CA AB562

Requires beginning January 1, 2027, each county to annually review publicly available data comparing its rate of placing foster children with relatives against the statewide average rate

Counties with placement rates below the statewide average must consult with the Center for Excellence in Family Finding, Engagement, and Support to identify best practices, with at least four communications required over the following year

For Indian children, counties must also compare their placement rates against statewide averages for federal Indian Child Welfare Act placement preferences

Cites racial disparities in California's foster care system, noting Black children comprise 21% of foster children but only 5% of the state's child population, and Native American children are similarly overrepresented at four times their population proportion

Named the "Justice through Placing Foster Children with Families Act" and approved by the Governor on October 7, 2025