Bill > AB779

This bill authorizes county child welfare agencies to establish a three-year pilot program that partners with domestic violence consultants from victim service organizations to support social workers in addressing families experiencing both domestic violence and potential child maltreatment. The domestic violence consultant, who must be a qualified counselor, will assist social workers by providing education about domestic violence dynamics, discussing complex factors like children witnessing violence or family homelessness, exploring protective measures such as safety plans and restraining orders, offering resource recommendations, and helping navigate law enforcement responses. The consultant may also directly support parent survivors by facilitating shelter access, referring children to therapy, and providing additional resource information. Counties participating in the pilot program will be required to conduct a comprehensive evaluation and submit a detailed report to the Legislature by October 31, 2031, including data on safety plan implementations, family resource access outcomes, and law enforcement responses. The program will seek input from the State Department of Social Services and stakeholders with lived experience in domestic violence and child welfare. The pilot program will automatically expire on January 1, 2032, unless further legislative action is taken.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB779