CA SB942

Requires courts to order immediate assessment of able and willing relatives who request temporary child placement when the child is not placed with a relative at the initial hearing.

Mandates counties to assist relatives and prospective guardians in obtaining documents required for criminal records exemptions during the placement assessment process.

Establishes 30-calendar-day deadline for counties to complete placement assessments, with authority for courts to hold hearings if assessments are not completed within 60 calendar days or if exemptions are denied.

Applies to children in dependency proceedings who cannot be returned to parental custody, prioritizing placement with able and willing relatives to enhance emotional well-being and family reunification.

Exempts the bill from state reimbursement requirements under Article XIII B of the California Constitution for costs exceeding funding provided by the state.