>SEC. 5.</ns0:Num>
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				Section 18950.1 is added to the 
				<ns0:DocName>Welfare and Institutions Code</ns0:DocName>
				, to read:
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			<ns0:Fragment>
				<ns0:LawSection id="id_C34A7CF6-65D7-4571-957B-D3D4D57A9BFF">
					<ns0:Num>18950.1.</ns0:Num>
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							<html:p>
								(a)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(1)
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								Current mandatory reporting laws have resulted in a significant increase in the number of reports made with no corresponding evidence that children are safer.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(2)
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								The harm and trauma of unnecessary reporting falls disproportionately on Black/African American and Native American/Indigenous children and families.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(3)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								Therefore,
						to eliminate the disproportionate surveillance and reporting of Black/African American, Native American/Indigenous, and Latino families and communities, thereby leading to an environment of antiracism in support of all children and families, it is the intent of the Legislature that training be fully implemented regarding the definition of general neglect, as defined in Section 11165.2 of the Penal Code, and that investigations of general neglect by child welfare agencies as referred by mandated reporters emphasize community-based supports and family preservation services to reduce disparities and disproportionality in the child welfare system.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(4)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								It is the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation to clarify statutes to allow for the sharing of information across agencies through a multidisciplinary team approach to serve children and families to prevent foster care entry.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(b)
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								The department, through the State Office of Child Abuse Prevention, with participation of individuals with lived expertise, county child welfare agencies, and other stakeholders, shall, by no later than July 1, 2027, develop a standardized curriculum for mandated reporters. The curriculum shall reflect the intent of the Legislature in subdivision (a) and shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(1)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								History of mandated reporting laws, including the impact of
						structural racism
						resulting in a disproportionate number of Black and Indigenous families involved in the child welfare services system.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(2)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(3)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								California’s Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act in Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(4)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								Best practice for defining “reasonable suspicion” and “substantial risk.”
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(5)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								Differences between
						“severe neglect” and “general neglect” as defined in 11165.2 of the Penal Code.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(6)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								California child abuse, neglect, and disproportionality data.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(7)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								Definitions of “bias,” including “implicit,” and “explicit,” bias, and “trauma,” the impact of bias and trauma on families and children, and strategies for recognizing and mitigating their impact.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(8)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								The impact on families of making a child abuse or neglect report to child protective services.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(9)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								Considerations for special populations, including individuals with disabilities, behavioral health, domestic violence, and substance use concerns, as well as the unique factors involved
						in supporting children 0 to 5 years of age.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(10)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								Decisionmaking processes and tools for mandated reporters, including case examples of general neglect and severe neglect as those terms are defined in Section 11165.2 of the Penal Code.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(11)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								Education and information on community resources, community-based organizations, and other government agencies that can provide support to families in need.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(c)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								The department shall make the training available on its internet website.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(d)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								(1)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								Except as provided in paragraph (2), an employer having one or more mandated reporters, as described
						in subdivision (a) of Section 11165.7 of the Penal Code, shall ensure completion of the training created by this section within the first three months of their employment, or on or before March 1, 2030, whichever is later. Completion of the training shall be documented in a manner that would allow the department to verify completion upon request.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(2)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								The training required by this section shall not apply to any of the following:
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(A)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								Volunteers whose duties require direct contact with and supervision of children, as described in subdivision (g) of Section 11165.7 of the Penal Code.
							</html:p>
							<html:p>
								(B)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								Any mandated reporter under Section 11165.7 of the Penal Code who is otherwise required by law to receive training in child abuse and neglect identification and training in child abuse and neglect reporting.
							</html:p>
							 
							<html:p>
								(e)
								<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
								For the purposes of this chapter, “California child abuse, neglect, and disproportionality data” means data documented by the California Child Welfare Indicators Project.
							</html:p>
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		<ns0:BillSection id="id_C155C627-9BFD-4961-88A6-5CE9B6D3668E">
			<ns0:Num>SEC. 6.</ns0:Num>
			<ns0:Content>
				<html:p>If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.</html:p>
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Last Version Text Digest Existing law, the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act, establishes procedures for the reporting and investigation of suspected child abuse or neglect. The act requires certain professionals, including specified health practitioners and social workers, known as “mandated reporters,” to report known or reasonably suspected child abuse or neglect to a local law enforcement agency or a county welfare or probation department, as specified. This bill would require the State Department of Social Services, through the State Office of Child Abuse Prevention, to, by no later than July 1, 2027, develop a standardized curriculum for mandated reporters, and to make that training available on its internet website. The bill would, except as provided, require an employer having one or more mandated reporters to ensure completion of the training within the first 3 months of the mandated reporter’s employment, or on or before March 1, 2030, whichever is later. The bill would require completion of the training to be documented in a manner that would allow the department to verify completion upon request. This bill would require the State Department of Social Services and the State Department of Health Care Services to provide updates every 90 days to specified legislative committees on guidance to counties with respect to payer of last resort federal requirements and revenue maximization of specified funding sources for services related to these provisions, until those committees make findings that this requirement has been met. Existing law establishes the California Child Welfare Council to serve as an advisory board responsible for improving the collaboration and processes of the multiple agencies and the courts that serve the children and youth in the child welfare and foster care systems. Existing law requires the council to monitor and report the extent to which child welfare and foster care programs and the courts are responsive to the needs of children in their joint care. This bill would require the California Child Welfare Council to establish a Mandated Reporting Advisory Committee, as specified, and would state the intent of the Legislature that the committee ensure the transformation of mandated reporting to community supporting continues and disparities in the child welfare system are eliminated. The federal Family First Prevention Services Act provides a state with the option to use certain federal funds to provide mental health and substance abuse prevention and treatment services and in-home parent skill-based programs to a child who is a candidate for foster care or a child in foster care who is a pregnant or parenting foster youth, as specified. Existing state law authorizes a county to elect to provide those prevention services by providing a written plan to the State Department of Social Services, which has oversight of the Family First Prevention Services program. Existing law requires the county to consult with other relevant county agencies, as specified, in the development of the plan.