Foster youth: permanency.

Existing law provides that a minor may be removed from the physical custody of his or her parents if there is a substantial danger to the physical health of the child or the child is suffering severe emotional damage and there are no reasonable means to protect the child without removing him or her. Additionally, a minor who is in wardship proceedings may be removed from the physical custody of his or her parents if the court finds that one of several facts is present, including that the parent or guardian has failed to provide proper maintenance, training, and education for the minor. When a minor is removed from the physical custody of his or her parents in dependency or wardship proceedings, existing law generally requires that reunification services be provided to the minor and his or her family. Existing law also provides for periodic status review hearings, at which the court is required to return a minor to the physical custody of his or her parents unless the court makes specified findings. Existing law requires, if a minor is not returned to the physical custody of his or her parents, the juvenile court to devise a permanency plan, including, among others things, an order that the child be placed for adoption, an order that a legal guardian be appointed, or an order that the child remain in another planned permanent living arrangement if the child is 16 years of age or older. Existing law requires, prior to ordering a dependent child to remain in another planned permanent living arrangement as his or her permanent plan, the court to make a finding that the child is not a proper subject for adoption and has no one willing to accept legal guardianship. This bill would require the court to order the provision of child-centered specialized permanency services, as defined, to a child who does not have a permanent plan of adoption and who is not placed with a fit and willing relative, or who is 16 years of age or older and placed in another planned permanent living arrangement. The bill would also authorize the court to order these services for a nonminor dependent in another planned permanent living arrangement. The bill would require the case plan for the child to identify the child-centered specialized permanency services to be provided and would require the court to review the child-centered specialized permanency services that have been provided to the child, as specified. The bill would also require, in any case in which the court has ordered a dependent child or a ward of the juvenile court placed for adoption or has appointed a relative or nonrelative legal guardian, the social worker or probation officer to provide the prospective adoptive family or the guardian or guardians specified mental health treatment information. By expanding the duties of social workers and probation officers with regard to the provision of child welfare services, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. 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 no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.