CA SB1048

Expands court authority to join governmental agencies, private service providers, and individuals in juvenile court proceedings to ensure they meet legal obligations to provide services to children, minors, nonminors, and nonminor dependents.

Applies joinder authority at any time after a petition is filed in dependency proceedings (Section 300) and delinquency proceedings (Section 601 or 602), regardless of adjudication status.

Clarifies that courts cannot order services unless the joined agency has determined through its administrative process that the child or youth is eligible for those services.

Defines "agency" as any governmental agency or private service provider or individual that receives federal, state, or local funding or reimbursement for providing services directly to children or youth.

Prohibits courts from imposing duties on joined agencies beyond those mandated by law and limits court determination for mental health services to whether the agency complied with applicable government code requirements.