CA AB2579

Requires county placing agencies to implement intensive family finding and support programs for foster children, detained children not yet adjudicated, and candidates for foster care, with priority given to children adjudicated under specified sections.

Counties receiving funding must submit a plan to the Department of Social Services describing the population served, model program or strategy, expected outcomes, tracking methods, and partnerships with behavioral health and other agencies.

County plans complying with all requirements are automatically approved; the department must notify counties within 14 business days of receiving a plan if changes or additional information are needed.

Counties must track and report outcomes annually by November 1 following the fiscal year in which funds were received, using a tracking process developed by the department in collaboration with county welfare and probation leadership.

Authorizes the State Department of Social Services to implement these provisions through all-county letters or similar written instructions rather than formal rulemaking procedures.