CalWORKs: welfare-to-work: necessary supportive services.
The bill necessitates that funds be allocated or made available to cover the new diaper cost provision without diminishing other existing benefits in the CalWORKs program. As a state-mandated local program, it also requires the State Department of Social Services to implement regulations for this new provision by January 1, 2020. This implementation could place additional financial responsibilities on local agencies administering the program. If the Commission on State Mandates identifies costs incurred by local agencies due to this bill, the state is required to provide reimbursement.
Assembly Bill No. 480, introduced by Gonzalez Fletcher, amends the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program to expand available supportive services for participants of welfare-to-work plans. Starting on April 1, 2018, the bill mandates that costs related to diapers for children under 36 months be included as a necessary supportive service. Participants can receive $30 per month per child to assist with these costs. This addition recognizes diapers as a basic necessity that impacts a parent's ability to return to work or training programs.
The sentiment surrounding AB 480 is generally positive, being viewed as a supportive measure for low-income families, particularly those with young children. Advocates argue that this provision helps alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by families pursuing employment and training. However, there may be some concerns related to funding and the administrative burden on counties, which could lead to a divide in opinions regarding the bill's overall efficacy and feasibility.
While the bill aims to provide essential assistance to parents in the welfare-to-work program, the potential strain this provision may place on already stretched county resources has been a point of contention. Critics may argue that making the diapers a subsidized cost could divert funds from other crucial services offered through the CalWORKs program. Additionally, the requirement to navigate new regulations and the implementation timeline may create operational challenges for county departments tasked with managing these services.