The bill mandates that rates for care provided to these children are increased to ensure a higher level of support, acknowledging their exceptional needs. It establishes a standardized rate of $2,006 per child per month for 24-hour out-of-home care, as well as potential supplements up to $1,000 for cases requiring extraordinary support. This change aims to provide a more consistent and adequate financial framework for foster caregivers, helping to ensure that these vulnerable children receive the necessary assistance.
AB 1680, introduced by Assembly Member Sanchez, amends Section 11464 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, focusing on the care and supervision of children who are consumers of regional center services while also receiving various forms of financial support, such as Aid to Families with Dependent Children-Foster Care (AFDC-FC) and Adoption Assistance Program (AAP) benefits. The bill seeks to enhance the provision of care for children with developmental disabilities who require supervision beyond what typical foster care can provide.
One notable point of contention surrounding AB 1680 is the allocation of state responsibilities and the appropriateness of financial support rates. While the bill promotes higher funding for children with special needs, concerns may arise regarding the sustainability of these financial provisions and the potential for inequalities among different types of foster care and support programs. Additionally, the impact on local agencies, particularly concerning their roles in assessing the need for supplemental funding, is an area that previous discussions have pointed to as a controversial aspect of the bill.