Juveniles: dependency.

Existing law establishes the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, which may adjudge certain children to be dependents of the court under certain circumstances, including when the child is abused, a parent or guardian fails to adequately supervise or protect the child, as specified, or a parent or guardian fails to provide the child with adequate food, clothing, shelter, or medical treatment. Existing law requires an order changing or modifying a previous order by removing a child from the physical custody of a parent, guardian, relative, or friend, and directing placement in a foster home, or commitment to a private or county institution, to be made only after noticed hearing upon the filing of a supplemental petition. This bill would require the court, for a child who has been removed from the physical custody of a relative or friend as described above, to develop a process by which the child may be returned to the physical custody of the relative or friend and by which qualifying foster care payments may be continued, only if the court makes a finding that the home is suitable for the child's return. To the extent that the bill would create new duties for the social worker in determining the suitability of the home and would create new duties for counties relating to foster care payments, the 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.