Bill > SB452

This bill establishes the Family Advocacy Pilot Program, which will provide grants to qualified organizations to offer prevention legal services for families at risk of child welfare intervention. The program, to be implemented by the State Department of Social Services for three years, will support organizations in providing free legal services such as navigating child welfare investigations, obtaining restraining orders, formalizing custody arrangements, accessing public benefits, improving housing stability, and addressing other family challenges. Qualified organizations must have at least three years of experience providing legal services to low-income Californians, with priority given to those already offering prevention legal services. The program aims to help stabilize families and prevent unnecessary family separation by providing early, high-quality legal representation. Organizations can offer services through prevention legal services, direct assistance by an interdisciplinary team (including social workers and peer advocates), and legal training or technical assistance. At the program's conclusion, the department must submit a report to the Legislature evaluating its effectiveness, without including any personal identifying information about participants. The bill is subject to legislative appropriation and will seek federal reimbursement to the maximum extent possible to supplement, not replace, existing funding.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB452