BILL NUMBER: AB 545	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Mitchell

                        FEBRUARY 20, 2013

   An act to amend Section 362.7 of the Welfare and Institutions
Code, relating to juveniles.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   AB 545, as introduced, Mitchell. Dependent children: placement:
nonrelative extended family member.
   Existing law sets forth various placement options for children who
have been adjudged dependent children of the juvenile court and
removed from their homes on the basis of neglect or abuse, as
specified, which include placement within the approved home of a
nonrelative extended family member. Existing law requires that when
the home of a nonrelative extended family member is being considered
for placement of a child, the home shall be evaluated, and approval
of that home shall be granted or denied, pursuant to specified
standards set forth in the regulations for the licensing of foster
family homes. Existing law defines "nonrelative extended family
member" as an adult caregiver who has an established familial or
mentoring relationship with the child.
   This bill would expand the definition of a nonrelative extended
family member to include an adult caregiver who has an established
familial relationship with the family.
   Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: no.
State-mandated local program: no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  SECTION 1.  Section 362.7 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is
amended to read:
   362.7.  When the home of a nonrelative extended family member is
being considered for placement of a child, the home shall be
evaluated, and approval of that home shall be granted or denied,
pursuant to the same standards set forth in the regulations for the
licensing of foster family homes  which   that
 prescribe standards of safety and sanitation for the physical
plant and standards for basic personal care, supervision, and
services provided by the caregiver.
   A "nonrelative extended family member" is defined as  any
  an  adult caregiver who has an established
familial  relationship with the family, or a familial  or
mentoring relationship with the child. The county welfare department
shall verify the existence of a relationship through interviews with
the parent and child or with one or more third parties. The parties
may include relatives of the child, teachers, medical professionals,
clergy, neighbors, and family friends.