Foster care: placement: family finding.
The legislation addresses significant racial disparities, particularly concerning Black and Native American children in California's foster care system. The bill highlights that these ethnic groups enter the foster care system at rates disproportionately higher than their population percentages. For instance, 21% of foster children are Black, while they only represent about 5% of the overall child population in the state. By mandating improved practices and accountability for counties, AB 562 aims to mitigate these disparities and promote better outcomes for minority children in foster care.
Assembly Bill 562, also known as the Justice through Placing Foster Children with Families Act, seeks to enhance the strategies for placing foster children with relatives rather than with strangers. This bill amends Section 309 of the Welfare and Institutions Code to establish new requirements for counties regarding the placement rates of foster children with relatives. Beginning January 1, 2027, each county must review and publish data comparing its relative placement rates with statewide averages. In instances where a county's rates are lower than expected, county welfare directors are required to consult with specialized centers to identify and implement best practices aimed at improving these rates.
Opponents of the bill may express concern regarding the unfunded mandates that could arise due to the increased responsibilities placed on county welfare agencies. While the bill aims to improve care for foster children and ensure they are placed with relatives when possible, there may be apprehensions about the financial implications for counties struggling with existing fiscal constraints. Additionally, discussions may arise around the execution and effectiveness of the required consultations with the Center for Excellence in Family Finding, Engagement, and Support.
To facilitate these changes, each county will have certain procedural requirements, including public discussion of placement rate data at county board meetings if their rates fall below the state average. The bill emphasizes the necessity of establishing and following data-driven strategies to promote family-based care. By doing so, AB 562 intends to lay the groundwork for a more supportive and effective foster care system across California.