Interns and student assistants: hiring preference.

Existing law authorizes various state agencies to employ such assistance as may be necessary for the proper discharge of their duties. Existing law prohibits the juvenile court, in certain cases, from terminating jurisdiction over a dependent child until the county welfare department submits a report verifying that certain information has been provided to the minor, including his or her social security card and birth certificate. This bill would require state agencies, when hiring for internships and student assistant positions, to give preference, as defined, to persons who are, or have been, dependent children in foster care. The bill would require the preference to be granted to applicants up to 26 years of age. The bill would also require the county welfare department to provide dependent children with information notifying them that they may be eligible for this preference, as specified. By imposing this additional duty on county welfare departments, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. This bill would incorporate additional changes in Section 391 of the Welfare and Institutions Code made by AB 212, to become operative if AB 212 and this bill become effective on or before January 1, 2012, and this bill is enacted last. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to these statutory provisions.