CalWORKs Family Reunification benefits are available when: 1) all CalWORKs eligible children are removed from the home and placed in out-of-home care by the Child Welfare Services agency, 2) the family (including at least one adult) was receiving CalWORKs when the children were removed, and 3) the Child Welfare Services agency or court determines and documents in the case plan that CalWORKs cash aid, child care and other services are necessary and a Child Welfare Services case plan is being developed. The case plan must be developed within 60 days.
Counties and contractors must begin authorizing child care services for resource families, or any other family the child is placed with by court order or Child Welfare Services worker as part of a family reunification plan. These services are authorized for up to six months, or a period based on the reunification plan or court order, with the possibility of a six month extension for good cause.
For intercounty transfers, the county of jurisdiction provides supervision and arranges services.
Under automation occurs, counties and contractors must create a sec-month child care certificate when the child is authorized for child care. (CCB 25-08, May 13, 2025.)