16519.4. (Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 417, Sec. 3.)

(a) Upon implementation of a simplified approval process adopted pursuant to Section 16519.3, and no later than 18 months after implementation, the department shall track and report to the Legislature all of the following to the extent that the requested data can be tracked in the statewide child welfare information system:

(1) The average length of time required for an applicant who had placement prior to approval to receive resource family approval, and whether the average length of time has increased, decreased, or remained the same over time, after January 1, 2023.

(2) Whether the placement of children or youth with relatives has increased, decreased, or remained the same over time, after January 1, 2023.

(3) What, if any, barriers exist that affect implementation of the simplified approval process described in Section 16519.3.

(b) On or before September 30, 2026, the department shall report to the Legislature for consideration the additional statutory changes required to fully implement separate resource family approval standards for relative caregivers.