CA AB395

Adds Section 1538.1 to the Health and Safety Code requiring state agencies and licensing agencies to conduct timely investigations of child abuse or neglect allegations in resource family homes, foster family homes, certified foster homes, approved relative/nonrelative extended family member homes, and licensed child care facilities.

Establishes investigation standards including face-to-face interviews with alleged victims (potentially forensic interviews), other children with knowledge of the incident, and staff present at the facility; requires interviews be conducted separate from the suspected offender and be digitally recorded when practical.

Requires investigations to be completed within 45 days of receiving notice of allegations, with possible extension of an additional 45 days upon supervisory review and approval; prohibits placement of children in the home or facility until investigation is complete.

Mandates agencies receiving abuse/neglect reports to notify licensing offices or oversight agencies within 24 hours if allegations involve foster care placements and to coordinate investigations with other agencies including law enforcement and county welfare/probation departments.

Requires the Office of the State Foster Care Ombudsperson to review a representative sample of investigations annually and assess compliance with investigation protocols; requires the State Department of Social Services to annually report to the Legislature and post online a statewide summary of investigations.