AB 2051 Summary

• Defines "foster sibling relationship" as a bond between dependent or nonminor dependent children who are placed together in foster care and develop a sibling-like connection without blood, adoption, or legal family ties.

• Requires courts and local agencies to identify and maintain foster sibling relationships when children are no longer placed together, treating them similarly to biological sibling relationships in status reviews and permanency planning.

• Mandates social workers ask children age 10 and older to identify dependent or nonminor dependent children in out-of-home placement with whom they have developed a foster sibling relationship, consistent with the child's best interests.

• Applies these requirements to periodic court reviews and supplemental reports in foster care cases, including reviews for children ordered placed for adoption.

• Specifies no state reimbursement is required for costs resulting from these new local program requirements.