1. February 10, 2011 San Diego

2.  Federal law enacted in 2008  Intent to improve well-being and permanency outcomes for court dependent children  Two California bills- Assembly Bill (AB) 938 and AB 12

3.  Effective January 1, 2010  Applicable to both foster children/youth and wards  Due diligence to locate and notify all grandparents, adult siblings and other adult relatives within 30 days of removal from parent(s)  Must provide written and oral notification to all adults who are located

4.  Notice must contain statement that child has been removed and give information on how relative can assist the child and family  Requires the county to publicize a procedure for relatives to contact county for purpose of notification  See All County Letter No. 09-86 for more details  See CDSS issued county letters at: www.dss.cahwnet.gov/lettersnotices/default.htm

5.  Achieves permanency for a foster child/ward through guardianship with relative caregiver  Modified existing Kin-GAP Program effective January 1, 2011  Enhancement in benefits to relative guardian  Allows California to receive federal funds to pay for program

6.  Benefits of program for new and existing cases  Reduces time a court dependent child must live with a prospective guardian from 12 to 6 months  Allows payment/benefits to continue regardless of state of residency  Maximum payment cannot exceed what child would have received while in foster care  Negotiable agreement  Extends benefits to age 21 for a youth with a physical or mental disability

7. 7  Payment available for each sibling  Payment available up to youth’s 21 st birthday when meets requirements  All other aspects of prior program remain the same (Medi-CAL, ILP, SCI, Dual Agency, Teen Parent, Clothing Allowance)  All County Letter No. 11-15 for more details  Email: AB12@dss.ca.gov

8. 8  Creates an extended safety net for emanicipating youth  Effective January 1, 2012 will permit a foster youth to remain or return to foster care  Workgroups underway to address all issues of implementation  Kick-off meeting January 26; over 125 people

9. Kinship Care Policy & Support Unit California Dept. of Social Services Carole Minchew, Manager carole.minchew@dss.ca.gov (916) 651-7393 Tricia Knight, Program Policy Analyst Tricia.knight@dss.ca.gov (916) 654-6636