Bill > AB680

This bill amends California's foster care benefits regulations to improve administrative processes and protections for foster children and nonminor dependents. The bill requires counties to make an initial determination of foster care benefits within 30 days of a child's court detention and conduct thorough annual reviews of a child's eligibility for benefits. If a county determines that a child is no longer eligible for benefits under their current program but qualifies for another program, the county must ensure continued benefits at the same rate without interruption and provide a detailed notice of action to the caregiver or nonminor dependent explaining the program change, new program details, and administrative hearing rights. If a child is found ineligible for all foster care benefit programs, the county must provide a notice specifying the programs assessed and reasons for ineligibility. The bill defines foster care benefits to include several specific programs like Kinship Guardianship Assistance, Aid to Families with Dependent Children—Foster Care, and the Adoption Assistance Program. While the bill imposes new administrative duties on counties, it includes provisions to manage potential increased costs, and no state reimbursement is required for implementing these changes.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB680