Dependents: family finding.
If enacted, AB2929 will modify existing laws about the placement and monitoring of dependent children in foster care. Specifically, it stipulates fundamental changes in procedural accountability for county social workers and the courts. Each periodic review must now include an assessment of the efforts made to find suitable family placements. This change has implications for local agencies, potentially increasing their administrative responsibilities, but is aimed at improving outcomes for children in foster care by ensuring they remain connected to family whenever possible.
Assembly Bill No. 2929, introduced by Juan Carrillo, focuses on enhancements in the foster care system, aiming to improve the identification of relatives who can provide family support or possible placements for dependent children. The bill mandates that during periodic status reviews, courts must verify whether social workers have made continuous efforts to locate such relatives, including nonrelative extended family members or Indian custodians for Indian children. This additional requirement is designed to prioritize family reunification and better placement options for foster children, particularly those who are not living with relatives.
The sentiment surrounding AB2929 seems largely positive among legislators focused on child welfare. Many proponents argue that the bill supports a more nurturing and family-oriented approach to the foster care system, which is critical in mitigating the emotional distress of separation from family. However, there may also be concerns from local agencies about the feasibility of implementing the additional requirements without appropriate funding or support, reflecting potential contention over resource allocations in family services.
Notable points of contention might arise regarding the imposition of additional duties on county social workers without guaranteed state funding to cover the increased workload. Critics could argue that while the intentions behind the bill are commendable, the lack of financial reimbursement might lead to challenges in the effective execution of the new mandates. As such, while the bill aims to ensure better family placements for children, it raises questions about the practical implications on local agency capacities and statewide budget concerns.