AB 161 Summary

• Foster Care Rate Restructuring: Establishes a new Tiered Rate Structure for foster care payments (effective July 1, 2027) based on child needs assessments using the IP-CANS tool, replacing age-based rates with three tier levels and adding funding for immediate needs and strengths-building programs.

• Child Support and Food Assistance Changes: Repeals performance-based bonus payments to high-performing child support counties; expands California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) work requirement exemptions; establishes overissuance claim recovery procedures for CFAP benefits.

• CalWORKs and Cash Assistance Updates: Increases maximum aid payments by 0.3% effective October 1, 2024; modifies poverty level comparison metrics; extends subsidized employment program planning requirements for counties; adjusts casework hour budgeting for intensive cases.

• Emergency Assistance and Housing Programs: Extends resource family approval deadlines from 90 to 120 days; modifies emergency caregiver payment eligibility timelines; removes matching fund requirements for Housing and Disability Income Advocacy Program; establishes new State Emergency Food Bank Reserve Program.

• Administrative and Reporting Changes: Eliminates CalSAWS automation reporting requirement; extends contracting exemptions for prevention services programs and CANS assessment training through 2028; requires ongoing updates to Legislature on foster care reform implementation outcomes.