The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has issued instructions implementing AB 557 regarding domestic abuse protocols for CalWORKs applicants and recipients.
Effective January 1, 2018, counties must inform all CalWORKs applicants and recipients of the availability of domestic violence services both verbally and in writing at application, during development of a welfare-to-work plan, and at annual redetermination. Domestic violence information must be provided in a safe and private space to allow confidential disclosure of domestic violence. Counties must also have a current list of domestic violence resources and provide materials to clients.
Effective July 1, 2018, domestic violence is added as a circumstances constituting good cause for not complying with immunization or school attendance requirements. If the abuse occurred in the past, the issue causing the non-cooperation or inability to comply must be related to the current situation. This good cause determination is separate from domestic abuse waiver determinations for welfare-to-work requirements.
Effective July 1, 2018, CalWORKs applicants who provide a sworn statement of past or present abuse and are fleeing the abuser are eligible for termorary homeless assistance regardless of any income or assets attributed to the abuser. (ACL 18-34, March 29, 2018.)