(a) It is the intent of the Legislature to exercise the option afforded to states under Section 474(a)(6) and Section 471(e) of the federal Social Security Act, as contained in the federal Family First Prevention Services Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-123, 42 U.S.C. § 674(a)(6) and 42 U.S.C. § 671(e), respectively) to receive federal financial participation for the prevention services described in Section 471(e) of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. § 671(e)) that are provided for a candidate for foster care or a pregnant or parenting foster youth, and their parents or kin caregivers, and the allowable costs for the proper and efficient administration of the program.

(b) (1) It is the intent of the Legislature that the prevention services under this chapter will be implemented in coordination with the existing continuum of services to improve the safety and well-being of children by strengthening and supporting families so that children can remain safely in their homes.

(2) It is the intent of the Legislature that the prevention services under this chapter will improve outcomes for children and families, reduce entries into foster care, and reduce disproportionate entries into foster care of children and youth of color, Native American and Alaskan Native children and youth, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and plus (LGBTQ+) children and youth.

(3) It is the intent of the Legislature that the prevention services under this chapter will be provided in a manner that reaffirms the commitments to Indian children, Indian families, and Indian tribes in accordance with Section 224. There is no resource more vital to the continued existence and integrity of Indian tribes than their children, and the State of California has an interest in ensuring that prevention services are provided in a manner consistent with the federal Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. § 1901 et seq.).

(4) It is the intent of the Legislature that prevention services provided by a county under this chapter be delivered as part of a plan developed in consultation with other relevant county agencies that serve families and children, Indian tribes, local community representatives, caseworkers, and individuals and families with lived experience with the child welfare system.

(Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 86, Sec. 54. (AB 153) Effective July 16, 2021.)