CA AB1882

Establishes the Approved Relative Caregiver Funding Option Program, effective January 1, 2015, allowing participating counties to pay relative caregivers amounts equal to foster care rates for children ineligible for AFDC-FC.

Requires counties to evaluate and approve homes of relatives for CalWORKs eligibility when children are found ineligible for AFDC-FC, and to initiate applications for CalWORKs or the Approved Relative Caregiver Funding Option Program.

Mandates county social workers explain eligibility requirements and benefit amounts for AFDC-FC, CalWORKs, and the Approved Relative Caregiver Funding Option Program to relatives requesting child placement.

Requires counties to screen all youth in foster care determined ineligible for AFDC-FC benefits for potential federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program eligibility and submit applications for likely eligible youth.

Provides $30 million in General Fund appropriations annually (adjusted by California Necessities Index) for the Approved Relative Caregiver Funding Option Program, with counties responsible for any additional costs needed.