Bill > AB1195

This bill aims to improve visitation rights and family connections for children with parents incarcerated in county jails. The legislation requires that when a dependent child is placed in foster care and reunification services are ordered, county jails must facilitate in-person visits between the incarcerated parent and child, unless such visits would be detrimental to the child's well-being. If in-person visits are not feasible, the bill allows for videoconferencing or telephonic communication as an alternative. The child welfare agency must document and coordinate visitation efforts, notify the incarcerated parent of their visitation rights, and include a summary of visitation activities in court reports. The bill recognizes that maintaining parent-child relationships during incarceration can reduce emotional trauma for children, improve family reunification outcomes, and decrease recidivism rates. The legislation provides flexibility for children of all ages to choose between in-person and virtual visits in consultation with their attorney or social worker, and allows for community-based organizations or licensed professionals to facilitate these visits. By prioritizing family connections, the bill seeks to support the overall well-being of children in the foster care system and help incarcerated parents maintain meaningful relationships with their dependent children.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1195