Reunification services.

Existing law establishes the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, which may adjudge children to be dependents of the court under certain circumstances. Existing law establishes the grounds for removal of a dependent child from the custody of the child's parents or guardian and generally requires the court to order the social worker to provide designated child welfare services, including family reunification services. Existing law requires a court to order reasonable services, including reunification services, if a parent or guardian is incarcerated, institutionalized, or detained by the United States Department of Homeland Security, or has been deported to the parent or guardian's country of origin, unless the court determines by clear and convincing evidence that those services would be detrimental to the child considering specified factors, including, among other things, the length of the sentence, the nature of the crime, and the degree of detriment to the child if services are not offered. This bill would prohibit the denial of reunification services for parents and guardians who are in custody before conviction, as specified. To the extent that the bill would impose additional duties on local entities and social workers, 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.