The Family Urgent Response System.
The proposed amendments require the establishment of county-based mobile response systems that must prioritize calls from the statewide hotline. These systems are expected to address instability in family situations and help preserve relationships between caregivers and children. Local agencies will need to create coordinated plans that will be reviewed biennially. By enforcing these requirements, the bill aims to standardize responses across counties, potentially improving the consistency and effectiveness of child welfare services statewide. However, this will also increase the obligations of county agencies to develop and maintain these systems.
Assembly Bill 898, introduced by Assembly Member Bryan, aims to amend sections of the Welfare and Institutions Code to enhance the Family Urgent Response System (FURS) in California. The bill establishes a statewide hotline as the primary entry point available 24/7 to respond to calls from caregivers or current or former foster children during crises. This hotline will provide trained staff skilled in de-escalation and conflict resolution, as well as referrals to local mobile response teams equipped to offer in-person support and stabilization services. The goal is to facilitate timely interventions and help stabilize situations for vulnerable youth and their caregivers.
One notable point of contention surrounding AB 898 is the potential financial impact on local governments, as the bill constitutes a state-mandated local program. While the California Constitution obligates the state to reimburse local agencies for certain mandated costs, the specifics of funding mechanisms and the adequacy of state support to fulfill these obligations remain concerns for some stakeholders. Opponents may argue that without sufficient funding, the bill's implementation could strain county resources and hinder existing services designed to support foster youth and families.