CA AB2159

Prohibits denial of reunification services to parents and guardians who are in custody before conviction, while allowing denial based on other grounds specified in statute.

Requires courts to consider particular barriers to incarcerated, institutionalized, detained, or deported parents' access to services and maintain contact with their children when determining content of reunification services.

Applies standard reunification service time limits (6-18 months depending on child's age) to parents in pre-conviction custody, subject to extension up to 24 months if best interest of child is shown.

Clarifies that nothing in the new provisions precludes denial of reunification services based on other statutory grounds such as severe abuse, violent felony conviction, or substance abuse history.

Provides that state reimbursement is not required for costs imposed on local agencies as these costs fall within 2011 Realignment Legislation funding.