CA AB1954

Extends the definition of "relative" for foster care placement purposes to include caregivers of minor siblings who are in a permanent plan of adoption, legal guardianship, or placement with a fit and willing relative.

Requires courts to set hearings within 15 court days when a relative or any party requests a hearing regarding relative placement requests, with the Judicial Council to develop standards and forms by July 1, 2021.

Removes "capacity alone" as a sole reason to deny sibling placement together, instead allowing placement of siblings regardless of the size and space of the placement home unless contrary to safety or well-being.

Requires the State Department of Social Services to update written directives and regulations by July 1, 2021 to reflect the intent that siblings should be placed together, and allows resource families to exceed the standard six-child limit when necessary to place siblings together.

Specifies no state reimbursement is required for implementation costs to local agencies under the 2011 Realignment Legislation.