CA AB1846

Requires juvenile courts to state on the record why placement with a relative was "denied or delayed" when a dependent child is not initially placed with a relative who was considered

Clarifies that stating reasons for denial does not prevent the court from ordering relative placement later, after the dispositional hearing under Section 358

Mandates courts to order placement with a relative when the child welfare agency recommends it and the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that such placement is in the child's best interest

Allows child welfare agencies to recommend placement changes to a different relative, under the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, or other court-approved circumstances without requiring a new petition