Bill > AB601

This bill addresses child abuse reporting by implementing several key changes to improve the child welfare system's approach to mandated reporting. The State Department of Social Services is required to develop a standardized curriculum for mandated reporters by July 1, 2027, which will include training on the history of mandated reporting laws, the impact of structural racism, best practices for defining risk, and strategies for recognizing and mitigating bias and trauma. All employers with mandated reporters must ensure these employees complete the training within the first three months of employment or by March 1, 2030. The bill acknowledges that current mandatory reporting laws have not necessarily made children safer and have disproportionately impacted Black, Native American, and Latino families. To address this, the training will emphasize community-based supports and family preservation services, with a focus on reducing systemic disparities. The legislation also establishes a Mandated Reporting Advisory Committee to help transform mandated reporting into a more supportive community-centered approach. Additionally, the bill requires the State Department of Social Services to monitor and report on disparities in the child welfare system, with a report due by January 1, 2027, and mandates that counties include information about community resources in their prevention service plans.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB601