CA AB2153

Requires agencies receiving reports of child abuse or neglect in resource family homes, foster family homes, certified foster homes, or licensed facilities to notify the State Department of Social Services or county department within 24 hours.

Mandates investigations of abuse or neglect allegations in foster care settings be completed within 45 days and include specific protocols such as face-to-face private interviews with victims, forensic interviews when appropriate, and assignment to investigators without conflicts of interest.

Prohibits placement of new children in homes or facilities under investigation until the investigation is completed and a determination is made.

Requires the Office of the State Foster Care Ombudsperson to review a representative sample of investigations annually and assess compliance with investigation protocols, with authority to make improvement recommendations.

Requires the State Department of Social Services to annually report to the Legislature and post on its website a deidentified summary of investigations conducted, including results and timeliness data.