CA AB2941

Requires the State Department of Social Services to contract with a nonprofit organization to operate and maintain the California Parent and Youth Helpline providing emotional support through calls, live chats, and texts seven days a week.

Nonprofit organization must operate weekly online evidence-based support groups for parents, children, and youth to strengthen families.

Contractor must be formally recognized as culturally responsive by the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare in at least five program areas related to child welfare and by the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse.

Nonprofit responsibilities include statewide marketing and outreach, distributing parenting and child development materials, providing technical assistance to county agencies, and enabling parents with lived expertise to participate in policy discussions.

Funding is contingent on legislative appropriation in the annual Budget Act or another act, with services to be provided for a minimum of five years.