CA AB1978

Establishes a process by January 1, 2016 for social workers to voluntarily disclose to the State Department of Social Services any county child welfare policies, procedures, or practices that endanger children's health or well-being, violate statute or regulation, or contradict public policy.

Prohibits the State Department of Social Services from disclosing the identity of reporting social workers unless the worker consents or there is immediate risk to a child's health and safety.

Requires the State Department of Social Services to report to the Legislature and post online by January 1, 2018 the total number of disclosures received, a summary of issues raised, and actions taken in response.

Allows county child welfare social workers to comment publicly on child fatality cases within the scope of released documents, if the county welfare department or agency has already commented on the case.

Makes legislative findings that the confidentiality provisions protecting social worker identities are a constitutionally permissible limitation on public access to government writings and meetings.