California Assembly Bill AB819

California 2019-2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/19
• Refer: 3/28/19
• Report Pass: 3/28/19
• Refer: 4/1/19
• Report Pass: 4/12/19
• Refer: 4/22/19
• Report Pass: 4/24/19
• Refer: 4/24/19
• Report Pass: 5/1/19
• Engrossed: 5/9/19
• Refer: 5/9/19
• Refer: 5/22/19
• Report Pass: 5/29/19
• Refer: 5/29/19
• Report Pass: 6/10/19
• Refer: 6/10/19
• Refer: 6/26/19
• Report Pass: 7/1/19
• Refer: 7/1/19
• Report Pass: 7/9/19
• Refer: 7/9/19
• Report Pass: 8/19/19
• Refer: 8/19/19
• Enrolled: 9/10/19
• Chaptered: 10/12/19
• Passed: 10/12/19

Caption

Foster care.

Impact

AB 819 significantly impacts the state's child welfare legislation by mandating counties and foster care agencies to maintain comprehensive documents regarding resource families. This includes updating their case records and ensuring that all relevant information is shared when a resource family seeks changes in their status, such as switching agencies. This requirement may create additional administrative responsibilities, which have been identified as imposing a state-mandated local program. Moreover, the provisions to expand background check requirements aim to safeguard children by preventing individuals with certain criminal records from becoming resource families.

Summary

Assembly Bill 819, introduced by Mark Stone, addresses several critical elements of California's foster care system. The bill is designed to amend existing laws with a focus on enhancing the paperwork and procedural requirements related to resource families, which are defined as individuals or families meeting specified standards for fostering, adopting, and providing guardianship for children. The emphasis is on streamlining the approval process for resource families and ensuring that the transition and placement processes are more efficient and supportive of children's needs.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding AB 819 demonstrates general support for enhancing protections within the foster care system while also expressing concern about the potential administrative burden placed on local agencies. Proponents argue that the increased scrutiny and documentation will lead to better oversight and safety for children in care. Conversely, some critics worry that the additional requirements may hinder the ability of foster families to provide timely support to children, raising concerns about the balance between regulation and the flexibility necessary for effective foster care operations.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the enforcement of the new requirements that AB 819 introduces, specifically regarding the criminal background checks and documentation protocols for resource families. While some stakeholders see this as a necessary measure to protect children in the foster care system, others oppose it, fearing that it may deter potential foster families due to overly stringent requirements. Furthermore, the lack of funding provisions to support local agencies in complying with the increased responsibilities raises questions about the viability of implementing these changes effectively.