CA SB524

Requires the State Department of Social Services to license private alternative boarding schools as group homes beginning January 1, 2018, and private alternative outdoor programs as group homes beginning January 1, 2019.

Establishes that these facilities must be nonprofit, provide written descriptions of programs to prospective youth and parents, ensure staff receive training on youth rights and cultural competency regarding LGBTQ+ youth, and prohibit secure containment and physical restraints.

Grants youth admitted to these facilities specific rights including dignity, safety, freedom from abuse, privacy, contact with parents/guardians, and protection from conversion therapy and discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Prohibits these facilities from being eligible placement options under specified welfare code sections and restricts their eligibility for state funding rates.

Requires the department to adopt regulations implementing licensure for both facility types by their respective dates and authorizes emergency rulemaking authority.