CA AB1686

Requires county child welfare departments to presume that parent child support payments will pose a barrier to reunification when determining whether to refer cases to local child support agencies.

Applies to cases involving foster care assistance, CalWORKs payments, Kin-GAP payments, and other out-of-home placements where reunification services are being offered.

Mandates the State Department of Social Services revise its regulations to implement these changes on or before October 1, 2023.

Prohibits referral to child support agencies when it is determined not in the child's best interest, with periodic review requirements coinciding with eligibility redeterminations.

Excludes nonminor dependents over 19 years of age and minor/nonminor dependent parents with children in licensed facilities from child support referrals.