CA AB954

Court must inquire whether a parent or guardian can afford court-ordered services when making reasonable orders for a dependent child.

Parent or guardian cannot be found noncompliant with a court-ordered case plan if unable to pay for a service or if payment would create undue financial hardship, and the social worker did not provide a comparable free alternative service that was accessible and available.

This protection applies at review hearings including those under Sections 364, 366.21, 366.22, 366.25, and 388 regarding reunification or family maintenance services.

Parents or guardians who qualify for court-appointed counsel under Section 317 are presumed unable to pay for court-ordered services.

Termination of reunification services shall not be based solely on a parent's or guardian's inability to pay for a court-ordered service.