Foster care payments: reasonable travel reimbursement for school.
By mandating counties to provide reasonable travel reimbursements to emergency caregivers, AB 1944 aims to streamline the process and offer financial support to caregivers who may not yet be fully recognized as foster care providers. This measure is expected to enhance the stability of children's education during transitions into foster care by reducing disruptions associated with changing schools. The requirement for timely notification of eligibility for reimbursements within three business days adds a layer of accountability and efficiency in support services.
Assembly Bill 1944, introduced by Assembly Member Quirk-Silva, seeks to amend existing law regarding foster care payments, specifically concerning reasonable travel reimbursement for school-related activities. Current provisions allow for county reimbursement to foster care providers for reasonable travel expenses incurred to ensure children remain in their enrolled educational institutions upon placement. This bill expands those provisions to also cover emergency caregivers, ensuring they receive similar reimbursements for the travel costs of children under their temporary care.
One notable point of contention surrounding AB 1944 is the imposition of new requirements on counties, which, under the California Constitution, could lead to increased local administrative costs without guaranteed state reimbursement. While the intent is to bolster support for emergency caregivers and the children they serve, concerns arise about financial strains on county resources, particularly in the context of fluctuating state funding mechanisms. Additionally, the statute states that no reimbursement is mandated for specified reasons, which may prompt debate amongst stakeholders regarding fiscal responsibilities and equitable treatment of caregivers.