Child care services: CalWORKs: Stage 2.
The legislation specifies that families classified as former recipients of CalWORKs will now be eligible for child care services beyond the previously set maximum of 24 months. Instead of this cap, families can continue to receive assistance until their income exceeds 85% of the state median income, adjusted for family size. Furthermore, the legislation removes provisions requiring local agencies to facilitate the transition of families to the next stage of child care services, thus streamlining some of the bureaucratic processes involved in accessing aid.
Senate Bill No. 1359, introduced by Senator McGuire, amends Section 8353 of the Education Code concerning the provision of child care services under the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program. The bill primarily aims to redefine eligibility requirements for child care assistance, allowing families transitioning off aid to receive continued support in securing child care services. This change is intended to promote stability for families as they adapt to new financial circumstances after moving off of public assistance.
Notably, the bill seeks to shift the responsibility for administering certain child care services from county welfare departments to local agencies contracting with the State Department of Education. Critics have raised concerns about this shift, arguing that it may disrupt established support systems for families, particularly those who may rely heavily on local county services during their transition back to financial independence. The intent of the bill is framed positively, emphasizing the desire to provide child care assistance to support low-income working families, yet there are fears about potential gaps in support during the transition period.