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AB 1846

Dependency: placement of child with relative.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Catherine Stefani

California bill prioritizes placing dependent children with relatives over non-relatives in foster care to strengthen family connections and improve child outcomes.

From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 5. Noes 0.) (June 29). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
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Bill Summary · AB 1846

Legislative bill overview

AB 1846 modifies California's dependency system to prioritize placement of children in foster care with relatives rather than non-relative caregivers. The bill strengthens requirements for social workers to identify and consider available relatives before pursuing other placement options, potentially expanding the use of kinship care in the state's child welfare system.

Why is this important

Kinship placements (with relatives) generally result in better outcomes for children in terms of stability, cultural continuity, and emotional well-being compared to stranger placements. This bill could significantly shift placement practices across California's 58 counties, affecting thousands of children annually and potentially reducing reliance on the traditional foster care system while keeping families more connected.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs and timelines: Counties may face resource challenges in quickly locating, vetting, and supporting relative caregivers, potentially creating delays in child placements during critical periods
  • Quality and safety concerns: Prioritizing relatives could place children with caregivers who may have limited capacity or resources compared to licensed foster homes, raising questions about adequate oversight and support services
  • Relative caregiver support: The bill's success depends heavily on providing adequate subsidies, training, and social services to relatives—areas where funding may be insufficient or unevenly distributed across counties

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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