AB 153 Summary

• Prevents out-of-state foster care placements: Prohibits placement of foster youth in out-of-state residential facilities after July 1, 2022, with limited exceptions; requires decertification of all out-of-state facilities by January 1, 2023, and return of all youth to California.

• Establishes short-term residential therapeutic program requirements: Implements federal Family First Prevention Services Act compliance through qualified individual assessments, court review within 45 days of placement, trauma-informed care standards, licensed nursing staff availability, and six months of family-based aftercare services.

• Creates Children's Crisis Continuum Pilot Program: Establishes five-year pilot programs in select counties to develop comprehensive, integrated crisis treatment options for foster youth with complex needs as an alternative to out-of-state or restrictive placements.

• Implements Family First Prevention Services: Authorizes counties to provide federal Title IV-E funded prevention services (mental health, substance abuse treatment, parenting programs) to candidates for foster care and pregnant/parenting foster youth to prevent unnecessary child removal.

• Establishes California Guaranteed Income Pilot Program: Funds pilot projects providing guaranteed income to former foster youth aging out of care and pregnant individuals, with payments excluded from means-tested benefit calculations.