CA AB2309

Parent must execute a written waiver of family maintenance or family reunification services before a juvenile court can order a legal guardianship as an alternative to adjudicating a child as a dependent.

When a parent designates a specific person as guardian and the child (or child's legal counsel if under 12) does not object, the court must appoint that proposed guardian unless it finds by preponderance of evidence that appointment would be contrary to the child's best interests.

State Department of Social Services must submit a report to the Legislature by January 1, 2025 (or 15 months after CWS-CARES automation is ready) containing data on children in voluntary placement agreements, child welfare investigations resulting in out-of-home care plans, and subsequent reports or dependency petitions filed within one year.

The required data report must be stratified by demographic characteristics including race and income level to the extent allowable while protecting confidentiality.