AB 1283 Summary

• Modifies resource family approval appeals process by establishing 90-day appeal deadline for applicants and 25-day deadline for resource families, with dismissal of appeals for failure to appear without good cause as defined by department regulations.

• Requires temporary exclusions following denial or rescission of resource family approval to be imposed only as specified in department written directives or regulations, rather than allowing immediate permanent exclusions.

• Extends interim rate structures for certified family homes of foster family agencies and short-term residential therapeutic programs through December 31, 2022 (previously ending December 31, 2021).

• Modifies tribal background check requirements to specify that tribes must submit fingerprints for adoption-level background checks and receive state and federal level response consistent with adoption requirements under federal Indian Child Welfare Act.

• Requires counties to provide emergency caregiver payments equivalent to resource family basic rates on behalf of wards (probation-placed minors) pending resource family approval, subject to same conditions and timelines as other emergency placements.