CA AB2129

Extends the deadline for the State Department of Social Services to submit its workgroup plan for transforming group care into residentially based services from January 1, 2011 to July 1, 2014.

Authorizes the department to fund child welfare activities through grants rather than contracts and allows grants exceeding three years to be renewed if annually reviewed and found satisfactory.

Permits the department to approve up to five alternative funding models for AFDC-FC payments to private nonprofit agencies operating residentially based services programs, allowing higher payment levels offset by cost efficiencies from shorter stays or reduced reentries into foster care.

Requires the department to review county residentially based services programs no sooner than 18 months after the first child's enrollment and authorizes termination of a county's participation if the program fails to achieve timely movement to lower levels of care or permanent families with associated savings.

Sets a mandatory termination date of January 1, 2015 for all voluntary agreements under the residentially based services reform, unless extended by future legislation.