California Assembly Bill AB1997 Amended / Bill

 BILL NUMBER: AB 1997AMENDED BILL TEXT AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY APRIL 5, 2016 INTRODUCED BY Assembly Member Mark Stone FEBRUARY 16, 2016 An act  to amend Section 7911.1 of the Family Code,  to amend Sections 1501.1, 1502,  1506.1,  1517, 1520.1, 1525.5, and 1562.01  of   of, and to add Section 1517.1 to,  the Health and Safety Code, and to amend Sections  361.2, 366.26, 727,  4094.2,  11460,  11462,  11463.01,  11466,  and 16519.5,   11466.21, 11466.22, 11469, 16514, 16519.5, and 16519.51  of the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to foster care. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST AB 1997, as amended, Mark Stone. Foster care. Existing law provides for the early implementation, by counties and foster family agencies, of the resource family approval process, which is a unified, family friendly, and child-centered approval process that replaces the multiple processes for licensing foster family homes, approving relatives and nonrelative extended family members as foster care providers, and approving adoptive families. Existing law requires the State Department of Social Services to implement the resource family approval process in all counties and with all foster family agencies by January 1, 2017. This bill would  also provide that the resource family approval process replaces the approval of guardians. The bill would  make conforming statutory changes related to the statewide implementation of the resource family approval process, including prohibiting the department from accepting applications to license foster family homes on and after January 1, 2017. The bill would also revise certain aspects of the resource family approval process, including by requiring counties and foster family agencies to conduct annual, announced inspections of resource family homes and to inspect resource family homes as often as necessary to ensure the quality of care provided, and by authorizing counties to grant, deny, or rescind criminal records exemptions. By imposing additional duties on counties, and by expanding the duties of foster family agencies, for which the failure to comply is a crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.  Existing law requires the State Department of Social Services to develop, implement, and maintain a ratesetting system for foster family agencies that have been granted a specified rate exception extension. Existing law makes these provisions inoperative on January 1, 2018.   This bill would instead make those provision inoperative on January 1, 2019.   Existing law requires certain foster care providers, in accordance with the federal Single Audit Act, to annually submit a financial audit on its most recent fiscal period to the State Department of Social Services, and would require the department to provide timely notice to the providers of the date that submission of the financial audits is required. Existing law provides that repeated late financial audits may result in monetary penalties or termination of the provider's rate.   This bill would delete the requirement that the department provide timely notice of the date that submission of the financial audits is required and would instead require those foster care providers to submit a financial audit pursuant to Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards. The bill would instead provide that repeated late submission of financial audits, repeat findings in financial audits, or failure to comply with corrective action in a management decision letter may result in monetary penalties or a reduction, suspension, or termination of the provider's rate.   Existing law authorizes the juvenile court to make any reasonable orders for the care, supervision, custody, conduct, maintenance, and support of a minor or nonminor who is adjudged a ward of the court, and provides that, once the court makes a placement order, it is the sole responsibility of the probation agency to determine the appropriate placement for the ward. Existing law requires, if a placement is with a foster family agency or in a short-term residential treatment center and is for longer than 12 months, the placement to be approved by the chief probation officer or his or her designee.   This bill would require, for youth 13 years of age and older, a placement with a foster family agency or in a short-term residential treatment center to be approved by the chief probation officer or his or her designee, only if the placement is longer than 12 months.  Existing law, the California Community Care Facilities Act, provides for the licensure of short-term residential treatment centers, which are residential facilities licensed by the State Department of Social Services and operated by any public agency or private organization that provides short-term, specialized, and intensive treatment, and 24-hour care and supervision to children. A violation of the act is a crime. This bill would require a private short-term residential treatment center to be organized and operated on a nonprofit basis. By expanding the scope of a crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.  Existing law requires, on and after January 1, 2017, a foster family agency to have national accreditation, as specified, and requires a short-term residential treatment center to have national accreditation, as specified. Existing law also authorizes, in certain circumstances, the department to extend the term of a foster family agency's or short-term residential treatment center's provisional license to 2 years if it determines that additional time is required to secure that accreditation.   This bill would delete that authorization. The bill would specify that a foster family agency licensed before January 1, 2017, has until December 31, 2018, to obtain accreditation, and that a foster family agency licensed on or after January 1, 2017, or a short-term residential treatment center has up to 24 months from the date of licensure to obtain accreditation. The bill would authorize the department to revoke a foster family agency's or a short-term treatment centers license for failure to obtain accreditation within these timeframes.  Existing law generally requires, commencing January 1, 2017, a community treatment facility program to have accreditation from a nationally recognized accrediting entity identified by the State Department of Social Services pursuant to a specified process. Existing law provides that a community treatment facility program that has been granted a specified extension does not have to comply with that requirement until January 1, 2018. This bill would provide that a community treatment facility program that has been granted that specified extension does not have to comply with the accreditation requirement until January 1, 2019. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for specified reasons. Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes. State-mandated local program: yes. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:  SECTION 1.   Section 7911.1 of the   Family Code   is amended to read:  7911.1. (a) Notwithstanding any other law, the State Department of Social Services or its designee shall investigate any threat to the health and safety of children placed by a California county social services agency or probation department in an out-of-state group home pursuant to the provisions of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children. This authority shall include the authority to interview children or staff in private or review their file at the out-of-state facility or wherever the child or files may be at the time of the investigation. Notwithstanding any other law, the State Department of Social Services or its designee shall require certified out-of-state group homes to comply with the reporting requirements applicable to group homes licensed in California pursuant to Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations for each child in care regardless of whether he or she is a California placement, by submitting a copy of the required reports to the Compact Administrator within regulatory timeframes. The Compact Administrator within one business day of receiving a serious events report shall verbally notify the appropriate placement agencies and within five working days of receiving a written report from the out-of-state group home, forward a copy of the written report to the appropriate placement agencies. (b) Any contract, memorandum of understanding, or agreement entered into pursuant to paragraph (b) of Article 5 of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children regarding the placement of a child out of state by a California county social services agency or probation department shall include the language set forth in subdivision (a). (c) (1) The State Department of Social Services or its designee shall perform initial and continuing inspection of out-of-state group homes in order to either certify that the out-of-state group home meets all licensure standards required of group homes operated in California or that the department has granted a waiver to a specific licensing standard upon a finding that there exists no adverse impact to health and safety. (2) On and after January 1, 2017, the licensing standards applicable to out-of-state group homes certified by the department, as described in paragraph (1) shall be those required of short-term residential treatment centers operated in this state.  (3) In order to receive certification, the out-of-state group home shall have a current license, or an equivalent approval, in good standing issued by the appropriate authority or authorities of the state in which it is operating.   (3)   (   4)  On and after January 1, 2017, an out-of-state group home program shall, in order to receive an AFDC-FC rate, meet the requirements of paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 11460 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.  (4)   (   5)  Any failure by an out-of-state group home facility to make children or staff available as required by subdivision (a) for a private interview or make files available for review shall be grounds to deny or discontinue the certification.  Certifications   (6)    Certifications  made pursuant to this subdivision shall be reviewed annually. (d) A county shall be required to obtain an assessment and placement recommendation by a county multidisciplinary team prior to placement of a child in an out-of-state group home facility. (e) Any failure by an out-of-state group home to obtain or maintain its certification as required by subdivision (c) shall preclude the use of any public funds, whether county, state, or federal, in the payment for the placement of any child in that out-of-state group home, pursuant to the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children. (f) (1) A multidisciplinary team shall consist of participating members from county social services, county mental health, county probation, county superintendents of schools, and other members as determined by the county. (2) Participants shall have knowledge or experience in the prevention, identification, and treatment of child abuse and neglect cases, and shall be qualified to recommend a broad range of services related to child abuse or neglect. (g) (1) The department may deny, suspend, or discontinue the certification of the out-of-state group home if the department makes a finding that the group home is not operating in compliance with the requirements of subdivision (c). (2) Any judicial proceeding to contest the department's determination as to the status of the out-of-state group home certificate shall be held in California pursuant to Section 1085 of the Code of Civil Procedure. (h) The certification requirements of this section shall not impact placements of emotionally disturbed children made pursuant to an individualized education program developed pursuant to the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.) if the placement is not funded with federal or state foster care funds. (i) Only an out-of-state group home authorized by the Compact Administrator to receive state funds for the placement by a county social services agency or probation department of any child in that out-of-state group home from the effective date of this section shall be eligible for public funds pending the department's certification under this section.  SECTION 1.   SEC. 2.  Section 1501.1 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read: 1501.1. (a) It is the policy of the state to facilitate the proper placement of every child in residential care facilities where the placement is in the best interests of the child. A county may require placement or licensing agencies, or both placement and licensing agencies, to actively seek out-of-home care facilities capable of meeting the varied needs of the child. Therefore, in placing children in out-of-home care, particular attention should be given to the individual child's needs, the ability of the facility to meet those needs, the needs of other children in the facility, the licensing requirements of the facility as determined by the licensing agency, and the impact of the placement on the family reunification plan. (b) Pursuant to this section, children with varying designations and varying needs, including, on and after January 1, 2012, nonminor dependents, as defined in subdivision (v) of Section 11400 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, except as provided by statute, may be placed in the same facility provided the facility is licensed, complies with all licensing requirements relevant to the protection of the child, and has a special permit, if necessary, to meet the needs of each child so placed. A facility may not require, as a condition of placement, that a child be identified as an individual with exceptional needs as defined by Section 56026 of the Education Code. (c) Neither the requirement for any license nor any regulation shall restrict the implementation of the provisions of this section. Implementation of this section does not obviate the requirement for a facility to be licensed by the department. (d) Pursuant to this section, children with varying designations and varying needs, including, on and after January 1, 2012, nonminor dependents, as defined in subdivision (v) of Section 11400 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, except as provided by statute, may be placed in the same licensed foster family home or with a foster family agency for subsequent placement in a certified family home or with a resource family. Children, including nonminor dependents, with developmental disabilities, mental disorders, or physical disabilities may be placed in licensed foster family homes or certified family homes or with resource families, provided that an appraisal of the child's or nonminor dependent's needs and the ability of the receiving home to meet those needs is made jointly by the placement agency and the licensee in the case of licensed foster family homes or the placement agency and the foster family agency in the case of certified family homes or resource families, and is followed by written confirmation prior to placement. The appraisal shall confirm that the placement poses no threat to any child in the home. (e) (1) For purposes of this chapter, the placing of children by foster family agencies shall be referred to as "subsequent placement" to distinguish the activity from the placing by public agencies. (2) For purposes of this chapter, and unless otherwise specified, references to a "child" shall include a "nonminor dependent" and "nonminor former dependent or ward" as those terms are defined in subdivision (v) and paragraph (1) of subdivision (aa) of Section 11400 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.  SEC. 2.   SEC. 3.  Section 1502 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read: 1502. As used in this chapter: (a) "Community care facility" means any facility, place, or building that is maintained and operated to provide nonmedical residential care, day treatment, adult day care, or foster family agency services for children, adults, or children and adults, including, but not limited to, the physically handicapped, mentally impaired, incompetent persons, and abused or neglected children, and includes the following: (1) "Residential facility" means any family home, group care facility, or similar facility determined by the  director,   department,  for 24-hour nonmedical care of persons in need of personal services, supervision, or assistance essential for sustaining the activities of daily living or for the protection of the individual. (2) "Adult day program" means any community-based facility or program that provides care to persons 18 years of age or older in need of personal services, supervision, or assistance essential for sustaining the activities of daily living or for the protection of these individuals on less than a 24-hour basis. (3) "Therapeutic day services facility" means any facility that provides nonmedical care, counseling, educational or vocational support, or social rehabilitation services on less than a 24-hour basis to persons under 18 years of age who would otherwise be placed in foster care or who are returning to families from foster care. Program standards for these facilities shall be developed by the department, pursuant to Section 1530, in consultation with therapeutic day services and foster care providers. (4) "Foster family agency" means any public agency or private  organization   organization, organized and operated on a nonprofit basis,  engaged in  the recruiting,   any of the following:   (A)     Recruiting,  certifying, approving, and training of, and providing professional support to, foster parents and resource  families, or in finding   families.   (   B)     Finding  homes for the placement of children for temporary or permanent care who require that level of care.  Private foster family agencies shall be organized and operated on a nonprofit basis.   (C) Cooperatively matching children with resource families as specified in Section 1517.  (5)  (A)    "Foster family home" means any residential facility providing 24-hour care for six or fewer foster children that is owned, leased, or rented and is the residence of the foster parent or parents, including their family, in whose care the foster children have been placed. The placement may be by a public or private child placement agency or by a court order, or by voluntary placement by a parent, parents, or guardian. It also means a foster family home described in Section 1505.2.  (B) On and after January 1, 2017, the department shall not accept applications for foster family home licenses.  (6) "Small family home" means any residential facility, in the licensee's family residence, that provides 24-hour care for six or fewer foster children who have mental disorders or developmental or physical disabilities and who require special care and supervision as a result of their disabilities. A small family home may accept children with special health care needs, pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 17710 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. In addition to placing children with special health care needs, the department may approve placement of children without special health care needs, up to the licensed capacity. (7) "Social rehabilitation facility" means any residential facility that provides social rehabilitation services for no longer than 18 months in a group setting to adults recovering from mental illness who temporarily need assistance, guidance, or counseling. Program components shall be subject to program standards pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 5670) of Chapter 2.5 of Part 2 of Division 5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. (8) "Community treatment facility" means any residential facility that provides mental health treatment services to children in a group setting and that has the capacity to provide secure containment. Program components shall be subject to program standards developed and enforced by the State Department of Health Care Services pursuant to Section 4094 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit or discourage placement of persons who have mental or physical disabilities into any category of community care facility that meets the needs of the individual placed, if the placement is consistent with the licensing regulations of the department. (9) "Full-service adoption agency" means any licensed entity engaged in the business of providing adoption services, that does all of the following: (A) Assumes care, custody, and control of a child through relinquishment of the child to the agency or involuntary termination of parental rights to the child. (B) Assesses the birth parents, prospective adoptive parents, or child. (C) Places children for adoption. (D) Supervises adoptive placements. Private full-service adoption agencies shall be organized and operated on a nonprofit basis. As a condition of licensure to provide intercountry adoption services, a full-service adoption agency shall be accredited and in good standing according to Part 96 of Title 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations, or supervised by an accredited primary provider, or acting as an exempted provider, in compliance with Subpart F (commencing with Section 96.29) of Part 96 of Title 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations. (10) "Noncustodial adoption agency" means any licensed entity engaged in the business of providing adoption services, that does all of the following: (A) Assesses the prospective adoptive parents. (B) Cooperatively matches children freed for adoption, who are under the care, custody, and control of a licensed adoption agency, for adoption, with assessed and approved adoptive applicants. (C) Cooperatively supervises adoptive placements with a full-service  adoptive   adoption  agency, but does not disrupt a placement or remove a child from a placement. Private noncustodial adoption agencies shall be organized and operated on a nonprofit basis. As a condition of licensure to provide intercountry adoption services, a noncustodial adoption agency shall be accredited and in good standing according to Part 96 of Title 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations, or supervised by an accredited primary provider, or acting as an exempted provider, in compliance with Subpart F (commencing with Section 96.29) of Part 96 of Title 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations. (11) "Transitional shelter care facility" means any group care facility that provides for 24-hour nonmedical care of persons in need of personal services, supervision, or assistance essential for sustaining the activities of daily living or for the protection of the individual. Program components shall be subject to program standards developed by the State Department of Social Services pursuant to Section 1502.3. (12) "Transitional housing placement provider" means an organization licensed by the department pursuant to Section 1559.110 and Section 16522.1 of the Welfare and Institutions Code to provide transitional housing to foster children at least 16 years of age and not more than 18 years of age, and nonminor dependents, as defined in subdivision (v) of Section 11400 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, to promote their transition to adulthood. A transitional housing placement provider shall be privately operated and organized on a nonprofit basis. (13) "Group home" means a residential facility that provides 24-hour care and supervision to children, delivered at least in part by staff employed by the licensee in a structured environment. The care and supervision provided by a group home shall be nonmedical, except as otherwise permitted by law. (14) "Runaway and homeless youth shelter" means a group home licensed by the department to operate a program pursuant to Section 1502.35 to provide voluntary, short-term, shelter and personal services to runaway youth or homeless youth, as defined in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 1502.35. (15) "Enhanced behavioral supports home" means a facility certified by the State Department of Developmental Services pursuant to Article 3.6 (commencing with Section 4684.80) of Chapter 6 of Division 4.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, and licensed by the State Department of Social Services as an adult residential facility or a group home that provides 24-hour nonmedical care to individuals with developmental disabilities who require enhanced behavioral supports, staffing, and supervision in a homelike setting. An enhanced behavioral supports home shall have a maximum capacity of four consumers, shall conform to Section 441.530(a)(1) of Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and shall be eligible for federal Medicaid home- and community-based services funding. (16) "Community crisis home" means a facility certified by the State Department of Developmental Services pursuant to Article 8 (commencing with Section 4698) of Chapter 6 of Division 4.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, and licensed by the State Department of Social Services pursuant to Article 9.7 (commencing with Section 1567.80), as an adult residential facility, providing 24-hour nonmedical care to individuals with developmental disabilities receiving regional center service, in need of crisis intervention services, and who would otherwise be at risk of admission to the acute crisis center at Fairview Developmental Center, Sonoma Developmental Center, an acute general hospital, acute psychiatric hospital, an institution for mental disease, as described in Part 5 (commencing with Section 5900) of Division 5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or an out-of-state placement. A community crisis home shall have a maximum capacity of eight consumers, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 1567.80, shall conform to Section 441.530 (a)(1) of Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and shall be eligible for federal Medicaid home- and community-based services funding. (17) "Crisis nursery" means a facility licensed by the department to operate a program pursuant to Section 1516 to provide short-term care and supervision for children under six years of age who are voluntarily placed for temporary care by a parent or legal guardian due to a family crisis or stressful situation. (18) "Short-term residential treatment center" means a residential facility licensed by the department pursuant to Section 1562.01 and operated by any public agency or private organization that provides short-term, specialized, and intensive treatment, and 24-hour care and supervision to children. The care and supervision provided by a short-term residential treatment center shall be nonmedical, except as otherwise permitted by law. Private short-term residential treatment centers shall be organized and operated on a nonprofit basis. (b) "Department" or "state department" means the State Department of Social Services. (c) "Director" means the Director of Social Services.  SEC. 4.   Section 1506.1 of the  Health and Safety Code   is amended to read:  1506.1. (a) A foster family agency shall prepare and maintain a current, written plan of operation as required by the department. (b) (1)  On and after January 1, 2017, a   A  foster family agency shall have national accreditation from an entity identified by the department pursuant to the process described in paragraph (8) of subdivision (b) of Section 11463 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.  (2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the department may issue a provisional license to a foster family agency and may extend the term of the provisional license in order for the foster family agency to secure accreditation as set forth in subdivision (c) of Section 1525.5.   (2) The following applies to a foster family agency licensed before January 1, 2017:   (A) The foster family agency shall have until December 31, 2018, to obtain accreditation.   (B) The foster family agency shall submit documentation of accreditation or application for accreditation to the department in a time and manner as determined by the department.   (C) The foster family agency shall provide documentation to the department reporting its accreditation status as of January 1, 2018, and July 1, 2018, in a time and manner as determined by the department.   (3) The following applies to a foster family agency licensed on or after January 1, 2017:   (A) The foster family agency shall have up to 24 months from the date of licensure to obtain accreditation.   (B) The foster family agency applicant shall submit documentation of accreditation or application for accreditation with its application for licensure.   (C) The foster family agency shall provide documentation to the department reporting its accreditation status at 12 months and at 18 months after the date of licensure.   (4) This subdivision does not preclude the department from requesting additional information from the foster family agency regarding its accreditation status.   (5) The department may revoke a foster family agency's license pursuant to Article 5 (commencing with Section 1550) for failure to obtain accreditation within the timeframes specified in this subdivision.  (c) (1) On and after January 1, 2017, a foster family agency's plan of operation shall demonstrate the foster family agency's ability to support the differing needs of children and their families. (2) On and after January 1, 2017, a foster family agency's plan of operation shall contain a plan for the supervision, evaluation, and training of staff. The training plan shall be appropriate to meet the needs of children, and it shall be consistent with the training provided to resource families as set forth in Section 16519.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. (3) In addition to complying with the rules and regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter, on and after January 1, 2017, a foster family agency's plan of operation shall include a program statement. The program statement shall contain a description of all of the following: (A) The core services and supports, as set forth in paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 11463 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, and as prescribed by the department, to be offered to children and their families, as appropriate or as necessary. (B) The treatment practices that will be used in serving children and families. (C) The procedures for the development, implementation, and periodic updating of the needs and services plan for children placed with the foster family agency or served by the foster family agency, and procedures for collaborating with the child and family team as described in paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) of Section 16501 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, that includes, but is not limited to, a description of the services to be provided to meet the treatment needs of children assessed pursuant to subdivision (d) or (e) of Section 11462.01 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. (D) How the foster family agency will comply with the resource family approval standards and requirements, as set forth in Section 16519.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. (E) A description of the population or populations to be served. (F) Any other information that may be prescribed by the department for the proper administration of this section. (d) In addition to the rules and regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter, a county licensed to operate a foster family agency shall describe, in the plan of operation, its conflict-of-interest mitigation plan, on and after January 1, 2017, as set forth in subdivision (g) of Section 11462.02 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. (e) The foster family agency's plan of operation shall demonstrate the foster family agency's ability to provide treatment services to meet the individual needs of children placed in licensed, approved, or certified relative and nonrelative foster families, as specified in Section 11402 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. (f) The department shall have the authority to inspect a foster family agency pursuant to the system of governmental monitoring and oversight developed by the department on and after January 1, 2017, pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 11463 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. (g) The department shall establish procedures for a county review process, at the county's option, for foster family agencies, which may include the review of the foster family agency's program statement, and which shall be established in consultation with the County Welfare Directors Association of California, Chief Probation Officers of California, and stakeholders, as appropriate.  SEC. 3.   SEC. 5.  Section 1517 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read: 1517. (a) (1) Pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 16519.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, the State Department of Social Services, shall implement a unified, family friendly, and child-centered resource family approval process to replace the existing multiple processes for licensing foster family homes, approving relatives and nonrelative extended family members as foster care providers, and approving  guardians and  adoptive families. (2) For purposes of this section, a "resource family" means an individual or family that has successfully met both the home environment assessment and the permanency assessment criteria, as set forth in Section 16519.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, necessary for providing care for a related or unrelated child who is under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, or otherwise in the care of a county child welfare agency or probation department. (b) (1) A foster family agency shall comply with the provisions of this section. (2) Notwithstanding any other law, a foster family agency shall require its applicants and resource families to meet the resource family approval standards set forth in Section 16519.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, the written directives or regulations adopted thereto, and other applicable laws prior to approval and in order to maintain approval. (3) A foster family agency shall be responsible for all of the following: (A) Complying with the applicable provisions of this chapter, the regulations for foster family agencies, the resource family approval standards and requirements set forth in Section 16519.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, and the applicable written directives or regulations adopted thereto by the department. (B) Implementing the requirements for the resource family approval and utilizing standardized documentation established by the department. (C) Ensuring staff have the education and experience necessary to complete the home environment and psychosocial assessments competently. (D) Taking the following actions, as applicable: (i) Approving or denying resource family applications. (ii) Rescinding approvals of resource families. (E) Providing to the department a log of resource families that were approved or rescinded during the month by the 10th day of the following month. For purposes of subdivision (d) of Section 1536, a certified family home includes a resource family approved by the foster family agency pursuant to this section. (F) (i) Updating resource family approval annually. (ii) A foster family agency shall conduct an announced inspection of a resource family home during the annual update in order to ensure that the resource family is conforming to all applicable laws and the written directives or regulations adopted pursuant to Section 16519.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. (G) Monitoring resource families through all of the following: (i) Ensuring that social workers who identify a condition in the home that may not meet the resource family approval standards while in the course of a routine visit to children subsequently placed with a resource family take appropriate action as needed. (ii) Requiring resource families to comply with corrective action plans as necessary to correct identified deficiencies. If corrective action is not completed as specified in the plan, the foster family agency or the department may rescind the approval of the resource family in accordance with the written directives or regulations adopted pursuant to Section 16519.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. (iii) Requiring resource families to report to the foster family agency any incidents as specified in the written directives or regulations adopted pursuant to Section 16519.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. (iv) Inspecting resource family homes as often as necessary to ensure the quality of care provided. (H) Performing corrective action as required by the department. (I) Submitting information and data that the department determines is necessary to study, monitor, and prepare the report specified in paragraph (6) of subdivision (f) of Section 16519.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. (J) (i) Ensuring applicants and resource families meet the training requirements, and, if applicable, the specialized training requirements set forth in Section 16519.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. (ii) Nothing in this section shall preclude a foster family agency from requiring resource family training in excess of the requirements in this section.  (4) A foster family agency may cooperatively match a child who is under the care, custody, and control of a county with a resource family for initial placement.  (c) In addition to subdivision (f) of Section 16519.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, the State Department of Social Services shall be responsible for all of the following: (1) Requiring foster family agencies to monitor resource families, including, but not limited to, developing and monitoring resource family corrective action plans to correct identified deficiencies and to rescind resource family approval if compliance with a corrective action plan is not achieved. (2) Investigating all complaints against a resource family approved by a foster family agency and taking any action it deems necessary. This shall include investigating any incidents reported about a resource family indicating that the approval standard is not being maintained. Complaint investigations shall be conducted in accordance with the written directives or regulations adopted pursuant to Section 16519.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. (3) Rescinding approvals of a resource family approved by a foster family agency. (4) Excluding a resource family parent or other individual from presence in a resource family home or licensed community care facility, from being a member of the board of directors, an executive director, or an officer of a licensed community care facility, or prohibiting a licensed community care facility from employing the resource family parent or other individual, if appropriate. (5) Issuing a temporary suspension order that suspends the resource family approval prior to a hearing, when urgent action is needed to protect a child from physical or mental abuse, abandonment, or any other substantial threat to health or safety.  (6) Providing a resource family parent, applicant, excluded individual, or individual who is the subject of a criminal record exemption decision, requesting review of that decision, with due process pursuant to the department's statutes, regulations, and written directives.  (d) The department may enter and inspect the home of a resource family approved by a foster family agency to secure compliance with the resource family approval standards, investigate a complaint or incident, or ensure the quality of care provided. (e) Nothing in this section or in  Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 16500) of Part 4 of Division 9   Section 16519.5 and following  of the Welfare and Institutions Code limits the authority of the department to inspect, evaluate, investigate a complaint or incident, or initiate a disciplinary action against a foster family agency pursuant to this chapter or to take any action it may deem necessary for the health and safety of children subsequently  placed with the foster family agency. (f) For purposes of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 1523.1, a certified family home includes a resource family approved by a foster family agency pursuant to this section.  (g) (1) The applicable certification and oversight processes shall continue to be administered for foster homes certified by a foster family agency prior to January 1, 2017, until the certification is revoked or forfeited by operation of law pursuant to this subdivision.   (2) A foster family agency shall approve or deny all certified family home applications received on or before December 31, 2016, in accordance with this chapter.   (g) (1)   (3)    On and after January 1, 2017,  all licensed foster family agencies   a foster family agency shall not accept applications to certify foster homes and  shall approve resource families in lieu of certifying foster homes.  A foster family agency shall require its applicants and resource families to meet the resource family approval standards and requirements set forth in Section 16519.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, the written directives or regulations adopted thereto, and other applicable laws prior to approval and in order to maintain approval.   (2)   (   4)  No later than July 1, 2017, each foster family agency shall provide the following information to all certified family homes: (A) A detailed description of the resource family approval program. (B) Notification that, in order to care for a foster child, resource family approval is required by December 31, 2019. (C) Notification that a certificate of approval shall be forfeited by operation of law as provided for in paragraph  (5).   (7).   (3)   (   5)  By no later than January 1, 2018, the following shall apply to all certified family homes: (A) A certified family home with an approved adoptive home study, completed prior to January 1, 2018, shall be deemed to be an approved resource family. (B) A certified family home that had a child in placement for any length of time between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2017, inclusive, may be approved as a resource family on the date of successful completion of a psychosocial assessment pursuant to subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (d) of Section 16519.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.  (4)   (   6)  A foster family agency may provide supportive services to all certified family homes with a child in placement to assist with the resource family transition and to minimize placement disruptions.  (5)   (   7)  All certificates of approval shall be forfeited by operation of law on December 31, 2019, except as provided in this paragraph: (A)  A   All  certified family  home   homes  that did not have a child in placement  for   at  any  length of  time between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2017, inclusive, shall forfeit  the certificate of approval  by operation of law  its certificate of approval  on January 1, 2018. (B) For  a  certified family  home with a   homes with  pending resource family  application   applications  on December 31, 2019, the certificate of approval shall be forfeited by operation of law on the date of approval as a resource family. If approval is denied, forfeiture by operation of law shall occur on the date of completion of any proceedings required by law to ensure due process.  SEC. 6.   Section 1517.1 is added to the   Health and Safety Code   , to read:   1517.1. (a) (1) Pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 16519.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, the State Department of Social Services shall implement a unified, family friendly, and child-centered resource family approval process to replace the existing multiple processes for licensing foster family homes, approving relatives and nonrelative extended family members as foster care providers, and approving guardians and adoptive families. (2) For purposes of this section, a "resource family" means an individual or family that has successfully met both the home environment assessment and the permanency assessment criteria, as set forth in Section 16519.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, necessary for providing care for a related or unrelated child who is under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, or otherwise in the care of a county child welfare agency or probation department. (b) (1) The applicable licensure and oversight processes shall continue to be administered for foster family homes licensed prior to January 1, 2017, until the license or approval is revoked or forfeited by operation of law pursuant to this section or Section 1524 of the Health and Safety Code. (2) The department shall approve or deny all foster family home license applications received on or before December 31, 2016, in accordance with this chapter. (3) On and after January 1, 2017, the department shall not accept applications to license foster family homes. (4) By no later than January 1, 2018, the following shall apply to all foster family homes: (A) A foster family home with an approved adoptive home study, completed prior to January 1, 2018, shall be deemed to be an approved resource family. (B) A foster family home that had a child in placement for any length of time between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2017, inclusive, may be approved as a resource family on the date of successful completion of a psychosocial assessment pursuant to subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (d) of Section 16519.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. (5) All foster family home licenses shall be forfeited by operation of law on December 31, 2019, except as provided in this paragraph: (A) All licensed foster family homes that did not have a child in placement at any time between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2017, inclusive, shall forfeit the license by operation of law on January 1, 2018. (B) For foster family home licensees who have pending resource family applications on December 31, 2019, the foster family home license shall be forfeited by operation of law on the date of approval as a resource family. If approval is denied, forfeiture by operation of law shall occur on the date of completion of any proceedings required by law to ensure due process.   SEC. 4.   SEC. 7.  Section 1520.1 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read: 1520.1. In addition to Section 1520, applicants for a group home or short-term residential treatment center license shall meet the following requirements: (a) (1) During the first 12 months of operation, the facility shall operate with a provisional license. After eight months of operation, the department shall conduct a comprehensive review of the facility for compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and help develop a plan of correction with the provisional licensee, if appropriate. By the end of the 12th month of operation, the department shall determine if the permanent license should be issued. (2) If the department determines that the group home or short-term residential treatment center is in substantial compliance with licensing standards, notwithstanding Section 1525.5, the department may extend the provisional license for up to an additional six months for either of the following reasons: (A) The group home or short-term residential treatment center requires additional time to be in full compliance with licensing standards. (B) After 12 months of operation, the group home or short-term residential treatment center is not operating at 50 percent of its licensed capacity. (3) By no later than the first business day of the 17th month of operation, the department shall conduct an additional review of a facility for which a provisional license is extended pursuant to paragraph (2), in order to determine whether a permanent license should be issued.  (4) At the time of its review pursuant to paragraph (3), the department may extend the provisional license for an additional period of time not to exceed a total of 24 months, only if it determines that this additional time period is required to secure accreditation from an entity identified by the department pursuant to the process described in paragraph (6) of subdivision (b) of Section 11462 of the Welfare and Institutions Code and provided that all other requirements for a license have been met.   (5)   (   4)  The department may deny a group home or short-term residential treatment center license application at any time during the term of the provisional license to protect the health and safety of clients. If the department denies the application, the group home or short-term residential treatment center shall cease operation immediately. Continued operation of the facility after the department denies the application or the provisional license expires shall constitute unlicensed operation.  (6)   (   5)  When the department notifies a city or county planning authority pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 1520.5, the department shall briefly describe the provisional licensing process and the timelines provided for under that process, as well as provide the name, address, and telephone number of the district office licensing the facility where a complaint or comment about the group home's or short-term residential treatment center's operation may be filed. (b) (1) After the production of the booklet provided for in paragraph (2), every member of the group home's board of directors or governing body and every member of a short-term residential treatment center's board of directors or governing body shall, prior to becoming a member of the board of directors or governing body sign a statement that he or she understands his or her legal duties and obligations as a member of the board of directors or governing body and that the group home's or short-term residential treatment center' s operation is governed by laws and regulations that are enforced by the department, as set forth in the booklet. The applicant, provisional licensee, and licensee shall have this statement available for inspection by the department. For members of the board of directors or governing body when the booklet is produced, the licensee shall obtain this statement by the next scheduled meeting of the board of directors or governing body. Compliance with this paragraph shall be a condition of licensure. (2) The department shall distribute to every group home provider and short-term residential treatment center provider, respectively, detailed information designed to educate members of the group home provider's or short-term residential treatment center provider's board of directors or governing body of their roles and responsibilities as members of a public benefit corporation under the laws of this state. The information shall be included in a booklet, may be revised as deemed necessary by the department, and shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following: (A) The financial responsibilities of a member of the board of directors or governing body. (B) Disclosure requirements for self-dealing transactions. (C) Legal requirements pertaining to articles of incorporation, bylaws, length of member terms, voting procedures, board or governing body meetings, quorums, minutes of meetings, and, as provided for in subdivision (f), member duties. (D) A general overview of the laws and regulations governing the group home's or short-term residential treatment center's operation that are enforced by the department. (c) All financial records submitted by a facility to the department, or that are submitted as part of an audit of the facility, including, but not limited to, employee timecards and timesheets, shall be signed and dated by the employee and by the group home representative or short-term residential treatment center representative who is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the information contained in the record, or when a time clock is used, the payroll register shall be signed and dated, and those financial records shall contain an affirmative statement that the signatories understand that the information contained in the document is correct to the best of their knowledge and that submission of false or misleading information may be prosecuted as a crime. (d) An applicant, provisional licensee, or licensee shall maintain, submit, and sign financial documents to verify the legitimacy and accuracy of these documents. These documents include, but are not limited to, the group home or short-term residential treatment center application, any financial documents and plans of corrections submitted to the department, and  time sheets.   timesheets.  (e) (1) It is the intent of the Legislature that a group home or short-term residential treatment center have either representatives on its board of directors, as listed in paragraph (2), or a community advisory board, that meets at least annually. (2) The representatives on the board of directors or the community advisory board members should consist of at least the following persons: (A) A member of the facility's board of directors. (B) Members of the community where the facility is located. (C) Neighbors of the facility. (D) Current or former clients of the facility. (E) A representative from a local law enforcement or other city or county representative. (f) Each group home or short-term residential treatment center provider shall schedule and conduct quarterly meetings of its board of directors or governing body. During these quarterly meetings, the board of directors or governing body shall review and discuss licensing reports, financial and program audit reports of its group home or short-term residential treatment center operations, special incident reports, and any administrative action against the licensee or its employees. The minutes shall reflect the board's or governing body's discussion of these documents and the group home's or short-term residential treatment center's operation. The licensee shall make available the minutes of group home's or short-term residential treatment center's board of directors or governing body meetings to the department.  SEC. 5.   SEC. 8.  Section 1525.5 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read: 1525.5. (a) The department may issue provisional licenses to operate community care facilities for facilities that  the director   it  determines are in substantial compliance with this chapter and the rules and regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter, provided that no life safety risks are involved, as determined by the  director.   department.  In determining whether any life safety risks are involved, the  director   department  shall require completion of all applicable fire clearances and criminal record clearances as otherwise required by the department's rules and regulations. The provisional license shall expire six months from the date of issuance, or at any earlier time as the  director   department  may determine, and may not be renewed. However, the  director   department  may extend the term of a provisional license for an additional six months at time of application, if it is determined that more than six months will be required to achieve full compliance with licensing standards due to circumstances beyond the control of the applicant, provided all other requirements for a license have been met. (b) This section shall not apply to foster family homes.  (c) The department may extend the term of a provisional license issued to a foster family agency beyond the time limits specified in subdivision (a), not to exceed a total of 24 months, if it determines that this additional time is required to secure accreditation from an entity identified by the department pursuant to paragraph (8) of subdivision (b) of Section 11463 of the Welfare and Institutions Code and provided that all other requirements for a license have been met.   SEC. 6.   SEC. 9.  Section 1562.01 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read: 1562.01. (a) The department shall license short-term residential treatment centers, as defined in paragraph (18) of subdivision (a) of Section 1502, pursuant to this chapter. A short-term residential treatment center shall comply with all requirements of this chapter that are applicable to group homes and to the requirements of this section. (b) (1) A short-term residential treatment center shall have national accreditation from an entity identified by the department pursuant to the process described in paragraph (6) of subdivision (b) of Section 11462 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.  (2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the department may issue a provisional license to a short-term residential treatment center and may extend the term of the provisional license not to exceed a total of 24 months in order for the short-term residential treatment center to secure accreditation as set forth in subdivision (a) of Section 1520.1.   (2) A short-term residential treatment center applicant shall submit documentation of accreditation or application for accreditation with its application for licensure.   (3) A short-term residential treatment center shall have up to 24 months from the date of licensure to obtain accreditation.   (4) A short-term residential treatment center shall provide documentation to the department reporting its accreditation status at 12 months and at 18 months after the date of licensure.   (5) This subdivision does not preclude the department from requesting additional information from the short-term residential treatment center regarding its accreditation status.   (6) The department may revoke a short-term residential treatment center's license pursuant to Article 5 (commencing with Section 1550) for failure to obtain accreditation within the timeframes specified in this subdivision.  (c) A short-term residential treatment center shall obtain and have in good standing a mental health certification, as set forth in Section 4096.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. (d) (1) A short-term residential treatment center shall prepare and maintain a current, written plan of operation as required by the department. (2) The plan of operation shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following: (A) A statement of purposes and goals. (B) A plan for the supervision, evaluation, and training of staff. The training plan shall be appropriate to meet the needs of staff and children. (C) A program statement that includes all of the following: (i) Description of the short-term residential treatment center's ability to support the differing needs of children and their families with short-term, specialized, and intensive treatment. (ii) Description of the core services, as set forth in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 11462 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, to be offered to children and their families, as appropriate or necessary. (iii) Procedures for the development, implementation, and periodic updating of the needs and services plan for children served by the short-term residential treatment center and procedures for collaborating with the child and family team described in paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) of Section 16501 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, that include, but are not limited to, a description of the services to be provided to meet the treatment needs of the child as assessed, pursuant to subdivision (d) or (e) of Section 11462.01 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, the anticipated duration of the treatment, and the timeframe and plan for transitioning the child to a  less-restrictive   less restrictive  family environment. (iv) A description of the population or populations to be served. (v) Any other information that may be prescribed by the department for the proper administration of this section. (e) In addition to the rules and regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter, a county licensed to operate a short-term residential treatment center shall describe, in the plan of operation, its conflict of interest mitigation plan, as set forth in subdivision (g) of Section 11462.02 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. (f) The department shall establish procedures for a county review process, at the county's option, for short-term residential treatment centers, which may include the review of the short-term residential treatment center's program statement, and which shall be established in consultation with the County Welfare Directors Association of California, Chief Probation Officers of California, and stakeholders, as appropriate. (g) (1) The department shall adopt regulations to establish requirements for the education, qualification, and training of facility managers and staff who provide care and supervision to children or who have regular, direct contact with children in the course of their responsibilities in short-term residential treatment centers consistent with the intended role of these facilities to provide short-term, specialized, and intensive treatment. (2) Requirements shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following: (A) Staff classifications. (B) Specification of the date by which employees shall be required to meet the education and qualification requirements. (C) Any other requirements that may be prescribed by the department for the proper administration of this section. (h) The department shall adopt regulations to specify training requirements for staff who provide care and supervision to children or who have regular, direct contact with children in the course of their responsibilities. These requirements shall include the following: (1) Timeframes for completion of training, including the following: (A) Training that shall be completed prior to unsupervised care of children. (B) Training to be completed within the first 180 days of employment. (C) Training to be completed annually. (2) Topics to be covered in the training shall include, but are not limited to, the following: (A) Child and adolescent development, including sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. (B) The effects of trauma, including grief and loss, and child abuse and neglect on child development and behavior and methods to behaviorally support children impacted by that trauma or child abuse and neglect. (C) The rights of a child in foster care, including the right to have fair and equal access to all available services, placement, care, treatment, and benefits, and to not be subjected to discrimination or harassment on the basis of actual or perceived race, ethnic group identification, ancestry, national origin, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental or physical disability, or HIV status. (D) Positive discipline and the importance of self-esteem. (E) Core practice model. (F) An overview of the child welfare and probation systems. (G) Reasonable and prudent parent standard. (H) Instruction on cultural competency and sensitivity and related best practices for providing adequate care for children across diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds, as well as children identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. (I) Awareness and identification of commercial sexual exploitation and best practices for providing care and supervision to commercially sexually exploited children. (J) The federal Indian Child Welfare Act (25 U.S.C. Sec. 1901 et seq.), its historical significance, the rights of children covered by the act, and the best interests of Indian children, including the role of the caregiver in supporting culturally appropriate child centered practices that respect Native American history, culture, retention of tribal membership, and connection to the tribal community and traditions. (K) Permanence, well-being, and educational needs of children. (L) Basic instruction on existing laws and procedures regarding the safety of foster youth at school; and ensuring a harassment and violence free school environment pursuant to Article 3.6 (commencing with Section 32228) of Chapter 2 of Part 19 of Division 1 of Title 1 of the Education Code. (M) Best practices for providing care and supervision to nonminor dependents. (N) Health issues in foster care. (O) Physical and psychosocial needs of children, including behavior management, deescalation techniques, and trauma-informed crisis management planning. (i) (1) Each person employed as a facility manager or staff member of a short-term residential treatment center, who provides direct care and supervision to children and youth residing in the short-term residential treatment center shall be at least 21 years of age. (2) This subdivision shall not apply to a facility manager or staff member employed, before October 1, 2014, at a short-term residential treatment center which was operating under a group home license prior to January 1, 2016. (j) Notwithstanding any other section of this chapter, the department may establish requirements for licensed group homes that are transitioning to short-term residential treatment centers, which may include, but not be limited to, requirements related to application and plan of operation. (k) A short-term residential treatment center shall have a qualified and certified administrator, as set forth in Section 1522.41. (l) The department shall have the authority to inspect a short-term residential treatment center pursuant to the system of governmental monitoring and oversight developed by the department pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 11462 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.  SEC. 10.   Section 361.2 of the   Welfare and Institutions Code   , as added by Section 48 of   Chapter 773 of the Statutes of 2015, is amended to read:  361.2. (a) When a court orders removal of a child pursuant to Section 361, the court shall first determine whether there is a parent of the child, with whom the child was not residing at the time that the events or conditions arose that brought the child within the provisions of Section 300, who desires to assume custody of the child. If that parent requests custody, the court shall place the child with the parent unless it finds that placement with that parent would be detrimental to the safety, protection, or physical or emotional well-being of the child. The fact that the parent is enrolled in a certified substance abuse treatment facility that allows a dependent child to reside with his or her parent shall not be, for that reason alone, prima facie evidence that placement with that parent would be detrimental. (b) If the court places the child with that parent it may do any of the following: (1) Order that the parent become legal and physical custodian of the child. The court may also provide reasonable visitation by the noncustodial parent. The court shall then terminate its jurisdiction over the child. The custody order shall continue unless modified by a subsequent order of the superior court. The order of the juvenile court shall be filed in any domestic relation proceeding between the parents. (2) Order that the parent assume custody subject to the jurisdiction of the juvenile court and require that a home visit be conducted within three months. In determining whether to take the action described in this paragraph, the court shall consider any concerns that have been raised by the child's current caregiver regarding the parent. After the social worker conducts the home visit and files his or her report with the court, the court may then take the action described in paragraph (1), (3), or this paragraph. However, nothing in this paragraph shall be interpreted to imply that the court is required to take the action described in this paragraph as a prerequisite to the court taking the action described in either paragraph (1) or (3). (3) Order that the parent assume custody subject to the supervision of the juvenile court. In that case the court may order that reunification services be provided to the parent or guardian from whom the child is being removed, or the court may order that services be provided solely to the parent who is assuming physical custody in order to allow that parent to retain later custody without court supervision, or that services be provided to both parents, in which case the court shall determine, at review hearings held pursuant to Section 366, which parent, if either, shall have custody of the child. (c) The court shall make a finding either in writing or on the record of the basis for its determination under subdivisions (a) and (b). (d) Part 6 (commencing with Section 7950) of Division 12 of the Family Code shall apply to the placement of a child pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (e). (e) When the court orders removal pursuant to Section 361, the court shall order the care, custody, control, and conduct of the child to be under the supervision of the social worker who may place the child in any of the following: (1) The home of a noncustodial parent as described in subdivision (a), regardless of the parent's immigration status. (2) The approved home of a relative, regardless of the relative's immigration status. (3) The approved home of a nonrelative extended family member as defined in Section 362.7. (4) The approved home of a resource family as defined in Section 16519.5. (5) A foster home considering first a foster home in which the child has been placed before an interruption in foster care, if that placement is in the best interest of the child and space is available. (6) A home or facility in accordance with the federal Indian Child Welfare Act (25 U.S.C. Sec. 1901 et seq.). (7) A suitable licensed community care facility, except a runaway and homeless youth shelter licensed by the State Department of Social Services pursuant to Section 1502.35 of the Health and Safety Code. (8) With a foster family agency, as defined in subdivision (g) of Section 11400 and paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) of Section 1502 of the Health and Safety Code, to be placed in a suitable family home certified or approved by the agency. (9) A child of any age who is placed in a community care facility licensed as a group home for children or a short-term residential treatment center, as defined in subdivision (ad) of Section 11400 and paragraph (18) of subdivision (a) of Section 1502 of the Health and Safety Code, shall have a case plan that indicates that placement is for purposes of providing short term, specialized, and intensive treatment for the child, the case plan specifies the need for, nature of, and anticipated duration of this treatment, pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 16501.1, and the case plan includes transitioning the child to a less restrictive environment and the projected timeline by which the child will be transitioned to a less restrictive environment. If the placement is longer than six months, the placement shall be documented consistent with paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 16501.1 and shall be approved by the deputy director or director of the county child welfare department. (A) A child under six years of age shall not be placed in a community care facility licensed as a group home for children, or a short-term residential treatment center, except under the following circumstances: (i) When the facility meets the applicable regulations adopted under Section 1530.8 of the Health and Safety Code and standards developed pursuant to Section 11467.1 of this code, and the deputy director or director of the county child welfare department has approved the case plan. (ii) The short term, specialized, and intensive treatment period shall not exceed 120 days, unless the county has made progress toward or is actively working toward implementing the case plan that identifies the services or supports necessary to transition the child to a family setting, circumstances beyond the county's control have prevented the county from obtaining those services or supports within the timeline documented in the case plan, and the need for additional time pursuant to the case plan is documented by the caseworker and approved by a deputy director or director of the county child welfare department. (iii) To the extent that placements pursuant to this paragraph are extended beyond an initial 120 days, the requirements of clauses (i) and (ii) shall apply to each extension. In addition, the deputy director or director of the county child welfare department shall approve the continued placement no less frequently than every 60 days. (iv) In addition, when a case plan indicates that placement is for purposes of providing family reunification  services. The   services, the  facility shall offer family reunification services that meet the needs of the individual child and his or her family, permit parents to have reasonable access to their children 24 hours a day, encourage extensive parental involvement in meeting the daily needs of their children, and employ staff trained to provide family reunification services. In addition, one of the following conditions exists: (I) The child's parent is also under the jurisdiction of the court and resides in the facility. (II) The child's parent is participating in a treatment program affiliated with the facility and the child's placement in the facility facilitates the coordination and provision of reunification services. (III) Placement in the facility is the only alternative that permits the parent to have daily 24-hour access to the child in accordance with the case plan, to participate fully in meeting all of the daily needs of the child, including feeding and personal hygiene, and to have access to necessary reunification services. (B) A child who is 6 to 12 years of age, inclusive, may be placed in a community care facility licensed as a group home for children or a short-term residential treatment center under the following conditions. (i) The short-term, specialized, and intensive treatment period shall not exceed six months, unless the county has made progress or is actively working toward implementing the case plan that identifies the services or supports necessary to transition the child to a family setting, circumstances beyond the county's control have prevented the county from obtaining those services or supports within the timeline documented in the case plan, and the need for additional time pursuant to the case plan is documented by the caseworker and approved by a deputy director or director of the county child welfare department. (ii) To the extent that placements pursuant to this paragraph are extended beyond an initial six months, the requirements of this subparagraph shall apply to each extension. In addition, the deputy director or director of the county child welfare department shall approve the continued placement no less frequently than every 60 days. (10) Any child placed in a short-term residential treatment center shall be either of the following: (A) A child who has been assessed as meeting one of the placement requirements set forth in subdivisions (d) and (e) of Section 11462.01. (B) A child under 6 years of age who is placed with his or her minor parent or for the purpose of reunification pursuant to clause (iv) of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (9). (11) Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to allow a social worker to place any dependent child outside the United States, except as specified in subdivision (f). (f) (1) A child under the supervision of a social worker pursuant to subdivision (e) shall not be placed outside the United States prior to a judicial finding that the placement is in the best interest of the child, except as required by federal law or treaty. (2) The party or agency requesting placement of the child outside the United States shall carry the burden of proof and shall show, by clear and convincing evidence, that placement outside the United States is in the best interest of the child. (3) In determining the best interest of the child, the court shall consider, but not be limited to, the following factors: (A) Placement with a relative. (B) Placement of siblings in the same home. (C) Amount and nature of any contact between the child and the potential guardian or caretaker. (D) Physical and medical needs of the dependent child. (E) Psychological and emotional needs of the dependent child. (F) Social, cultural, and educational needs of the dependent child. (G) Specific desires of any dependent child who is 12 years of age or older. (4) If the court finds that a placement outside the United States is, by clear and convincing evidence, in the best interest of the child, the court may issue an order authorizing the social worker to make a placement outside the United States. A child subject to this subdivision shall not leave the United States prior to the issuance of the order described in this paragraph. (5) For purposes of this subdivision, "outside the United States" shall not include the lands of any federally recognized American Indian tribe or Alaskan Natives. (6) This subdivision shall not apply to the placement of a dependent child with a parent pursuant to subdivision (a). (g) (1) If the child is taken from the physical custody of the child's parent or guardian and unless the child is placed with relatives, the child shall be placed in foster care in the county of residence of the child's parent or guardian in order to facilitate reunification of the family. (2) In the event that there are no appropriate placements available in the parent's or guardian's county of residence, a placement may be made in an appropriate place in another county, preferably a county located adjacent to the parent's or guardian's community of residence. (3) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted as requiring multiple disruptions of the child's placement corresponding to frequent changes of residence by the parent or guardian. In determining whether the child should be moved, the social worker shall take into consideration the potential harmful effects of disrupting the placement of the child and the parent's or guardian's reason for the move. (4) When it has been determined that it is necessary for a child to be placed in a county other than the child's parent's or guardian' s county of residence, the specific reason the out-of-county placement is necessary shall be documented in the child's case plan. If the reason the out-of-county placement is necessary is the lack of resources in the sending county to meet the specific needs of the child, those specific resource needs shall be documented in the case plan. (5) When it has been determined that a child is to be placed out of county either in a group home or with a foster family agency for subsequent placement in a certified foster family home, and the sending county is to maintain responsibility for supervision and visitation of the child, the sending county shall develop a plan of supervision and visitation that specifies the supervision and visitation activities to be performed and specifies that the sending county is responsible for performing those activities. In addition to the plan of supervision and visitation, the sending county shall document information regarding any known or suspected dangerous behavior of the child that indicates the child may pose a safety concern in the receiving county. Upon implementation of the Child Welfare Services Case Management System, the plan of supervision and visitation, as well as information regarding any known or suspected dangerous behavior of the child, shall be made available to the receiving county upon placement of the child in the receiving county. If placement occurs on a weekend or holiday, the information shall be made available to the receiving county on or before the end of the next business day. (6) When it has been determined that a child is to be placed out of county and the sending county plans that the receiving county shall be responsible for the supervision and visitation of the child, the sending county shall develop a formal agreement between the sending and receiving counties. The formal agreement shall specify the supervision and visitation to be provided the child, and shall specify that the receiving county is responsible for providing the supervision and visitation. The formal agreement shall be approved and signed by the sending and receiving counties prior to placement of the child in the receiving county. In addition, upon completion of the case plan, the sending county shall provide a copy of the completed case plan to the receiving county. The case plan shall include information regarding any known or suspected dangerous behavior of the child that indicates the child may pose a safety concern to the receiving county. (h) Whenever the social worker must change the placement of the child and is unable to find a suitable placement within the county and must place the child outside the county, the placement shall not be made until he or she has served written notice on the parent or guardian at least 14 days prior to the placement, unless the child's health or well-being is endangered by delaying the action or would be endangered if prior notice were given. The notice shall state the reasons that require placement outside the county. The parent or guardian may object to the placement not later than seven days after receipt of the notice and, upon objection, the court shall hold a hearing not later than five days after the objection and prior to the placement. The court shall order out-of-county placement if it finds that the child's particular needs require placement outside the county. (i) If the court has ordered removal of the child from the physical custody of his or her parents pursuant to Section 361, the court shall consider whether the family ties and best interest of the child will be served by granting visitation rights to the child's grandparents. The court shall clearly specify those rights to the social worker. (j) If the court has ordered removal of the child from the physical custody of his or her parents pursuant to Section 361, the court shall consider whether there are any siblings under the court's jurisdiction, or any nondependent siblings in the physical custody of a parent subject to the court's jurisdiction, the nature of the relationship between the child and his or her siblings, the appropriateness of developing or maintaining the sibling relationships pursuant to Section 16002, and the impact of the sibling relationships on the child's placement and planning for legal permanence. (k) (1) An agency shall ensure placement of a child in a home that, to the fullest extent possible, best meets the day-to-day needs of the child. A home that best meets the day-to-day needs of the child shall satisfy all of the following criteria: (A) The child's caregiver is able to meet the day-to-day health, safety, and well-being needs of the child. (B) The child's caregiver is permitted to maintain the least restrictive family setting that promotes normal childhood experiences and that serves the day-to-day needs of the child. (C) The child is permitted to engage in reasonable, age-appropriate day-to-day activities that promote normal childhood experiences for the foster child. (2) The foster child's caregiver shall use a reasonable and prudent parent standard, as defined in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 362.04, to determine day-to-day activities that are age appropriate to meet the needs of the child. Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit a child's caregiver to permit the child to engage in day-to-day activities that carry an unreasonable risk of harm, or subject the child to abuse or neglect. (l) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2017.  SEC. 11.   Section 366.26 of the   Welfare and Institutions Code   is amended to read:  366.26. (a) This section applies to children who are adjudged dependent children of the juvenile court pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 360. The procedures specified herein are the exclusive procedures for conducting these hearings; Part 2 (commencing with Section 3020) of Division 8 of the Family Code is not applicable to these proceedings. Section 8616.5 of the Family Code is applicable and available to all dependent children meeting the requirements of that section, if the postadoption contact agreement has been entered into voluntarily. For children who are adjudged dependent children of the juvenile court pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 360, this section and Sections 8604, 8605, 8606, and 8700 of the Family Code and Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 7660) of Part 3 of Division 12 of the Family Code specify the exclusive procedures for permanently terminating parental rights with regard to, or establishing legal guardianship of, the child while the child is a dependent child of the juvenile court. (b) At the hearing, which shall be held in juvenile court for all children who are dependents of the juvenile court, the court, in order to provide stable, permanent homes for these children, shall review the report as specified in Section 361.5, 366.21, 366.22, or 366.25, shall indicate that the court has read and considered it, shall receive other evidence that the parties may present, and then shall make findings and orders in the following order of preference: (1) Terminate the rights of the parent or parents and order that the child be placed for adoption and, upon the filing of a petition for adoption in the juvenile court, order that a hearing be set. The court shall proceed with the adoption after the appellate rights of the natural parents have been exhausted. (2) Order, without termination of parental rights, the plan of tribal customary adoption, as described in Section 366.24, through tribal custom, traditions, or law of the Indian child's tribe, and upon the court affording the tribal customary adoption order full faith and credit at the continued selection and implementation hearing, order that a hearing be set pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (e). (3) Appoint a relative or relatives with whom the child is currently residing as legal guardian or guardians for the child, and order that letters of guardianship issue. (4) On making a finding under paragraph (3) of subdivision (c), identify adoption or tribal customary adoption as the permanent placement goal and order that efforts be made to locate an appropriate adoptive family for the child within a period not to exceed 180 days. (5) Appoint a nonrelative legal guardian for the child and order that letters of guardianship issue. (6) Order that the child be permanently placed with a fit and willing relative, subject to the periodic review of the juvenile court under Section 366.3. (7) Order that the child remain in foster care, subject to the conditions described in paragraph (4) of subdivision (c) and the periodic review of the juvenile court under Section 366.3. In choosing among the above alternatives the court shall proceed pursuant to subdivision (c). (c) (1) If the court determines, based on the assessment provided as ordered under subdivision (i) of Section 366.21, subdivision (b) of Section 366.22, or subdivision (b) of Section 366.25, and any other relevant evidence, by a clear and convincing standard, that it is likely the child will be adopted, the court shall terminate parental rights and order the child placed for adoption. The fact that the child is not yet placed in a preadoptive home nor with a relative or foster family who is prepared to adopt the child, shall not constitute a basis for the court to conclude that it is not likely the child will be adopted. A finding under subdivision (b) or paragraph (1) of subdivision (e) of Section 361.5 that reunification services shall not be offered, under subdivision (e) of Section 366.21 that the whereabouts of a parent have been unknown for six months or that the parent has failed to visit or contact the child for six months, or that the parent has been convicted of a felony indicating parental unfitness, or, under Section 366.21 or 366.22, that the court has continued to remove the child from the custody of the parent or guardian and has terminated reunification services, shall constitute a sufficient basis for termination of parental rights. Under these circumstances, the court shall terminate parental rights unless either of the following applies: (A) The child is living with a relative who is unable or unwilling to adopt the child because of circumstances that do not include an unwillingness to accept legal or financial responsibility for the child, but who is willing and capable of providing the child with a stable and permanent environment through legal guardianship, and the removal of the child from the custody of his or her relative would be detrimental to the emotional well-being of the child. For purposes of an Indian child, "relative" shall include an "extended family member," as defined in the federal Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. Sec. 1903(2)). (B) The court finds a compelling reason for determining that termination would be detrimental to the child due to one or more of the following circumstances: (i) The parents have maintained regular visitation and contact with the child and the child would benefit from continuing the relationship. (ii) A child 12 years of age or older objects to termination of parental rights. (iii) The child is placed in a residential treatment facility, adoption is unlikely or undesirable, and continuation of parental rights will not prevent finding the child a permanent family placement if the parents cannot resume custody when residential care is no longer needed. (iv) The child is living with a foster parent or Indian custodian who is unable or unwilling to adopt the child because of exceptional circumstances, that do not include an unwillingness to accept legal or financial responsibility for the child, but who is willing and capable of providing the child with a stable and permanent environment and the removal of the child from the physical custody of his or her foster parent or Indian custodian would be detrimental to the emotional well-being of the child. This clause does not apply to any child who is either (I) under six years of age or (II) a member of a sibling group where at least one child is under six years of age and the siblings are, or should be, permanently placed together. (v) There would be substantial interference with a child's sibling relationship, taking into consideration the nature and extent of the relationship, including, but not limited to, whether the child was raised with a sibling in the same home, whether the child shared significant common experiences or has existing close and strong bonds with a sibling, and whether ongoing contact is in the child's best interest, including the child's long-term emotional interest, as compared to the benefit of legal permanence through adoption. (vi) The child is an Indian child and there is a compelling reason for determining that termination of parental rights would not be in the best interest of the child, including, but not limited to: (I) Termination of parental rights would substantially interfere with the child's connection to his or her tribal community or the child's tribal membership rights. (II) The child's tribe has identified guardianship, foster care with a fit and willing relative, tribal customary adoption, or another planned permanent living arrangement for the child. (III) The child is a nonminor dependent, and the nonminor and the nonminor's tribe have identified tribal customary adoption for the nonminor. (C) For purposes of subparagraph (B), in the case of tribal customary adoptions, Section 366.24 shall apply. (D) If the court finds that termination of parental rights would be detrimental to the child pursuant to clause (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), or (vi), it shall state its reasons in writing or on the record. (2) The court shall not terminate parental rights if: (A) At each hearing at which the court was required to consider reasonable efforts or services, the court has found that reasonable efforts were not made or that reasonable services were not offered or provided. (B) In the case of an Indian child: (i) At the hearing terminating parental rights, the court has found that active efforts were not made as required in Section 361.7. (ii) The court does not make a determination at the hearing terminating parental rights, supported by evidence beyond a reasonable doubt, including testimony of one or more "qualified expert witnesses" as defined in Section 224.6, that the continued custody of the child by the parent is likely to result in serious emotional or physical damage to the child. (iii) The court has ordered tribal customary adoption pursuant to Section 366.24. (3) If the court finds that termination of parental rights would not be detrimental to the child pursuant to paragraph (1) and that the child has a probability for adoption but is difficult to place for adoption and there is no identified or available prospective adoptive parent, the court may identify adoption as the permanent placement goal and without terminating parental rights, order that efforts be made to locate an appropriate adoptive family for the child, within the state or out of the state, within a period not to exceed 180 days. During this 180-day period, the public agency responsible for seeking adoptive parents for each child shall, to the extent possible, ask each child who is 10 years of age or older, to identify any individuals, other than the child's siblings, who are important to the child, in order to identify potential adoptive parents. The public agency may ask any other child to provide that information, as appropriate. During the 180-day period, the public agency shall, to the extent possible, contact other private and public adoption agencies regarding the availability of the child for adoption. During the 180-day period, the public agency shall conduct the search for adoptive parents in the same manner as prescribed for children in Sections 8708 and 8709 of the Family Code. At the expiration of this period, another hearing shall be held and the court shall proceed pursuant to paragraph (1), (2), (3), (5), or (6) of subdivision (b). For purposes of this section, a child may only be found to be difficult to place for adoption if there is no identified or available prospective adoptive parent for the child because of the child's membership in a sibling group, or the presence of a diagnosed medical, physical, or mental handicap, or the child is seven years of age or more. (4) (A) If the court finds that adoption of the child or termination of parental rights is not in the best interest of the child, because one of the conditions in clause (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), or (vi) of subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) or in paragraph (2) applies, the court shall order that the present caretakers or other appropriate persons shall become legal guardians of the child, or, in the case of an Indian child, consider a tribal customary adoption pursuant to Section 366.24. Legal guardianship shall be considered before continuing the child in foster care under any other permanent plan, if it is in the best interests of the child and if a suitable guardian can be found. If the child continues in foster care, the court shall make factual findings identifying any barriers to achieving adoption, tribal customary adoption in the case of an Indian child, legal guardianship, or placement with a fit and willing relative as of the date of the hearing. A child who is 10 years of age or older, shall be asked to identify any individuals, other than the child's siblings, who are important to the child, in order to identify potential guardians or, in the case of an Indian child, prospective tribal customary adoptive parents. The agency may ask any other child to provide that information, as appropriate. (B) (i) If the child is living with an approved relative who is willing and capable of providing a stable and permanent environment, but not willing to become a legal guardian as of the hearing date, the court shall order a permanent plan of placement with a fit and willing relative, and the child shall not be removed from the home if the court finds the removal would be seriously detrimental to the emotional well-being of the child because the child has substantial psychological ties to the relative caretaker. (ii) If the child is living with a nonrelative caregiver who is willing and capable of providing a stable and permanent environment, but not willing to become a legal guardian as of the hearing date, the court shall order that the child remain in foster care with a permanent plan of return home, adoption, legal guardianship, or placement with a fit and willing relative, as appropriate. If the child is 16 years of age or older, or a nonminor dependent, and no other permanent plan is appropriate at the time of the hearing, the court may order another planned permanent living arrangement, as described in paragraph (2) of subdivision (i) of Section 16501. Regardless of the age of the child, the child shall not be removed from the home if the court finds the removal would be seriously detrimental to the emotional well-being of the child because the child has substantial psychological ties to the caregiver. (iii) If the child is living in a group home or, on or after January 1, 2017, a short-term residential treatment center, the court shall order that the child remain in foster care with a permanent plan of return home, adoption, tribal customary adoption in the case of an Indian child, legal guardianship, or placement with a fit and willing relative, as appropriate. If the child is 16 years of age or older, or a nonminor dependent, and no other permanent plan is appropriate at the time of the hearing, the court may order another planned permanent living arrangement, as described in paragraph (2) of subdivision (i) of Section 16501. (C) The court shall also make an order for visitation with the parents or guardians unless the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the visitation would be detrimental to the physical or emotional well-being of the child. (5) If the court finds that the child should not be placed for adoption, that legal guardianship shall not be established, that placement with a fit and willing relative is not appropriate as of the hearing date, and that there are no suitable foster parents except exclusive-use homes available to provide the child with a stable and permanent environment, the court may order the care, custody, and control of the child transferred from the county welfare department to a licensed foster family agency. The court shall consider the written recommendation of the county welfare director regarding the suitability of the transfer. The transfer shall be subject to further court orders. The licensed foster family agency shall place the child in a suitable licensed or exclusive-use home that has been certified by the agency as meeting licensing standards. The licensed foster family agency shall be responsible for supporting the child and providing appropriate services to the child, including those services ordered by the court. Responsibility for the support of the child shall not, in and of itself, create liability on the part of the foster family agency to third persons injured by the child. Those children whose care, custody, and control are transferred to a foster family agency shall not be eligible for foster care maintenance payments or child welfare services, except for emergency response services pursuant to Section 16504. (d) The proceeding for the appointment of a guardian for a child who is a dependent of the juvenile court shall be in the juvenile court. If the court finds pursuant to this section that legal guardianship is the appropriate permanent plan, it shall appoint the legal guardian and issue letters of guardianship. The assessment prepared pursuant to subdivision (g) of Section 361.5, subdivision (i) of Section 366.21, subdivision (b) of Section 366.22, and subdivision (b) of Section 366.25 shall be read and considered by the court prior to the appointment, and this shall be reflected in the minutes of the court. The person preparing the assessment may be called and examined by any party to the proceeding. (e) (1) The proceeding for the adoption of a child who is a dependent of the juvenile court shall be in the juvenile court if the court finds pursuant to this section that adoption is the appropriate permanent plan and the petition for adoption is filed in the juvenile court. Upon the filing of a petition for adoption, the juvenile court shall order that an adoption hearing be set. The court shall proceed with the adoption after the appellate rights of the natural parents have been exhausted. The full report required by Section 8715 of the Family Code shall be read and considered by the court prior to the adoption and this shall be reflected in the minutes of the court. The person preparing the report may be called and examined by any party to the proceeding. It is the intent of the Legislature, pursuant to this subdivision, to give potential adoptive parents the option of filing in the juvenile court the petition for the adoption of a child who is a dependent of the juvenile court. Nothing in this section is intended to prevent the filing of a petition for adoption in any other court as permitted by law, instead of in the juvenile court. (2) In the case of an Indian child, if the Indian child's tribe has elected a permanent plan of tribal customary adoption, the court, upon receiving the tribal customary adoption order will afford the tribal customary adoption order full faith and credit to the same extent that the court would afford full faith and credit to the public acts, records, judicial proceedings, and judgments of any other entity. Upon a determination that the tribal customary adoption order may be afforded full faith and credit, consistent with Section 224.5, the court shall thereafter order a hearing to finalize the adoption be set upon the filing of the adoption petition. The prospective tribal customary adoptive parents and the child who is the subject of the tribal customary adoption petition shall appear before the court for the finalization hearing. The court shall thereafter issue an order of adoption pursuant to Section 366.24. (3) If a child who is the subject of a finalized tribal customary adoption shows evidence of a developmental disability or mental illness as a result of conditions existing before the tribal customary adoption to the extent that the child cannot be relinquished to a licensed adoption agency on the grounds that the child is considered unadoptable, and of which condition the tribal customary adoptive parent or parents had no knowledge or notice before the entry of the tribal customary adoption order, a petition setting forth those facts may be filed by the tribal customary adoptive parent or parents with the juvenile court that granted the tribal customary adoption petition. If these facts are proved to the satisfaction of the juvenile court, it may make an order setting aside the tribal customary adoption order. The set-aside petition shall be filed within five years of the issuance of the tribal customary adoption order. The court clerk shall immediately notify the child's tribe and the department in Sacramento of the petition within 60 days after the notice of filing of the petition. The department shall file a full report with the court and shall appear before the court for the purpose of representing the child. Whenever a final decree of tribal customary adoption has been vacated or set aside, the child shall be returned to the custody of the county in which the proceeding for tribal customary adoption was finalized. The biological parent or parents of the child may petition for return of custody. The disposition of the child after the court has entered an order to set aside a tribal customary adoption shall include consultation with the child's tribe. (f) At the beginning of any proceeding pursuant to this section, if the child or the parents are not being represented by previously retained or appointed counsel, the court shall proceed as follows: (1) In accordance with subdivision (c) of Section 317, if a child before the court is without counsel, the court shall appoint counsel unless the court finds that the child would not benefit from the appointment of counsel. The court shall state on the record its reasons for that finding. (2) If a parent appears without counsel and is unable to afford counsel, the court shall appoint counsel for the parent, unless this representation is knowingly and intelligently waived. The same counsel shall not be appointed to represent both the child and his or her parent. The public defender or private counsel may be appointed as counsel for the parent. (3) Private counsel appointed under this section shall receive a reasonable sum for compensation and expenses, the amount of which shall be determined by the court. The amount shall be paid by the real parties in interest, other than the child, in any proportions the court deems just. However, if the court finds that any of the real parties in interest are unable to afford counsel, the amount shall be paid out of the general fund of the county. (g) The court may continue the proceeding for a period of time not to exceed 30 days as necessary to appoint counsel, and to enable counsel to become acquainted with the case. (h) (1) At all proceedings under this section, the court shall consider the wishes of the child and shall act in the best interests of the child. (2) In accordance with Section 349, the child shall be present in court if the child or the child's counsel so requests or the court so orders. If the child is 10 years of age or older and is not present at a hearing held pursuant to this section, the court shall determine whether the minor was properly notified of his or her right to attend the hearing and inquire as to the reason why the child is not present. (3) (A) The testimony of the child may be taken in chambers and outside the presence of the child's parent or parents, if the child's parent or parents are represented by counsel, the counsel is present, and any of the following circumstances exists: (i) The court determines that testimony in chambers is necessary to ensure truthful testimony. (ii) The child is likely to be intimidated by a formal courtroom setting. (iii) The child is afraid to testify in front of his or her parent or parents. (B) After testimony in chambers, the parent or parents of the child may elect to have the court reporter read back the testimony or have the testimony summarized by counsel for the parent or parents. (C) The testimony of a child also may be taken in chambers and outside the presence of the guardian or guardians of a child under the circumstances specified in this subdivision. (i) (1) Any order of the court permanently terminating parental rights under this section shall be conclusive and binding upon the child, upon the parent or parents and upon all other persons who have been served with citation by publication or otherwise as provided in this chapter. After making the order, the juvenile court shall have no power to set aside, change, or modify it, except as provided in paragraph (2), but nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the right to appeal the order. (2) A tribal customary adoption order evidencing that the Indian child has been the subject of a tribal customary adoption shall be afforded full faith and credit and shall have the same force and effect as an order of adoption authorized by this section. The rights and obligations of the parties as to the matters determined by the Indian child's tribe shall be binding on all parties. A court shall not order compliance with the order absent a finding that the party seeking the enforcement participated, or attempted to participate, in good faith, in family mediation services of the court or dispute resolution through the tribe regarding the conflict, prior to the filing of the enforcement action. (3) A child who has not been adopted after the passage of at least three years from the date the court terminated parental rights and for whom the court has determined that adoption is no longer the permanent plan may petition the juvenile court to reinstate parental rights pursuant to the procedure prescribed by Section 388. The child may file the petition prior to the expiration of this three-year period if the State Department of Social Services, county adoption agency, or licensed adoption agency that is responsible for custody and supervision of the child as described in subdivision (j) and the child stipulate that the child is no longer likely to be adopted. A child over 12 years of age shall sign the petition in the absence of a showing of good cause as to why the child could not do so. If it appears that the best interests of the child may be promoted by reinstatement of parental rights, the court shall order that a hearing be held and shall give prior notice, or cause prior notice to be given, to the social worker or probation officer and to the child' s attorney of record, or, if there is no attorney of record for the child, to the child, and the child's tribe, if applicable, by means prescribed by subdivision (c) of Section 297. The court shall order the child or the social worker or probation officer to give prior notice of the hearing to the child's former parent or parents whose parental rights were terminated in the manner prescribed by subdivision (f) of Section 294 where the recommendation is adoption. The juvenile court shall grant the petition if it finds by clear and convincing evidence that the child is no longer likely to be adopted and that reinstatement of parental rights is in the child's best interest. If the court reinstates parental rights over a child who is under 12 years of age and for whom the new permanent plan will not be reunification with a parent or legal guardian, the court shall specify the factual basis for its findings that it is in the best interest of the child to reinstate parental rights. This subdivision is intended to be retroactive and applies to any child who is under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court at the time of the hearing regardless of the date parental rights were terminated. (j) If the court, by order or judgment, declares the child free from the custody and control of both parents, or one parent if the other does not have custody and control, or declares the child eligible for tribal customary adoption, the court shall at the same time order the child referred to the State Department of Social Services, county adoption agency, or licensed adoption agency for adoptive placement by the agency. However, except in the case of a tribal customary adoption where there is no termination of parental rights, a petition for adoption may not be granted until the appellate rights of the natural parents have been exhausted. The State Department of Social Services, county adoption agency, or licensed adoption agency shall be responsible for the custody and supervision of the child and shall be entitled to the exclusive care and control of the child at all times until a petition for adoption or tribal customary adoption is granted, except as specified in subdivision (n). With the consent of the agency, the court may appoint a guardian of the child, who shall serve until the child is adopted. (k) Notwithstanding any other law, the application of any person who, as a relative caretaker or foster parent, has cared for a dependent child for whom the court has approved a permanent plan for adoption, or who has been freed for adoption, shall be given preference with respect to that child over all other applications for adoptive placement if the agency making the placement determines that the child has substantial emotional ties to the relative caretaker or foster parent and removal from the relative caretaker or foster parent would be seriously detrimental to the child's emotional well-being. As used in this subdivision, "preference" means that the application shall be processed and, if satisfactory, the family study shall be completed before the processing of the application of any other person for the adoptive placement of the child. (l) (1) An order by the court that a hearing pursuant to this section be held is not appealable at any time unless all of the following apply: (A) A petition for extraordinary writ review was filed in a timely manner. (B) The petition substantively addressed the specific issues to be challenged and supported that challenge by an adequate record. (C) The petition for extraordinary writ review was summarily denied or otherwise not decided on the merits. (2) Failure to file a petition for extraordinary writ review within the period specified by rule, to substantively address the specific issues challenged, or to support that challenge by an adequate record shall preclude subsequent review by appeal of the findings and orders made pursuant to this section. (3) The Judicial Council shall adopt rules of court, effective January 1, 1995, to ensure all of the following: (A) A trial court, after issuance of an order directing a hearing pursuant to this section be held, shall advise all parties of the requirement of filing a petition for extraordinary writ review as set forth in this subdivision in order to preserve any right to appeal in these issues. This notice shall be made orally to a party if the party is present at the time of the making of the order or by first-class mail by the clerk of the court to the last known address of a party not present at the time of the making of the order. (B) The prompt transmittal of the records from the trial court to the appellate court. (C) That adequate time requirements for counsel and court personnel exist to implement the objective of this subdivision. (D) That the parent or guardian, or their trial counsel or other counsel, is charged with the responsibility of filing a petition for extraordinary writ relief pursuant to this subdivision. (4) The intent of this subdivision is to do both of the following: (A) Make every reasonable attempt to achieve a substantive and meritorious review by the appellate court within the time specified in Sections 366.21, 366.22, and 366.25 for holding a hearing pursuant to this section. (B) Encourage the appellate court to determine all writ petitions filed pursuant to this subdivision on their merits. (5) This subdivision shall only apply to cases in which an order to set a hearing pursuant to this section is issued on or after January 1, 1995. (m) Except for subdivision (j), this section shall also apply to minors adjudged wards pursuant to Section 727.31. (n) (1) Notwithstanding Section 8704 of the Family Code or any other law, the court, at a hearing held pursuant to this section or anytime thereafter, may designate a current caretaker as a prospective adoptive parent if the child has lived with the caretaker for at least six months, the caretaker currently expresses a commitment to adopt the child, and the caretaker has taken at least one step to facilitate the adoption process. In determining whether to make that designation, the court may take into consideration whether the caretaker is listed in the preliminary assessment prepared by the county department in accordance with subdivision (i) of Section 366.21 as an appropriate person to be considered as an adoptive parent for the child and the recommendation of the State Department of Social Services, county adoption agency, or licensed adoption agency. (2) For purposes of this subdivision, steps to facilitate the adoption process include, but are not limited to, the following:  (A) Applying for an adoption home study.   (B) Cooperating with an adoption home study.   (C)   (   A)  Being designated by the court or the adoption agency as the adoptive family.  (D)   (   B)  Requesting de facto parent status.  (E)   (   C)  Signing an adoptive placement agreement.  (F)   (   D)  Engaging in discussions regarding a postadoption contact agreement.  (G)   (   E)  Working to overcome any impediments that have been identified by the State Department of Social Services, county adoption agency, or licensed adoption agency.  (H)   (   F)  Attending classes required of prospective adoptive parents. (3) Prior to a change in placement and as soon as possible after a decision is made to remove a child from the home of a designated prospective adoptive parent, the agency shall notify the court, the designated prospective adoptive parent or the current caretaker, if that caretaker would have met the threshold criteria to be designated as a prospective adoptive parent pursuant to paragraph (1) on the date of service of this notice, the child's attorney, and the child, if the child is 10 years of age or older, of the proposal in the manner described in Section 16010.6. (A) Within five court days or seven calendar days, whichever is longer, of the date of notification, the child, the child's attorney, or the designated prospective adoptive parent may file a petition with the court objecting to the proposal to remove the child, or the court, upon its own motion, may set a hearing regarding the proposal. The court may, for good cause, extend the filing period. A caretaker who would have met the threshold criteria to be designated as a prospective adoptive parent pursuant to paragraph (1) on the date of service of the notice of proposed removal of the child may file, together with the petition under this subparagraph, a petition for an order designating the caretaker as a prospective adoptive parent for purposes of this subdivision. (B) A hearing ordered pursuant to this paragraph shall be held as soon as possible and not later than five court days after the petition is filed with the court or the court sets a hearing upon its own motion, unless the court for good cause is unable to set the matter for hearing five court days after the petition is filed, in which case the court shall set the matter for hearing as soon as possible. At the hearing, the court shall determine whether the caretaker has met the threshold criteria to be designated as a prospective adoptive parent pursuant to paragraph (1), and whether the proposed removal of the child from the home of the designated prospective adoptive parent is in the child's best interest, and the child may not be removed from the home of the designated prospective adoptive parent unless the court finds that removal is in the child's best interest. If the court determines that the caretaker did not meet the threshold criteria to be designated as a prospective adoptive parent on the date of service of the notice of proposed removal of the child, the petition objecting to the proposed removal filed by the caretaker shall be dismissed. If the caretaker was designated as a prospective adoptive parent prior to this hearing, the court shall inquire into any progress made by the caretaker towards the adoption of the child since the caretaker was designated as a prospective adoptive parent. (C) A determination by the court that the caretaker is a designated prospective adoptive parent pursuant to paragraph (1) or subparagraph (B) does not make the caretaker a party to the dependency proceeding nor does it confer on the caretaker any standing to object to any other action of the department, county adoption agency, or licensed adoption agency, unless the caretaker has been declared a de facto parent by the court prior to the notice of removal served pursuant to paragraph (3). (D) If a petition objecting to the proposal to remove the child is not filed, and the court, upon its own motion, does not set a hearing, the child may be removed from the home of the designated prospective adoptive parent without a hearing. (4) Notwithstanding paragraph (3), if the State Department of Social Services, county adoption agency, or licensed adoption agency determines that the child must be removed from the home of the caretaker who is or may be a designated prospective adoptive parent immediately, due to a risk of physical or emotional harm, the agency may remove the child from that home and is not required to provide notice prior to the removal. However, as soon as possible and not longer than two court days after the removal, the agency shall notify the court, the caretaker who is or may be a designated prospective adoptive parent, the child's attorney, and the child, if the child is 10 years of age or older, of the removal. Within five court days or seven calendar days, whichever is longer, of the date of notification of the removal, the child, the child's attorney, or the caretaker who is or may be a designated prospective adoptive parent may petition for, or the court on its own motion may set, a noticed hearing pursuant to paragraph (3). The court may, for good cause, extend the filing period. (5) Except as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 366.28, an order by the court issued after a hearing pursuant to this subdivision shall not be appealable. (6) Nothing in this section shall preclude a county child protective services agency from fully investigating and responding to alleged abuse or neglect of a child pursuant to Section 11165.5 of the Penal Code. (7) The Judicial Council shall prepare forms to facilitate the filing of the petitions described in this subdivision, which shall become effective on January 1, 2006.  SEC. 12.   Section 727 of the   Welfare and Institutions Code   is amended to read:  727. (a) (1) If a minor or nonminor is adjudged a ward of the court on the ground that he or she is a person described by Section 601 or 602, the court may make any reasonable orders for the care, supervision, custody, conduct, maintenance, and support of the minor or nonminor, including medical treatment, subject to further order of the court. (2) In the discretion of the court, a ward may be ordered to be on probation without supervision of the probation officer. The court, in so ordering, may impose on the ward any and all reasonable conditions of behavior as may be appropriate under this disposition. A minor or nonminor who has been adjudged a ward of the court on the basis of the commission of any of the offenses described in subdivision (b) or paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Section 707, Section 459 of the Penal Code, or subdivision (a) of Section 11350 of the Health and Safety Code, shall not be eligible for probation without supervision of the probation officer. A minor or nonminor who has been adjudged a ward of the court on the basis of the commission of any offense involving the sale or possession for sale of a controlled substance, except misdemeanor offenses involving marijuana, as specified in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 11053) of Division 10 of the Health and Safety Code, or of an offense in violation of Section 32625 of the Penal Code, shall be eligible for probation without supervision of the probation officer only when the court determines that the interests of justice would best be served and states reasons on the record for that determination. (3) In all other cases, the court shall order the care, custody, and control of the minor or nonminor to be under the supervision of the probation officer. (4) It is the sole responsibility pursuant to 42 U.S.C. Section 672(a)(2)(B) of the probation agency to determine the appropriate placement for the ward once the court issues a placement order. In determination of the appropriate placement for the ward, the probation officer shall consider any recommendations of the child and family. The probation agency may place the minor or nonminor in any of the following: (A) The approved home of a relative or the approved home of a nonrelative, extended family member, as defined in Section 362.7. If a decision has been made to place the minor in the home of a relative, the court may authorize the relative to give legal consent for the minor's medical, surgical, and dental care and education as if the relative caregiver were the custodial parent of the minor. (B) A foster home, the approved home of a resource family as defined in Section 16519.5, or a home or facility in accordance with the federal Indian Child Welfare Act (25 U.S.C. Sec. 1901 et seq.). (C) A suitable licensed community care facility, as identified by the probation officer, except a runaway and homeless youth shelter licensed by the State Department of Social Services pursuant to Section 1502.35 of the Health and Safety Code. (D) A foster family agency, as defined in subdivision (g) of Section 11400 and paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) of Section 1502 of the Health and Safety Code, in a suitable program in a family home, which has been certified by the agency as meeting licensing standards. Commencing January 1, 2017, the requirements of Section 11462.01 shall be met. (E) Commencing January 1, 2017, a minor or nonminor dependent may be placed in a short-term residential treatment center as defined in subdivision (ad) of Section 11400 and paragraph (18) of subdivision (a) of Section 1502 of the Health and Safety Code, or a foster family agency, as defined in paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) of Section 1502 of the Health and Safety Code. The placing agency shall also comply with requirements set forth in paragraph (9) of subdivision (e) of Section 361.2, which includes, but is not limited to, authorization, limitation on length of stay, extensions, and additional requirements related to minors.  If the placement is longer than 12 months,   For youth 13 years of age and older,  the placement shall be approved by the chief probation officer of the county probation department, or his or her  designee.   designee, only if the placement is longer than 12 months.  (F) (i) Every minor adjudged a ward of the juvenile court shall be entitled to participate in age-appropriate extracurricular, enrichment, and social activities. A state or local regulation or policy shall not prevent, or create barriers to, participation in those activities. Each state and local entity shall ensure that private agencies that provide foster care services to wards have policies consistent with this section and that those agencies promote and protect the ability of wards to participate in age-appropriate extracurricular, enrichment, and social activities. A group home administrator, a facility manager, or his or her responsible designee, and a caregiver, as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 362.04, shall use a reasonable and prudent parent standard, as defined in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 362.04, in determining whether to give permission for a minor residing in foster care to participate in extracurricular, enrichment, and social activities. A group home administrator, a facility manager, or his or her responsible designee, and a caregiver shall take reasonable steps to determine the appropriateness of the activity taking into consideration the minor's age, maturity, and developmental level. (ii) A group home administrator or a facility manager, or his or her responsible designee, is encouraged to consult with social work or treatment staff members who are most familiar with the minor at the group home in applying and using the reasonable and prudent parent standard. (G) For nonminors, an approved supervised independent living setting as defined in Section 11400, including a residential housing unit certified by a licensed transitional housing placement provider. (5) The minor or nonminor shall be released from juvenile detention upon an order being entered under paragraph (3), unless the court determines that a delay in the release from detention is reasonable pursuant to Section 737. (b) (1) To facilitate coordination and cooperation among agencies, the court may, at any time after a petition has been filed, after giving notice and an opportunity to be heard, join in the juvenile court proceedings any agency that the court determines has failed to meet a legal obligation to provide services to a minor, for whom a petition has been filed under Section 601 or 602, to a nonminor, as described in Section 303, or to a nonminor dependent, as defined in subdivision (v) of Section 11400. In any proceeding in which an agency is joined, the court shall not impose duties upon the agency beyond those mandated by law. The purpose of joinder under this section is to ensure the delivery and coordination of legally mandated services to the minor. The joinder shall not be maintained for any other purpose. Nothing in this section shall prohibit agencies that have received notice of the hearing on joinder from meeting prior to the hearing to coordinate services. (2) The court has no authority to order services unless it has been determined through the administrative process of an agency that has been joined as a party, that the minor, nonminor, or nonminor dependent is eligible for those services. With respect to mental health assessment, treatment, and case management services pursuant to an individualized education program developed pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 56320) of Chapter 4 of Part 30 of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Education Code, the court's determination shall be limited to whether the agency has complied with that chapter. (3) For the purposes of this subdivision, "agency" means any governmental agency or any private service provider or individual that receives federal, state, or local governmental funding or reimbursement for providing services directly to a child, nonminor, or nonminor dependent. (c) If a minor has been adjudged a ward of the court on the ground that he or she is a person described in Section 601 or 602, and the court finds that notice has been given in accordance with Section 661, and if the court orders that a parent or guardian shall retain custody of that minor either subject to or without the supervision of the probation officer, the parent or guardian may be required to participate with that minor in a counseling or education program, including, but not limited to, parent education and parenting programs operated by community colleges, school districts, or other appropriate agencies designated by the court. (d) The juvenile court may direct any reasonable orders to the parents and guardians of the minor who is the subject of any proceedings under this chapter as the court deems necessary and proper to carry out subdivisions (a), (b), and (c), including orders to appear before a county financial evaluation officer, to ensure the minor's regular school attendance, and to make reasonable efforts to obtain appropriate educational services necessary to meet the needs of the minor. If counseling or other treatment services are ordered for the minor, the parent, guardian, or foster parent shall be ordered to participate in those services, unless participation by the parent, guardian, or foster parent is deemed by the court to be inappropriate or potentially detrimental to the minor.  SEC. 7.   SEC. 13.  Section 4094.2 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read: 4094.2. (a) For the purpose of establishing payment rates for community treatment facility programs, the private nonprofit agencies selected to operate these programs shall prepare a budget that covers the total costs of providing residential care and supervision and mental health services for their proposed programs. These costs shall include categories that are allowable under California's Foster Care program and existing programs for mental health services. They shall not include educational, nonmental health medical, and dental costs. (b) Each agency operating a community treatment facility program shall negotiate a final budget with the local mental health department in the county in which its facility is located (the host county) and other local agencies, as appropriate. This budget agreement shall specify the types and level of care and services to be provided by the community treatment facility program and a payment rate that fully covers the costs included in the negotiated budget. All counties that place children in a community treatment facility program shall make payments using the budget agreement negotiated by the community treatment facility provider and the host county. (c) A foster care rate shall be established for each community treatment facility program by the State Department of Social Services. (1) These rates shall be established using the existing foster care ratesetting system for group homes, or the rate for a short-term residential treatment center as defined in subdivision (ad) of Section 11400, with modifications designed as necessary. It is anticipated that all community treatment facility programs will offer the level of care and services required to receive the highest foster care rate provided for under the current ratesetting system. (2) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (3), commencing January 1, 2017, the program shall have accreditation from a nationally recognized accrediting entity identified by the State Department of Social Services pursuant to the process described in paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 11462. (3) With respect to a program that has been granted an extension pursuant to the exception process described in subdivision (d) of Section 11462.04, the requirement described in paragraph (2) shall apply to that program commencing January 1, 2019. (d) For the 2001-02 fiscal year, the 2002-03 fiscal year, the 2003-04 fiscal year, and the 2004-05 fiscal year, community treatment facility programs shall also be paid a community treatment facility supplemental rate of up to two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) per child per month on behalf of children eligible under the foster care program and children placed out of home pursuant to an individualized education program developed under Section 7572.5 of the Government Code. Subject to the availability of funds, the supplemental rate shall be shared by the state and the counties. Counties shall be responsible for paying a county share of cost equal to 60 percent of the community treatment rate for children placed by counties in community treatment facilities and the state shall be responsible for 40 percent of the community treatment facility supplemental rate. The community treatment facility supplemental rate is intended to supplement, and not to supplant, the payments for which children placed in community treatment facilities are eligible to receive under the foster care program and the existing programs for mental health services. (e) For initial ratesetting purposes for community treatment facility funding, the cost of mental health services shall be determined by deducting the foster care rate and the community treatment facility supplemental rate from the total allowable cost of the community treatment facility program. Payments to certified providers for mental health services shall be based on eligible services provided to children who are Medi-Cal beneficiaries, up to the approved federal rate for these services. (f) The State Department of Health Care Services shall provide the community treatment facility supplemental rates to the counties for advanced payment to the community treatment facility providers in the same manner as the regular foster care payment and within the same required payment time limits. (g) In order to facilitate the study of the costs of community treatment facilities, licensed community treatment facilities shall provide all documents regarding facility operations, treatment, and placements requested by the department. (h) It is the intent of the Legislature that the State Department of Health Care Services and the State Department of Social Services work to maximize federal financial participation in funding for children placed in community treatment facilities through funds available pursuant to Titles IV-E and XIX of the federal Social Security Act (Title 42 U.S.C. Sec. 670 et seq. and Sec. 1396 et seq.) and other appropriate federal programs. (i) The State Department of Health Care Services and the State Department of Social Services may adopt emergency regulations necessary to implement joint protocols for the oversight of community treatment facilities, to modify existing licensing regulations governing reporting requirements and other procedural and administrative mandates to take into account the seriousness and frequency of behaviors that are likely to be exhibited by seriously emotionally disturbed children placed in community treatment facility programs, to modify the existing foster care ratesetting regulations, and to pay the community treatment facility supplemental rate. The adoption of these regulations shall be deemed to be an emergency and necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, and general welfare. The regulations shall become effective immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State. The regulations shall not remain in effect more than 180 days unless the adopting agency complies with all the provisions of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, as required by subdivision (e) of Section 11346.1 of the Government Code.  SEC. 14.   Section 11460 of the   Welfare and Institutions Code   is amended to read:  11460. (a) Foster care providers shall be paid a per child per month rate in return for the care and supervision of the AFDC-FC child placed with them. The department is designated the single organizational unit whose duty it shall be to administer a state system for establishing rates in the AFDC-FC program. State functions shall be performed by the department or by delegation of the department to county welfare departments or Indian tribes, consortia of tribes, or tribal organizations that have entered into an agreement pursuant to Section 10553.1. (b) "Care and supervision" includes food, clothing, shelter, daily supervision, school supplies, a child's personal incidentals, liability insurance with respect to a child, reasonable travel to the child's home for visitation, and reasonable travel for the child to remain in the school in which he or she is enrolled at the time of placement. Reimbursement for the costs of educational travel, as provided for in this subdivision, shall be made pursuant to procedures determined by the department, in consultation with representatives of county welfare and probation directors, and additional stakeholders, as appropriate. (1) For a child or youth placed in a short-term residential treatment center or a group home, care and supervision shall also include reasonable administration and operational activities necessary to provide the items listed in this subdivision. (2) For a child or youth placed in a short-term residential treatment center or a group home, care and supervision may also include reasonable activities performed by social workers employed by the program provider that are not otherwise considered daily supervision or administration activities, but are eligible for federal financial participation under Title IV-E of the federal Social Security Act. (3) The department, in consultation with the California State Foster Parent Association, and other interested stakeholders, shall provide information to the Legislature, no later than January 1, 2017, regarding the availability and cost for liability and property insurance covering acts committed by children in care, and shall make recommendations for any needed program development in this area. (c) It is the intent of the Legislature to establish the maximum level of financial participation in out-of-state foster care group home program rates for placements in facilities described in subdivision (g) of Section 11402. (1) The department shall develop regulations that establish the method for determining the level of financial participation in the rate paid for out-of-state placements in facilities described in subdivision (g) of Section 11402. The department shall consider all of the following methods: (A) Until December 31, 2016, a standardized system based on the rate classification level of care and services per child per month. (B) The rate developed for a short-term residential treatment center pursuant to Section 11462. (C) A system that considers the actual allowable and reasonable costs of care and supervision incurred by the out-of-state program. (D) A system that considers the rate established by the host state. (E) Any other appropriate methods as determined by the department. (2) Reimbursement for the Aid to Families with Dependent Children-Foster Care rate to be paid to an out-of-state program described in subdivision (g) of Section 11402 shall only be paid to programs that have done all of the following: (A) Submitted a rate application to the department, which shall include, but not be limited to, both of the following: (i) Commencing January 1, 2017,  unless granted an extension from the department pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 11462.04,  the equivalent of the mental health certification required in Section 4096.5. (ii) Commencing January 1, 2017, unless granted an extension from the department pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 11462.04, the national accreditation required in paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 11462. (B) Maintained a level of financial participation that shall not exceed any of the following: (i) The current fiscal year's standard rate for rate classification level 14 for a group home. (ii) Commencing January 1, 2017, the current fiscal year's rate for a short-term residential treatment center. (iii) The rate determined by the ratesetting authority of the state in which the facility is located. (C) Agreed to comply with information requests, and program and fiscal audits as determined necessary by the department. (3) Except as specifically provided for in statute, reimbursement for an AFDC-FC rate shall only be paid to a group home or short-term residential treatment center organized and operated on a nonprofit basis. (d) A foster care provider that accepts payments, following the effective date of this section, based on a rate established under this section, shall not receive rate increases or retroactive payments as the result of litigation challenging rates established prior to the effective date of this section. This shall apply regardless of whether a provider is a party to the litigation or a member of a class covered by the litigation. (e) Nothing shall preclude a county from using a portion of its county funds to increase rates paid to family homes, foster family agencies, group homes, and short-term residential treatment centers within that county, and to make payments for specialized care increments, clothing allowances, or infant supplements to homes within that county, solely at that county's expense. (f) Nothing shall preclude a county from providing a supplemental rate to serve commercially sexually exploited foster children to provide for the additional care and supervision needs of these children. To the extent that federal financial participation is available, it is the intent of the Legislature that the federal funding shall be utilized.  SEC. 8.   SEC. 15.  Section 11462 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, as added by Section 72 of Chapter 773 of the Statutes of 2015, is amended to read: 11462. (a) The department shall commence development of a new payment structure for short-term residential treatment center program placements claiming Title IV-E funding, in consultation with county placing agencies and providers. (b) The department shall develop a rate system that includes consideration of all of the following factors: (1) Core services, made available to children and nonminor dependents either directly or secured through formal agreements with other agencies, which are trauma informed and culturally relevant and include: (A) Specialty mental health services for children who meet medical necessity criteria for specialty mental health services under the Medi-Cal Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment program. (B) Transition support services for children, youth, and families upon initial entry and placement changes and for families who assume permanency through reunification, adoption, or guardianship. (C) Educational and physical, behavioral, and mental health supports, including extracurricular activities and social supports. (D) Activities designed to support transition-age youth and nonminor dependents in achieving a successful adulthood. (E) Services to achieve permanency, including supporting efforts to reunify or achieve adoption or guardianship and efforts to maintain or establish relationships with parents, siblings, extended family members, tribes, or others important to the child or youth, as appropriate. (F) When serving Indian children, as defined in subdivisions (a) and (b) of Section 224.1, the core services described in paragraphs   subparagraphs  (A) to (E), inclusive, which shall be provided to eligible children consistent with active efforts pursuant to Section 361.7. (G) (i) Facilitating the identification and, as needed, the approval of resource families pursuant to Section 16519.5, for the purpose of transitioning children and youth to family-based care. (ii) If a short-term residential treatment center elects to approve and monitor resource families directly, the center shall comply with all laws applicable to foster family agencies, including, but not limited to, those set forth in the Community Care Facilities Act (Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 1500) of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code). (iii) For short-term residential treatment centers that elect to approve and monitor resource families directly, the department shall have all the same duties and responsibilities as those centers have for licensed foster family agencies, as set forth in applicable law, including, but not limited to, those set forth in the Community Care Facilities Act (Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 1500) of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code). (2) The core services specified in subparagraphs (A) to (G), inclusive, of paragraph (1) are not intended to duplicate services already available to foster children in the community, but to support access to those services and supports to the extent they are already available. Those services and supports may include, but are not limited to, foster youth services available through county offices of education, Indian Health Services, or school-based  extra-curricular   extracurricular  activities. (3) Specialized and intensive treatment supports that encompass the elements of nonmedical care and supervision necessary to meet a child's or youth's safety and other needs that cannot be met in a family-based setting. (4) Staff training. (5) Health and Safety Code requirements. (6) Accreditation that includes: (A) Provision for all licensed short-term residential treatment centers to obtain and maintain in good standing accreditation from a nationally recognized accreditation agency, as identified by the department, with expertise in programs for children or youth group care facilities, as determined by the department. (B) Promulgation by the department of information identifying that agency or agencies from which accreditation shall be required. (C) Provision for timely reporting to the department of any change in accreditation status. (7) Mental health certification, including a requirement to timely report to the department any change in mental health certificate status. (8) Maximization of federal financial participation under Title IV-E and Title XIX of the Social Security Act. (c) The department shall develop a system of governmental monitoring and oversight that shall be carried out in coordination with the State Department of Health Care Services. Oversight responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to, ensuring conformity with federal and state law, including program, fiscal, and health and safety audits and reviews. The state agencies shall attempt to minimize duplicative audits and reviews to reduce the administrative burden on providers. (d) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2017.  SEC. 16.   Section 11463.01 of the   Welfare and Institutions Code   is amended to read:  11463.01. (a) (1) The department, with the advice, assistance, and cooperation of the counties and foster care providers, shall develop, implement, and maintain a ratesetting system for foster family agencies. (2) No county shall be reimbursed for any percentage increases in payments, made on behalf of AFDC-FC funded children who are placed with foster family agencies, that exceed the percentage cost-of-living increase provided in any fiscal year, as specified in subdivision (c) of Section 11461. (b) The department shall develop regulations specifying the purposes, types, and services of foster family agencies, including the use of those agencies for the provision of emergency shelter care. (c) The department shall develop and maintain regulations specifying the procedures for the appeal of department decisions about the setting of an agency's rate. (d) No supplemental clothing allowance shall be provided, because the rate issued in accordance with paragraph (1) of subdivision (g) takes the cost of clothing into account. (e) The schedule of rates for foster family agencies as set forth in Section 11463, as that section read on January 1, 2015, shall apply for purposes of, and may be modified pursuant to, this section. (f) (1) The department shall determine, consistent with the requirements of this section and other relevant requirements under law, the rate category for each foster family agency on a biennial basis. Submission of the biennial rate application shall be according to a schedule determined by the department. (2) The department shall adopt regulations to implement this subdivision. The adoption, amendment, repeal, or readoption of a regulation authorized by this subdivision is deemed to be necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, or general welfare, for purposes of Sections 11346.1 and 11349.6 of the Government Code, and the department is hereby exempted from the requirement to describe specific facts showing the need for immediate action. (g) (1) The basic rate payment that shall be made to the certified parent pursuant to this section for care and supervision of a child who is living in a certified home of a foster family agency, as defined in Section 11400, shall equal the basic rate for children placed in a licensed or approved home, as specified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (g) of Section 11461. (2) The basic rate payment to the certified parent made pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be adjusted annually on July 1, by the annual percentage change in the California Necessities Index, in accordance with paragraph (2) of subdivision (g) of Section 11461. The adjustment in this paragraph shall be in lieu of any adjustment pursuant to subdivision (e) of Section 11463, as that section read on January 1, 2015. (h) Notwithstanding any other law, the changes to the basic rate payment specified in subdivision (g) shall not change the remaining components of the foster family agency rate. The new foster family agency rate shall be increased only by the amounts specified pursuant to subdivision (g). The resulting amounts shall constitute the new schedule of rates for foster family agencies, which shall be issued by all-county letters or similar instructions from the department. (i) For each fiscal year, funding and expenditures for programs and activities under this section shall be in accordance with the requirements provided in Sections 30025 and 30026.5 of the Government Code. (j) (1) Notwithstanding the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code), the department may implement, interpret, or make specific the changes to this section made by the act that added this section, and amend and repeal regulations and orders subject to this section and adopted by the department by means of all-county letters or similar instructions from the department until regulations are adopted. The department shall adopt emergency regulations no later than July 1, 2016. The department may readopt any emergency regulation authorized by this section that is the same as, or substantially equivalent to, an emergency regulation previously adopted under this section. (2) The initial adoption of emergency regulations pursuant to this section and one readoption of emergency regulations shall be deemed an emergency and necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety, or general welfare. Initial emergency regulations and the one readoption of emergency regulations authorized by this section shall be exempt from review by the Office of Administrative Law. The initial emergency regulations and the one readoption of emergency regulations authorized by this section shall be submitted to the Office of Administrative Law for filing with the Secretary of State and each shall remain in effect for no more than 180 days, by which time final regulations may be adopted. (k) This section shall only apply to a foster family agency that has been granted an extension pursuant to the exception process described in subdivision (d) of Section 11463.1. (l) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2017. (m) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1,  2018,   2019,  and as of that date is repealed, unless a later enacted statute, that is enacted before January 1,  2018,   2019,  deletes or extends that date.  SEC. 9.   SEC. 17.  Section 11466 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read: 11466. For the purposes of this section to Section 11469.1, inclusive, "provider" shall mean a group home, short-term residential treatment center, a foster family agency, and similar foster care business entities.  SEC. 18.   Section 11466.21 of the   Welfare and Institutions Code   is amended to read:  11466.21. (a) In accordance with subdivision (b), as a condition to receive an AFDC-FC rate for a program including, but not limited to, a group home, a foster family  agency that provides treatment services,   agency,  a short-term residential treatment center, and other similar business entities providing foster care, the following shall apply: (1) Any provider who expends in combined federal funds an amount at or above the federal funding threshold in accordance with the federal Single Audit Act, as amended, and Section 200.501 of Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations shall arrange to have a financial audit conducted on an annual basis, and shall submit the  annual  financial audit to the department in accordance with regulations adopted by the department, all-county letter, or similar written instructions. (2) Any provider who expends in combined federal funds an amount below the federal funding threshold  in accordance with the federal Single Audit Act, as amended, and Section 200.501 of Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations  shall annually submit  a financial audit  to the department  a financial audit on its most recent fiscal period. The department shall provide timely notice to the providers of the date that submission of the financial audit is required. That date of submission of the financial audit shall be established in accordance with regulations adopted by the department.   pursuant to Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS), and shall submit the financial audit to the department in accordance with regulations adopted by the department, all-county letter, or similar written instructions.  (3) The scope of the financial audit shall include all of the programs and activities operated by the provider and shall not be limited to those funded in whole or in part by the AFDC-FC program. The financial audits shall include, but not be limited to, an evaluation of the expenditures and accounting and control systems of the provider. (4) The provider shall have its financial audit conducted by certified public accountants or by state-licensed public accountants, with audit designation, who have no direct or indirect relationship with the functions or activities being audited, or with the provider, its board of directors, or other governing body, officers, or staff. (5) The provider shall have its financial audits conducted in accordance with Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States and in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles applicable to private entities organized and operated on a nonprofit basis. (6) (A) Each provider shall have the flexibility to define the calendar months included in its fiscal year. (B) A provider may change the definition of its fiscal year. However, the financial audit conducted following the change shall cover all of the months since the last audit, even though this may cover a period that exceeds 12 months. (b) (1) In accordance with subdivision (a), as a condition to receive an AFDC-FC rate, a provider shall submit a copy of its most recent financial audit report, except as provided in paragraph (3). (2) The department shall terminate the rate of a provider who fails to submit a copy of its most recent financial audit pursuant to subdivision (a). A terminated rate shall only be reinstated upon the provider's submission to the department of an acceptable financial audit. (3) A new provider that has been incorporated for fewer than 12 calendar months shall not be required to submit a copy of a financial audit to receive an AFDC-FC rate for a new program. The financial audit shall be conducted on the provider's next full fiscal year of operation. The provider shall submit the financial audit to the department in accordance with subdivision (a).  (4) Repeated late financial audits may result in monetary penalties or termination of the provider's rate as set forth in regulation, all-county letter, or similar written directive by the department.  (c) The department shall issue a management decision letter on audit  findings   findings, made by the independent auditor or as a result of department review,  within six months of receipt of the financial audit report. The management decision letter shall clearly state whether or not the audit finding is sustained, the reasons for the decision, and the action or actions expected of the nonprofit organization provider to repay disallowed costs, make financial adjustments, or take other action.  (d) Repeated late submission of financial audits, repeat findings in financial audits, or failure to comply with corrective action in a management decision letter may result in monetary penalties or a reduction, suspension, or termination of the provider's rate in accordance with regulations adopted by the department, all-county letter, or similar written instructions. This subdivision shall not be construed to affect the department's authority under other provisions of law, including, but not limited to, Part 200 of Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations.   SEC. 19.   Section 11466.22 of the   Welfare and Institutions Code   is amended to read:  11466.22. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature to ensure overall program integrity in the AFDC-FC program through the establishment of an effective and efficient process for the collection of provider sustained overpayments. Furthermore, the intent of the Legislature is to ensure that children placed in AFDC-FC programs, including, but not limited to, group homes, short-term residential treatment centers, and foster family agencies, receive the level of care and supervision commensurate with the program's paid rate. (b) For the purposes of this section, a provider is a licensee of an AFDC-FC program listed in Section 11402, including, but not limited to, a group home, short-term residential treatment center, foster family agency that provides treatment services, or a similar business entity, receiving foster care maintenance payments under the AFDC-FC program. The department may collect a sustained overpayment from the party responsible for the sustained overpayment, regardless of whether the party remains in the business of providing any AFDC-FC programs, and regardless of whether the provider remains licensed by the department. (c) For the purposes of this section, a provider overpayment is an overpayment that results in an audit period when a provider receives a rate reimbursement to which it is not entitled. If a provider receives a rate reimbursement to which it is not entitled, including, but not limited to, the provider failing to maintain a license, or failing to maintain its status as a nonprofit organization, or due to an overpayment determined as described in paragraph (1) of subdivision  (d). If a provider receives a rate to which it is not entitled it   (d), it  shall be liable to repay the overpayment. (d) (1) Overpayments shall be determined by either a provider audit pursuant to Section 11466.21, a department audit conducted pursuant to Section 11466.2, a management decision letter, or a provider self-reporting an overpayment. A self-reported overpayment may include a finding in the financial audit report submitted by the provider whether that finding is formally made in the financial audit report or discovered through department review of the report or other provider submission. (2) If a hearing is not requested, or on the 60th day after an informal decision if a provider or the department does not file a notice of intent to file a formal appeal, or on the 30th day following a formal appeal hearing decision, whichever is latest, a provider overpayment shall be sustained for collection purposes and the department shall issue a demand letter for repayment of the sustained overpayment. (3) The department shall establish a voluntary repayment agreement procedure with a maximum repayment period of nine years. The procedure shall take into account the amount of the overpayment, projected annual income of the program that caused the overpayment, a minimum repayment amount, including principal and interest, of 3 percent of annual income prorated on a monthly basis, simple interest for the first seven years of the voluntary repayment agreement on the overpayment amount based on the Surplus Money Investment Fund, and simple interest for the eighth and ninth years of the voluntary repayment agreement based on the prime rate at that time plus 3 percent. The department may  consider, at the discretion of the director,   consider  renegotiation of a voluntary repayment agreement if the  director   department  determines that the agreement would cause severe harm to children in placement. (4) The department shall establish an involuntary overpayment collection procedure, that shall take into account the amount of the overpayment, projected annual income, a minimum required repayment amount, including principal and interest, of 5 percent of the annual income prorated on a monthly basis, simple interest on the overpayment amount based on the Surplus Money Investment Fund, and a maximum repayment period of seven years. The department may  consider, at the discretion of the director,   consider  renegotiation of an involuntary payment agreement if the  director   department  determines that the agreement would cause severe harm to children in placement. (e) The department shall maintain, by regulation , all-county letter, or similar written directive, a procedure for recovery of any provider sustained overpayments. The department shall prioritize collection methods, which shall include voluntary repayment agreement procedures, involuntary overpayment collection procedures, including the use of a statutory lien, rate request denials, rate decreases, and rate terminations. The department may also deny rate requests, including requests for rate increases, or program changes or expansions, while an overpayment is due. (f) Whenever the department determines that a provider sustained overpayment has occurred, the department shall recover from the provider the full amount of the sustained overpayment, and simple interest on the sustained overpayment amount, pursuant to methods described in subdivision (e), against the provider's income or assets. (g) If a provider is successful in its appeal of a collected overpayment, it shall be repaid the collected overpayment plus simple interest based on the Surplus Money Investment Fund.  SEC. 20.  Section 11469 of the   Welfare and Institutions Code   is amended to read:  11469. (a) The department shall develop, following consultation with group home providers, the County Welfare Directors Association of California, the Chief Probation Officers of California, the County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California, the State Department of Health Care Services, and stakeholders, performance standards and outcome measures for determining the effectiveness of the care and supervision, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 11460, provided by group homes under the AFDC-FC program pursuant to Sections 11460 and 11462. These standards shall be designed to measure group home program performance for the client group that the group home program is designed to serve. (1) The performance standards and outcome measures shall be designed to measure the performance of group home programs in areas over which the programs have some degree of influence, and in other areas of measurable program performance that the department can demonstrate are areas over which group home programs have meaningful managerial or administrative influence. (2) These standards and outcome measures shall include, but are not limited to, the effectiveness of services provided by each group home program, and the extent to which the services provided by the group home assist in obtaining the child welfare case plan objectives for the child. (3) In addition, when the group home provider has identified as part of its program for licensing, ratesetting, or county placement purposes, or has included as a part of a child's case plan by mutual agreement between the group home and the placing agency, specific mental health, education, medical, and other child-related services, the performance standards and outcome measures may also measure the effectiveness of those services. (b) Regulations regarding the implementation of the group home performance standards system required by this section shall be adopted no later than one year prior to implementation. The regulations shall specify both the performance standards system and the manner by which the AFDC-FC rate of a group home program shall be adjusted if performance standards are not met. (c) Except as provided in subdivision (d), effective July 1, 1995, group home performance standards shall be implemented. Any group home program not meeting the performance standards shall have its AFDC-FC rate, set pursuant to Section 11462, adjusted according to the regulations required by this section. (d) A group home program shall be classified at rate classification level 13 or 14 only if    it has been granted an extension pursuant to Section 11462.04 and  all of the following are met: (1) The program generates the requisite number of points for rate classification level 13 or 14. (2) The program only accepts children with special treatment needs as determined through the assessment process pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 11462.01. (3) The program meets the performance standards designed pursuant to this section. (e) Notwithstanding subdivision (c), the group home program performance standards system shall not be implemented prior to the implementation of the AFDC-FC performance standards system. (f) On or before January 1, 2016, the department shall develop, following consultation with the County Welfare Directors Association of California, the Chief Probation Officers of California, the County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California, research entities, foster children, advocates for foster children, foster care provider business entities organized and operated on a nonprofit basis, Indian tribes, and other stakeholders, additional performance standards and outcome measures that require group homes to implement programs and services to minimize law enforcement contacts and delinquency petition filings arising from incidents of allegedly unlawful behavior by minors occurring in group homes or under the supervision of group home staff, including individualized behavior management programs, emergency intervention plans, and conflict resolution processes. (g) On or before January 1, 2017, the department shall develop, following consultation with the County Welfare Directors Association of California, the Chief Probation Officers of California, the County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California, the Medical Board of California, research entities, foster children advocates for foster children, foster care provider business entities organized and operated on a nonprofit basis, Indian tribes, and other stakeholders, additional performance standards and outcome measures that require group homes  and short-term residential treatment centers  to implement alternative programs and services, including individualized behavior management programs, emergency intervention plans, and conflict resolution processes.  (h) Performance standards and outcome measures developed pursuant to this section shall apply to short-term residential treatment centers.   SEC. 21.   Section 16514 of the   Welfare and Institutions Code   is amended to read:  16514. (a) A minor or nonminor who has been voluntarily placed, adjudged a dependent child of the juvenile court pursuant to Section 300, or as to whom a petition has been filed under Section 325, may be housed in an emergency shelter or, pursuant to the procedures for placement set forth in this code, placed in a foster family home, a resource family home, or with a foster family agency for subsequent placement in a suitable licensed foster family home or certified family home, with minors adjudged wards of the juvenile court pursuant to Section 601. (b) A minor who has been voluntarily placed, adjudged a dependent child of the juvenile court pursuant to Section 300, or adjudged a ward of the juvenile court pursuant to Section 601, shall not be housed in an emergency shelter with any minor adjudged a ward of the juvenile court pursuant to Section 602. (c) A minor or nonminor who has been voluntarily placed, adjudged a dependent child of the juvenile court pursuant to Section 300, or as to whom a petition has been filed under Section 325, or a nonminor dependent, as described in subdivision (v) of Section 11400, shall not be placed or detained in a short-term residential treatment center, group home or licensed foster family home, a resource family home, a certified family home, or an approved resource family or foster family agency,  or, beginning January 1, 2017, a short-term residential treatment center,  with any minor adjudged a ward of the juvenile court pursuant to Section 601 or 602, unless the social worker or probation officer with placement authority has determined that the placement setting has a program that meets the specific needs of the minor or nonminor dependent being placed or detained, and there is a commonality of needs with the other minors and nonminor dependents in the placement setting. (d) Nothing in this section shall transfer or eliminate the responsibility of the placing agency for the care, custody, or control of the child. Nothing in this section shall relieve a foster family agency of its responsibilities for or on behalf of a child placed with it.  (e)    For purposes of this section, the placing of children or nonminor dependents by foster family agencies shall be referred to as "subsequent placement" to distinguish the activity from the placing by public agencies.  SEC. 10.   SEC. 22.  Section 16519.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read: 16519.5. (a) The State Department of Social Services, in consultation with county child welfare agencies, foster parent associations, and other interested community parties, shall implement a unified, family friendly, and child-centered resource family approval process to replace the existing multiple processes for licensing foster family homes, approving relatives and nonrelative extended family members as foster care providers, and approving  guardians and  adoptive families. (b) (1) Counties shall be selected to participate on a voluntary basis as early implementation counties for the purpose of participating in the initial development of the approval process. Early implementation counties shall be selected according to criteria developed by the department in consultation with the County Welfare Directors Association. In selecting the five early implementation counties, the department shall promote diversity among the participating counties in terms of size and geographic location. (2) Additional counties may participate in the early implementation of the program upon authorization by the department. (3) The State Department of Social Services shall be responsible for all of the following: (A) Selecting early implementation counties, based on criteria established by the department in consultation with the County Welfare Directors Association. (B) Establishing timeframes for participating counties to submit an implementation plan, enter into terms and conditions for early implementation participation in the program, train appropriate staff, and accept applications from resource families. (C) Entering into terms and conditions for early implementation participation in the program by counties. (4) Counties participating in the early implementation of the program shall be responsible for all of the following: (A) Submitting an implementation plan. (B) Entering into terms and conditions for early implementation participation in the program. (C) Consulting with the county probation department in the development of the implementation plan. (D) Training appropriate staff. (E) Accepting applications from resource families within the timeframes established by the department. (5) (A) Approved relatives and nonrelative extended family members, licensed foster family homes, or approved adoptive homes that have completed the license or approval process prior to statewide implementation of the program shall not be considered part of the program. The otherwise applicable assessment and oversight processes shall continue to be administered for families and facilities not included in the program. (B) Upon implementation of the program in a county, that county shall not accept new applications for the licensure of foster family homes, the approval of relative and nonrelative extended family members, or the approval of prospective guardians and adoptive homes. (6) The department may waive regulations that pose a barrier to the early implementation and operation of this program. The waiver of any regulations by the department pursuant to this section shall apply to only those counties or foster family agencies participating in the early implementation of the program and only for the duration of the program.  (7) (A) The approval of a resource family who moves to a nonparticipating county remains in full force and effect pending a determination by the county approval agency or the department, as appropriate, whether the new building and grounds and storage areas meet applicable standards, and whether all adults residing in the home have a criminal records clearance or exemptions granted, using the exemption criteria specified in subdivision (g) of Section 1522 of the Health and Safety Code. Upon this determination, the nonparticipating county shall either approve the family as a relative or nonrelative extended family member, as applicable, or the department shall license the family as a foster family home.   (B) A program-affiliated individual who moves to a nonparticipating county may not transfer his or her subsequent arrest notification from a participating county to the nonparticipating county.  (c) (1) For the purposes of this chapter, "resource family" means an individual or family that has successfully met both the home environment assessment standards and the permanency assessment criteria adopted pursuant to subdivision (d) necessary for providing care for a related or unrelated child who is under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, or otherwise in the care of a county child welfare agency or probation department. A resource family shall demonstrate all of the following: (A) An understanding of the safety, permanence, and well-being needs of children who have been victims of child abuse and neglect, and the capacity and willingness to meet those needs, including the need for protection, and the willingness to make use of support resources offered by the agency, or a support structure in place, or both. (B) An understanding of children's needs and development, effective parenting skills or knowledge about parenting, and the capacity to act as a reasonable, prudent parent in day-to-day decisionmaking. (C) An understanding of his or her role as a resource family and the capacity to work cooperatively with the agency and other service providers in implementing the child's case plan. (D) The financial ability within the household to ensure the stability and financial security of the family. (E) An ability and willingness to provide a family setting that promotes normal childhood experiences that serves the needs of the child. (2) For purposes of this chapter, and unless otherwise specified, references to a "child" shall include a "nonminor dependent" and "nonminor former dependent or ward" as defined in subdivision (v) and paragraph (1) of subdivision (aa) of Section 11400.  (3) There is no fundamental right to approval as a resource family.   (3)   (   4)  Subsequent to meeting the criteria set forth in this subdivision and designation as a resource family, a resource family shall be considered eligible to provide foster care for related and unrelated children in out-of-home placement, shall be considered approved for adoption or guardianship, and shall not have to undergo any additional approval or licensure as long as the family lives in a county participating in the program.  (4)   (   5)  Resource family approval means that the applicant successfully meets the home environment assessment and permanency assessment standards. This approval is in lieu of the existing foster care license, relative or nonrelative extended family member approval,  guardianship approval pursuant to Section   360, 366.26, or 728,  and the adoption home study approval.  (5)   (6)  Approval of a resource family does not guarantee an  initial or continued   initial, continued, or adoptive  placement of a child with a resource family.  (6)   (   7)  Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) to  (5),   (6),  inclusive, the department or county may cease any further review of an application if the applicant has had a previous application denial within the preceding year, or if the applicant has had a previous rescission, revocation, or exemption denial or exemption rescission by the department or county within the preceding two years. However, the department or county may continue to review an application if it has determined that the reasons for the previous denial, rescission, or revocation were due to circumstances and conditions that either have been corrected or are no longer in existence. If an individual was excluded from a resource family home or facility licensed by the department, the department or county shall cease review of the individual's application unless the excluded individual has been reinstated pursuant to Section 11522 of the Government Code. The cessation of review shall not constitute a denial of the application for purposes of this section or any other law. (d) (1) The department shall adopt standards pertaining to the home environment and permanency assessments of a resource family. (2) Resource family home environment assessment standards shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following: (A) (i) Criminal records clearance of all adults residing in, or regularly present in, the home, and not exempted from fingerprinting, as set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 1522 of the Health and Safety Code, pursuant to Section 8712 of the Family Code, utilizing a check of the Child Abuse Central Index (CACI), and receipt of a fingerprint-based state and federal criminal offender record information search response. The criminal history information shall include subsequent notifications pursuant to Section 11105.2 of the Penal Code. (ii) Consideration of any substantiated allegations of child abuse or neglect against either the applicant or any other adult residing in the home. An approval may not be granted to applicants whose criminal record indicates a conviction for any of the offenses specified in subdivision (g) of Section 1522 of the Health and Safety Code. (iii) If the resource family parent, applicant, or any other person specified in subdivision (b) of Section 1522 of the Health and Safety Code has been convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic  violation,   violation or arrested for a serious offense specified in subdivision   (e) of Section 1522 of the Health and Safety Code,  except for the civil penalty language, the criminal background check provisions specified in subdivisions (d) through (f) of Section 1522 of the Health and Safety Code shall apply. Exemptions from the criminal records clearance requirements set forth in this section may be granted by the  director   department  or the  early implementation  county, if that county has been granted permission by the  director   department  to issue criminal records exemptions pursuant to Section 361.4, using the exemption criteria specified in subdivision (g) of Section 1522 of the Health and Safety Code and the written directives  or regulations  adopted pursuant to this section. A county may obtain arrest and conviction records or reports from any court or law enforcement agency as necessary to the performance of its duties, as provided in subdivision (e) of Section 1522 of the Health and Safety Code. (iv) For public foster family agencies approving resource families, the criminal records clearance process set forth in clause (i) shall be utilized. (v) For private foster family agencies approving resource families, the criminal records clearance process set forth in clause (i) shall be utilized, but the Department of Justice shall disseminate a fitness determination resulting from the federal criminal offender record information search. (B) Buildings and grounds and storage requirements that ensure the health and safety of children. (C) In addition to the foregoing requirements, the resource family home environment assessment standards shall also require the following: (i) That the applicant demonstrate an understanding about the rights of children in care and his or her responsibility to safeguard those rights. (ii) That the total number of children residing in the home of a resource family shall be no more than the total number of children the resource family can properly care for, regardless of status, and shall not exceed six children, unless exceptional circumstances that are documented in the foster child's case file exist to permit a resource family to care for more children, including, but not limited to, the need to place siblings together. (iii) That the applicant understands his or her responsibilities with respect to acting as a reasonable and prudent parent, and maintaining the least restrictive environment that serves the needs of the child. (3) The resource family permanency assessment standards shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following: (A) The applicant shall complete caregiver training. (B) (i) The applicant shall complete a psychosocial assessment, which shall include the results of a risk assessment. (ii) A caregiver risk assessment shall include, but shall not be limited to, physical and mental health, alcohol and other substance use and abuse, family and domestic violence, and the factors listed in subparagraphs (A) and (D) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (c). (C) The applicant shall complete any other activities that relate to a resource family's ability to achieve permanency with the child. (e) (1) A county may place a child with a resource family  applicant  that has successfully completed the home environment assessment prior to completion of a permanency assessment only if a compelling reason for the placement exists based on the needs of the child.  (2)   (   A)  The permanency assessment shall be completed within 90 days of the child's placement in the home, unless good cause exists based upon the needs of the child.  (3)   (   B)  If additional time is needed to complete the permanency assessment, the county shall document the extenuating circumstances for the delay and generate a timeframe for the completion of the permanency assessment.  (4)   (   C)  The county shall report to the department on a quarterly basis the number of families with a child in an approved home whose permanency assessment goes beyond 90 days and summarize the reasons for these delays.  (5)   (   2)  A county may place a child with a relative, as defined in Section 319, or nonrelative extended family member, as defined in Section 362.7, prior to applying as a resource family only on an emergency basis if all of the following requirements are met: (A) Consideration of the results of a criminal records check conducted pursuant to Section 16504.5 of the relative or nonrelative extended family member and of every other adult in the home. (B) Consideration of the results of the Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) consistent with Section 1522.1 of the Health and Safety Code of the relative or nonrelative extended family member, and of every other adult in the home. (C) The home and grounds are free of conditions that pose undue risk to the health and safety of the child. (D) For any placement made pursuant to this paragraph, the county shall initiate the home environment assessment no later than five business days after the placement, which shall include a face-to-face interview with the resource family applicant and child.  (E)   (  3)  For any placement made pursuant to this  paragraph,   subdivision,  AFDC-FC funding shall not be available until approval of the resource family has been completed.  (F)   (   4)  Any child placed under this section shall be afforded all the rights set forth in Section 16001.9.  (G)   (   5)  Nothing in this  paragraph   section  shall limit the county's authority to inspect the home of a resource family  applicant  or a relative or nonrelative extended family member as often as necessary to ensure the quality of care  provided to a child placed on an emergency basis.   provided.  (f) The State Department of Social Services shall be responsible for all of the following: (1)  Administering   (A)     Until regulations are adopted, administering  the program through the issuance of written directives that shall have the same force and effect as regulations. Any directive affecting Article 1 (commencing with Section 700) of Chapter 7 of Title 11 of the California Code of Regulations shall be approved by the Department of Justice. The directives shall be exempt from the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340)) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.  (B) Adopting, amending, or repealing, in accordance with Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 11371) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, any reasonable rules, regulations, and standards that may be necessary or proper to carry out the purposes and intent of this chapter and to enable the department to exercise the powers and perform the duties conferred upon it by this section, consistent with the laws of this state.  (2) Approving and requiring the use of a single standard for resource family approval. (3) Adopting and requiring the use of standardized documentation for the home environment and permanency assessments of resource families. (4) Requiring counties to monitor county-approved resource families including, but not limited to, all of the following: (A) Investigating complaints of resource families. (B) Developing and monitoring resource family corrective action plans to correct identified deficiencies and to rescind resource family approval if compliance with corrective action plans is not achieved. (5) Ongoing oversight and monitoring of county systems and operations including all of the following: (A) Reviewing the county's implementation plan and implementation of the program. (B) Reviewing an adequate number of county-approved resource families in each county to ensure that approval standards are being properly applied. The review shall include case file documentation, and may include onsite inspection of individual resource families. The review shall occur on an annual basis, and more frequently if the department becomes aware that a county is experiencing a disproportionate number of complaints against individual resource family homes. (C) Reviewing county reports of serious complaints and incidents involving approved resource families, as determined necessary by the department. The department may conduct an independent review of the complaint or incident and change the findings depending on the results of its investigation. (D) Investigating unresolved complaints against counties. (E) Requiring corrective action of counties that are not in full compliance with this section. (6) Updating the Legislature on the early implementation phase of the program, including the status of implementation, successes, and challenges during the early implementation phase, and relevant available data, including resource family satisfaction. (7) Implementing due process procedures, including, but not limited to, all of the following: (A) Providing a statewide fair hearing process for denials, rescissions, or exclusion actions. (B) Amending the department's applicable state hearing procedures and regulations or using the Administrative Procedure Act, when applicable, as necessary for the administration of the program. (g) Counties shall be responsible for all of the following: (1) Submitting an implementation plan and consulting with the county probation department in the development of the implementation plan. (2) Complying with the written directives  or regulations  adopted pursuant to this section. (3) Implementing the requirements for resource family approval and utilizing standardized documentation established by the department. (4) Training appropriate staff, including ensuring staff have the education and experience necessary to complete the home environment and psychosocial assessments competently. (5) (A) Taking the following actions, as applicable: (i) Approving or denying resource family applications. (ii) Rescinding approvals of resource families. (iii) Excluding a resource family parent or other individual from presence in any resource family home, consistent with the established standard. (iv) Issuing a temporary suspension order that suspends the resource family approval prior to a hearing when urgent action is needed to protect a child from physical or mental abuse, abandonment, or any other substantial threat to health or safety, consistent with the established standard. (v) Granting, denying, or rescinding criminal record exemptions. (B) Providing a resource family parent, applicant, excluded individual, or individual who is the subject of a criminal record exemption decision, requesting review of that decision, with due process pursuant to the department's statutes, regulations, and written directives. (C) Notifying the department of any decisions denying  a resource family's   an  application  for resource family approval  or rescinding the approval of a resource family, excluding an individual,  or taking other administrative action.   or denying or rescinding a criminal record exemption, and, if applicable, notifying the   department of the results of an administrative action.  (6) (A) Updating resource family approval annually. (B) A county shall conduct an announced inspection of a resource family home during the annual update in order to ensure that the resource family is conforming to all applicable laws and the written directives or regulations adopted pursuant to this section. (7) Monitoring resource families through all of the following: (A) Ensuring that social workers who identify a condition in the home that may not meet the approval standards set forth in subdivision (d) while in the course of a routine visit to children placed with a resource family take appropriate action as needed. (B) Requiring resource families to comply with corrective action plans as necessary to correct identified deficiencies. If corrective action is not completed as specified in the plan, the county may rescind the resource family approval. (C) Requiring resource families to report to the county child welfare agency any incidents consistent with the reporting requirements for licensed foster family homes. (D) Inspecting resource family homes as often as necessary to ensure the quality of care provided. (8) (A) Investigating all complaints against a resource family and taking action as necessary, including, but not limited to, investigating any incidents reported about a resource family indicating that the approval standard is not being maintained and inspecting the resource family home. (B) The child's social worker shall not conduct the formal investigation into the complaint received concerning a family providing services under the standards required by subdivision (d). To the extent that adequate resources are available, complaints shall be investigated by a worker who did not initially conduct the home environment or psychosocial assessments. (C) Upon conclusion of the complaint investigation, the final disposition shall be reviewed and approved by a supervising staff member. (D) The department shall be notified of any serious incidents or serious complaints or any incident that falls within the definition of Section 11165.5 of the Penal Code. If those incidents or complaints result in an investigation, the department shall also be notified as to the status and disposition of that investigation. (9) Performing corrective action as required by the department. (10) Assessing county performance in related areas of the California Child and Family Services Review System, and remedying problems identified. (11) Submitting information and data that the department determines is necessary to study, monitor, and prepare the report specified in paragraph (6) of subdivision (f). (12) Ensuring resource family applicants and resource families have the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to support children in foster care by completing caregiver training. The training should include a curriculum that supports the role of a resource family in parenting vulnerable children and should be ongoing in order to provide resource families with information on trauma-informed practices and requirements and other topics within the foster care system. (13) Ensuring that a resource family applicant completes a minimum of 12 hours of preapproval training. The training shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following courses: (A) An overview of the child protective and probation systems. (B) The effects of trauma, including grief and loss, and child abuse and neglect, on child development and behavior, and methods to behaviorally support children impacted by that trauma or child abuse and neglect. (C) Positive discipline and the importance of self-esteem. (D) Health issues in foster care. (E) Accessing services and supports to address education needs, physical, mental, and behavioral health, and substance use disorders, including culturally relevant services. (F) The rights of a child in foster care, and the resource family' s responsibility to safeguard those rights, including the right to have fair and equal access to all available services, placement, care, treatment, and benefits, and to not be subjected to discrimination or harassment on the basis of actual or perceived race, ethnic group identification, ancestry, national origin, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental or physical disability, or HIV status. (G) Cultural needs of children, including instruction on cultural competency and sensitivity, and related best practices for providing adequate care for children or youth across diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds, as well as children or youth identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. (H) Basic instruction on existing laws and procedures regarding the safety of foster youth at school; and ensuring a harassment and violence free school environment pursuant to Article 3.6 (commencing with Section 32228) of Chapter 2 of Part 19 of Division 1 of Title 1 of the Education Code. (I) Permanence, well-being, and education needs of children. (J) Child and adolescent development, including sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. (K) The role of resource families, including working cooperatively with the child welfare or probation agency, the child's family, and other service providers implementing the case plan. (L) The role of a resource family on the child and family team as defined in paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) of Section 16501. (M) A resource family's responsibility to act as a reasonable and prudent parent, as described in subdivision (c) of Section 1522.44 of the Health and Safety Code, and to provide a family setting that promotes normal childhood experiences and that serves the needs of the child. (N) An overview of the specialized training identified in subdivision (h). (14) Ensuring approved resource families complete a minimum of eight training hours annually, a portion of which shall be from one or more of the topics listed in paragraph (13). (h) In addition to any training required by this section,  a county may require  a resource family  may be required  to receive  relevant  specialized  training, as relevant and as needed,   training  for the purpose of preparing the resource family to meet the needs of a particular child in care. This training may include, but is not limited to, the following: (1) Understanding how to use best practices for providing care and supervision to commercially sexually exploited children. (2) Understanding how to use best practices for providing care and supervision to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender children. (3) Understanding the requirements and best practices regarding psychotropic medications, including, but not limited to, court authorization, benefits, uses, side effects, interactions, assistance with self-administration, misuse, documentation, storage, and metabolic monitoring of children prescribed psychotropic medications. (4) Understanding the federal Indian Child Welfare Act (25 U.S.C. Sec. 1901 et seq.), its historical significance, the rights of children covered by the act, and the best interests of Indian children, including the role of the caregiver in supporting culturally appropriate, child-centered practices that respect Native American history, culture, retention of tribal membership and connection to the tribal community and traditions. (5) Understanding how to use best practices for providing care and supervision to nonminor dependents. (6) Understanding how to use best practices for providing care and supervision to children with special health care needs. (7) Understanding the different permanency options and the services and benefits associated with the options. (i) Nothing in this section shall preclude a county or a foster family agency from requiring resource family training in excess of the requirements in this section. (j) (1) Resource families who move home locations shall retain their resource family status  if the new building and grounds, outdoor activity areas, and storage areas meet home environment standards.     pending the outcome of the update conducted pursuant to paragraph (6) of subdivision (g).  (2) The State Department of Social Services or a county may allow a program-affiliated individual to transfer his or her subsequent arrest notification if the individual moves from one county to another county, as specified in subdivision (g) of Section 1522 of the Health and Safety Code. (3) Subject to the requirements in paragraph (1), the family shall continue to be approved for guardianship and adoption. Nothing in this subdivision shall limit a county, foster family agency, or adoption agency from determining that the family is not approved for guardianship or adoption based on changes in the family's circumstances or psychosocial assessment. (k) Implementation of the program shall be contingent upon the continued availability of federal Social Security Act Title IV-E (42 U.S.C. Sec. 670) funds for costs associated with placement of children with resource families assessed and approved under the program. (l) A child placed with a resource family shall be eligible for AFDC-FC payments. A resource family, or a foster family agency pursuant to subdivisions (p) and (q), shall be paid an AFDC-FC rate pursuant to Sections 11460, 11461, and 11463. Sharing ratios for nonfederal expenditures for all costs associated with activities related to the approval of relatives and nonrelative extended family members shall be in accordance with Section 10101. (m) The Department of Justice shall charge fees sufficient to cover the cost of initial or subsequent criminal offender record information and Child Abuse Central Index searches, processing, or responses, as specified in this section. (n) Except as provided, approved resource families shall be exempt from  all   both  of the following: (1) Licensure requirements set forth under the Community Care Facilities Act, commencing with Section 1500 of the Health and Safety Code, and all regulations promulgated thereto. (2) Relative and nonrelative extended family member approval requirements set forth under Sections 309, 361.4, and 362.7, and all regulations promulgated thereto.  (3) Adoptions approval and reporting requirements set forth under Section 8712 of the Family Code, and all regulations promulgated thereto.  (o) (1) Early implementation counties shall be authorized to continue through December 31, 2016. The program shall be implemented by each county on or before January 1, 2017. On and after January 1, 2017, a county shall approve resource families in lieu of licensing foster family homes and approving relative or nonrelative extended family members. Notwithstanding this provision, the existing licensure or approval and oversight processes shall continue to be administered for foster family homes and relatives or nonrelative extended family members licensed or approved prior to January 1, 2017,  in accordance with paragraphs (3) and (4).   until the license or approval is revoked or forfeited by operation of law pursuant to this section or Section 1524 of the Health and Safety Code.  (2) No later than July 1, 2017, each county shall provide the following information to all licensed foster family homes and all approved relatives and nonrelative extended family members: (A) A detailed description of the resource family approval program. (B) Notification that, in order to care for a foster child, resource family approval is required by December 31, 2019. (C) Notification that a foster family home license and an approval of a relative or nonrelative extended family member shall be forfeited by operation of law as provided for in paragraph (4). (3) By no later than January 1, 2018, the following shall apply to all licensed foster family homes and approved relative and nonrelative extended family members: (A) A licensed foster family home, and an approved relative or nonrelative extended family member with an approved adoptive home study completed prior to January 1, 2018, shall be deemed to be an approved resource family. (B) A licensed foster family home, and an approved relative or nonrelative extended family member who had a child in placement at any time between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2017, inclusive, may be approved as a resource family on the date of successful completion of a psychosocial assessment pursuant to subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (d). (C) A county may provide supportive services to all licensed foster family home providers, relatives, and nonrelative extended family members with a child in placement to assist with the resource family transition and to minimize placement disruptions. (4) All foster family licenses and approvals of a relative or nonrelative extended family member shall be forfeited by operation of law on December 31, 2019, except as provided in this paragraph: (A) All licensed foster family homes that did not have a child in placement at any time between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2017, inclusive, shall forfeit the license by operation of law on January 1, 2018. (B) For foster family home licensees and approved relatives or nonrelative extended family members who have a pending resource family application on December 31, 2019, the foster family home license or relative and nonrelative extended family member approval shall be forfeited by operation of law on the date of approval as a resource family. If approval is denied, forfeiture by operation of law shall occur on the date of completion of any proceedings required by law to ensure due process. (p) On and after January 1, 2017, all licensed foster family agencies shall approve resource families in lieu of certifying foster  homes. A foster family agency, or a short-term residential treatment center pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 11462, shall require applicants and resource families to meet the resource family approval standards and requirements set forth in this chapter and in the written directives adopted pursuant to this chapter prior to approval and in order to maintain approval.   homes, as set forth in Section 1517 of the Health and Safety Code.  (q) Commencing January 1, 2016, the department may establish participation conditions, and select and authorize foster family agencies that voluntarily submit implementation plans and revised plans of operation in accordance with requirements established by the department, to approve resource families in lieu of certifying foster homes. (1) Notwithstanding any other law, a participating foster family agency shall require resource families to meet and maintain the resource family approval standards and requirements set forth in this chapter and in the written directives adopted hereto prior to approval and in order to maintain approval. (2) A participating foster family agency shall implement the resource family approval program pursuant to Section 1517 of the Health and Safety Code. (3) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the authority of the department to inspect, evaluate, or investigate a complaint or incident, or initiate a disciplinary action against a foster family agency pursuant to Article 5 (commencing with Section 1550) of Chapter 3 of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code, or to take any action it may deem necessary for the health and safety of children placed with the foster family agency. (4) The department may adjust the foster family agency AFDC-FC rate pursuant to Section 11463 for implementation of this subdivision. (5) This subdivision shall become inoperative on January 1, 2017.  SEC. 23.   Section 16519.51 of the   Welfare and Institutions Code   is amended to read:  16519.51. Notwithstanding any other law, preapproval training for a resource family applicant and annual training for an approved resource family shall include training on knowledge and skills related to the application of the reasonable and prudent parent standard for the participation of the child in age or developmentally appropriate activities, as set forth in Section  1522.4   1522.44  of the Health and Safety Code.  SEC. 11.   SEC. 24.  To the extent that this act has an overall effect of increasing certain costs already borne by a local agency for programs or levels of service mandated by the 2011 Realignment Legislation within the meaning of Section 36 of Article XIII of the California Constitution, it shall apply to local agencies only to the extent that the state provides annual funding for those cost increases. Any new program or higher level of service provided by a local agency pursuant to this act above the level for which funding has been provided shall not require a subvention of funds by the state nor otherwise be subject to Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution. With regard to certain other costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district, no reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution because, in that regard, this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution.