CA AB779

Authorizes county child welfare agencies to establish a 3-year pilot program partnering with domestic violence consultants from victim service organizations to support social workers handling cases involving both domestic violence and child maltreatment

Requires domestic violence consultants to educate social workers on domestic violence dynamics, discuss complicating factors (children witnessing violence, homelessness, substance use), and advise on protective measures including safety plans, restraining orders, and child removal decisions

Permits consultants to provide direct support to parent survivors, including facilitating shelter access, therapy referrals for children, and information on other resources

Mandates participating counties to conduct comprehensive evaluations and report findings to the Legislature by October 31, 2031, with input from the State Department of Social Services and stakeholders including people with lived domestic violence and child welfare experience

Sunsets on January 1, 2032, when the section is automatically repealed