Child welfare: adoption.

Existing law provides for the Adoption Assistance Program, to be established and administered by the State Department of Social Services or the county, for the purpose of benefitting children residing in foster homes by providing the stability and security of permanent homes. Existing law requires the state to compensate licensed private adoption agencies for the cost of placing for adoption eligible children and nonminor dependents eligible for the program, as specified. This bill would instead, beginning July 1, 2020, require county child welfare agencies to compensate licensed private adoption agencies for the costs of supporting families through the process of adopting children and nonminor dependents who are eligible for the Adoption Assistance Program. The bill would prescribe the amount and methodology for compensation, and would require the department to establish reimbursement procedures in consultation with the counties and private adoption agencies. After all reimbursements are made under these provisions, the bill would authorize a county to use any unspent funds for additional activities related to permanency, as specified. The bill would require the department to work with counties and representatives of adoption agencies to ensure a smooth transition under these provisions, as specified, and would require those entities to develop language for certain placement agreements, as specified. By imposing additional duties on local entities, this bill would create 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.