One of those big “oops” Errata.  The table reviewing eligibility of NMD’s to return to a non-related guardian was wrong.  The chart is voided, and the ACL correct it, stating that Nonminors with former NRLG who lost benefits when they turned 19 in 2012 due solely to attaining age 19, may return to the care of the guardian and resume AFDC-FC benefits up to the age of 21.  This provision does not apply to nonminors who attained age 19 in 2011.  [Download]

A listing of the plethora of free Child Welfare Services resources.  Many of the projects and activities  meet federal requirements which enable California to receive various federal funds.  [Download]

A general description of the efforts in progress to develop a statewide curriculum for “After 18” – the catchy new name for the extended Foster Care program.  [Download]

The Harris case resulted in an order that DSS provide hearings to challenge cases where a county child welfare agency denied a relative or nonrelative extended family member (NREFM) approval to provide care to a juvenile court dependent.  This letter is notice that the regular state hearings procedures will now start, replacing the special provisions temporarily in place after the order.   These hearings are for a denial of relative/NREFM qualifications; denials under Community Care Licensing ; home approval denials (for not meeting health and safety requirements); or failure to complete required orientation and/or training.

There is no right to a Harris hearing to dispute an agency’s submittal of an alleged severe neglect or abuse incident onto the Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) , or a dispute requesting the removal of the incident(s) from the CACI. Such disputes continue to be grieved through the appropriate county (see MPP 31-021.1 through 31-021.86).  [Download]