(Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 79, Sec. 8.)

(a) Subsequent to the commencement of the receipt of aid under this chapter, the sequence of employment-related activities required of recipients under this article, unless exempted under Section 11320.3, shall be as follows:

(1) Orientation and appraisal. Recipients shall, and applicants may, at the option of a county and with the consent of the applicant, receive orientation to the welfare-to-work program provided under this article and receive appraisal pursuant to Section 11325.2.

(2) (A) After orientation and appraisal, if determined appropriate based on the appraisal, the county shall offer the recipient the opportunity to participate in family stabilization pursuant to Section 11325.24, and, if available, substance abuse, mental health, or domestic violence services. If not determined to be appropriate based on the appraisal, or if the county determines that proceeding to assessment pursuant to paragraph (3) would not interfere with those services, the recipient shall participate in the assessment.

(B) A recipient who has not received their high school diploma or its equivalent shall be offered a welfare-to-work plan pursuant to Section 11325.21 to participate in a high school education program or high school equivalency program, as described in Section 11325.3. If the recipient declines to participate in the educational activities described in this subparagraph, and to instead participate in assessment, as provided for in Section 11325.4, the recipient shall make that election in writing. Following assessment, the county and the recipient shall develop a welfare-to-work plan, as specified in Section 11325.21. The plan shall specify the activities provided for in Section 11322.6 to which the recipient shall be assigned, and the supportive services, as provided for pursuant to Section 11323.2, with which the recipient will be provided.

(3) Assessment. After orientation and appraisal, if not exempt pursuant to Section 11320.3, the recipient shall be referred to assessment, as provided for in Section 11325.4. Following assessment, the county and the recipient shall develop a welfare-to-work plan, as specified in Section 11325.21. The plan shall specify the activities provided for in Section 11322.6 to which the recipient shall be assigned, and the supportive services, as provided for pursuant to Section 11323.2, with which the recipient will be provided.

(4) Work activities. A recipient who has signed a welfare-to-work plan pursuant to Section 11325.21 shall participate in work activities, as described in this article.