California Child Welfare Continuum Of Care Reform Begins January 2016

On October 11, 2015, California Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 403 to allow the Department of Social Services (CDSS) to reform child welfare services and implement a continuum of care starting January 1, 2016. The reform initiative will eliminate lower level group homes and put restrictions on the use of out-of-state placements. It establishes a core practice model to govern all services, whether delivered by a county or licensed provider organization, to create consistency and continuity of care. It ensures that medically necessary mental health services will be made available to children and youth in foster care . . .