16562. (Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 79, Sec. 31.)

(a) (1) A coordinated, timely, and trauma-informed system of care is essential to meet the needs of children and nonminor dependents in foster care who have experienced trauma.

(2) The use of standardized, validated functional assessment tools reveal that some children and nonminor dependents have immediate needs that may become increasingly complex if intervention is delayed or if the need is left unattended.

(3) Investing in the provision of services to children and nonminor dependents in foster care by identifying and addressing immediate needs ensures that even those children and nonminor dependents with the highest level of need can be supported in every setting and, whenever possible, in the home of a relative, nonrelative extended family member or, in the case of an Indian child, an extended family member, as described in Section 224.1.

(4) Child development research establishes that a trauma-informed system of care prioritizes and supports the role of the child’s or nonminor dependent’s family and community of origin in meeting the needs of the child and nonminor dependent. Research also shows that children and nonminor dependents placed with relatives, or extended family members as defined in Section 224.1 in the case of an Indian child, experience better permanency outcomes, higher rates of reunification, lower rates of reentry into foster care, and greater stability while they are in care.

(5) Immediate needs should be addressed in a way that is culturally responsive, family centered, and permanency focused, and, for an Indian child, supports engagement with the child’s tribe in ensuring the array of integrated services and supports are informed by the prevailing social and cultural conditions and way of life of the Indian child’s tribe.

(6) Meeting the immediate needs of children and nonminor dependents in foster care using a coordinated, timely, and trauma-informed system of care requires partnerships between caregivers, community-based service providers, and county and tribal placing agencies responsible for providing care and supervision to children and nonminor dependents and supports and services to children, nonminor dependents, and their families.

(7) It is therefore the intent of the Legislature in enacting this chapter to identify and address the immediate needs of children and nonminor dependents in foster care, as identified through a standardized validated functional assessment tool informed by the child and family team.

(b) The Immediate Needs Program is hereby established. Beginning on the date required by paragraph (9) of subdivision (h) of Section 11461, the Immediate Needs Program shall be available to every child and nonminor dependent in foster care who, upon completion of the IP-CANS, is determined to be in Tier 2, Tier 3, or Tier 3+ as part of the Tiered Rate Structure established in subdivision (h) of Section 11461. The Immediate Needs Program shall not apply to nonminor dependents placed in a setting described in subdivision (w) of Section 11400.

(c) For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:

(1) “Immediate Needs Program” means a program that provides an array of integrated services and supports, consistent with guidance established by the department, based on the immediate needs of eligible children who fall into Tier 2, Tier 3, or Tier 3+ of the Tiered Rate Structure established in subdivision (h) of Section 11461 as determined by the IP-CANS assessment tool. For an Indian child, the program shall support engagement with the child’s tribe by ensuring that the array of integrated services and supports provided shall be informed by prevailing social and cultural conditions and way of life of the Indian child’s tribe and shall be provided consistent with active efforts as described in subdivision (f) of Section 224.1.

(2) “Immediate needs” means the circumstances identified by the child’s or nonminor dependent’s IP-CANS assessment that interfere with the child’s or nonminor dependent’s age and developmentally-appropriate behavioral or emotional functioning or otherwise currently impact the child or nonminor dependent that can be treated or addressed through the provision of services and supports.

(3) “Immediate Needs Funding” means the amount of funding available as a component of the Tiered Rate Structure established in subparagraph (C) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (h) of Section 11461, and set forth in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (d), based on the child’s or nonminor dependent’s tier, as determined by the IP-CANS assessment. The Immediate Needs Funding shall not be used to supplant existing state or county funds utilized for the provision of Medi-Cal services, except as provided in in subdivision (h), subject to clause (iii) of subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1) of that subdivision.

(4) “Immediate Needs Program Plan” means the plan that includes all the requirements of subparagraph (B) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) and is submitted to the department for approval.

(5) “Immediate needs provider” means a placing agency, or a provider with whom the placing agency or the department selects to provide immediate needs services and supports. Immediate needs providers shall be certified by the department to provide services and supports consistent with the standards of care framework adopted pursuant to subdivision (e). For an Indian child, the immediate needs provider shall have specialized knowledge of, training about, or experience with, tribes and the federal Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. Sec. 1901 et seq.).

(d) The purpose of the Immediate Needs Program is to provide an array of integrated services and supports tailored to meet the immediate needs of a child or nonminor dependent as identified by their IP-CANS as efficiently and effectively as reasonably possible. Under the Immediate Needs Program:

(1) (A) Immediate Needs Funding shall be available per child per month for each eligible child or nonminor dependent described in subdivision (b) based on the child’s or nonminor dependent’s tier, as determined by the results of the child’s or nonminor dependent’s IP-CANS assessment, according to the following tiered rate schedule: Tier 1: $0 Tier 2: $1000 Tier 3: $1500 [Ages 0-5] Tier 3+: $4100 [Ages 6+]

(B) To administer the Immediate Needs Program, each placing agency shall be provided funding consisting of the total amount of Immediate Needs Funding for all eligible children and nonminor dependents in Tiers 2, 3, and 3+, as set forth in subparagraph (A), who are under the placing agency’s care and supervision. The methodology shall be developed by the department, in consultation with the County Welfare Directors Association of California and the Chief Probation Officers of California.

(C) Beginning on the date required by paragraph (9) of subdivision (h) of Section 11461, for new entries into foster care, and for all other children and nonminor dependents in foster care placements on July 1, 2027, including children and nonminor dependents placed in a setting described in subdivision (d) of Section 11402, the Immediate Needs Funding shall be available for each eligible child or nonminor dependent described in subdivision (b), consistent with the child’s or nonminor dependent’s tier, as determined by the IP-CANS assessment, pursuant to a schedule to be determined by the department.

(2) Placing agencies shall do all of the following:

(A) Provide for the immediate needs of children and nonminor dependents in Tier 2, Tier 3, and Tier 3+ as determined by the IP-CANS using the Immediate Needs Funding set forth in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1). A description of the immediate needs and how the funding will be used to meet the immediate needs shall be included in the child’s or nonminor dependent’s case plan.

(B) Ensure the caregiver of a home-based setting, including, but not limited to, a tribally approved home, has relevant, specialized training necessary for the purpose of preparing the family to meet the needs of an individual child or nonminor dependent in Tier 2, Tier 3, or Tier 3+ who is or will be placed in the home. Immediate Needs Funding may be used for this purpose but shall not supplant existing funding for training caregivers.

(C) When appropriate based on the IP-CANS assessment, the Immediate Needs Funding may be used for the child or nonminor dependent in a manner that supports reunification efforts. The Immediate Needs Funding shall not supplant existing funding used by placing agencies to provide reunification services.

(D) Ensure the caregiver has the capability, willingness, and ability to meet the specific immediate needs of the child or nonminor dependent placed in the home, including by assessing the risk and compatibility of placing the child or nonminor dependent with any other children or nonminor dependents in the home and the ability of the caregiver to provide care and support for all the children or nonminor dependents in the home consistent with guidance to be issued by the department.

(E) In consultation with the local interagency leadership team established pursuant to Section 16521.6, which shall include the engagement and coordination of federally recognized tribes, the placing agency and the mental health plan shall submit to the department an Immediate Needs Program plan for approval that includes all of the following:

(ii) How the placing agency will ensure the services provided pursuant to the Immediate Needs Program plan or, alternatively, any immediate needs providers with whom the placing agency selects, will meet the standards of care framework established by the department in the guidelines provided under paragraph (2) of subdivision (e).

(iii) How the placing agency will ensure an adequate supply of certified immediate needs providers for children and nonminor dependents in the Immediate Needs Program, including an adequate supply of certified immediate needs provider for Indian children in the program who have specialized knowledge of, training in, or experience with, tribes and the federal Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. Sec. 1901 et seq.).

(iv) An agreement by the placing agency to provide data requested by the department related to children and nonminor dependents in foster care in Tier 2, Tier 3, and Tier 3+, as determined by the IP-CANS assessments.

(F) Become a certified immediate needs provider if the placing agency opts to directly provide for the immediate needs of children and nonminor dependents placed into foster care by using the Immediate Needs Funding.

(G) Use only immediate needs providers certified by the department, using agreements that are consistent with model contracts developed by the department.

(H) For a short-term therapeutic residential program or community treatment facility certified by the department as an immediate needs provider, select the short-term residential therapeutic residential program or the community treatment facility where a child or nonminor dependent in the Immediate Needs Program is placed, unless the placing agency determines it is in the best interest of the child or nonminor dependent to receive services and supports from another certified immediate needs provider.

(I) For a foster family agency certified by the department as an immediate needs provider, select the foster family agency with which a child or nonminor dependent in the Immediate Needs Program is placed, unless the placing agency determines it is in the best interest of the child or nonminor dependent to receive services and supports from another certified immediate needs provider.

(J) Facilitate the child and family team to obtain input on the development of an Immediate Needs Plan and incorporate the Immediate Needs Plan as part of the child’s or nonminor dependent’s case plan, as applicable, and the state’s child welfare information system.

(K) Submit data and outcome measures regarding the Immediate Needs Program to the department in periodic reports, on a schedule determined by the department.

(e) The department shall be responsible for all of the following:

(1) Oversight of the placing agencies in administering the Immediate Needs Program, including the placing agency’s use of the placing agency funding for the program, the Immediate Needs Funding, and the progress and success of the program in meeting the immediate needs of children in foster care.

(2) Development of a standards of care framework for the Immediate Needs Program developed in consultation with persons and entities described in subdivision (f), that immediate needs providers shall be subject to regarding the services and supports to be provided to meet a child’s or nonminor dependent’s immediate needs as identified in the IP-CANS assessment for each child or nonminor dependent who falls into Tiers 2, Tier 3, or Tier 3+.

(3) Development of a process by which an immediate needs provider shall be certified by the department to provide services consistent with the standards of care framework developed pursuant to paragraph (2). The certification for immediate needs providers for Indian children shall include requirements, developed through consultation with tribes, for specialized knowledge of, training about, or experience with, tribes and the federal Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. Sec. 1901 et seq.).

(4) Provision of technical assistance to support placing agencies in developing and maintaining an adequate array of certified immediate needs providers.

(5) Development of model contracts that align with the standards of care framework and with which all placing agency agreements with immediate needs providers shall be consistent.

(6) Development of written guidance and technical support for placing agencies to support both of the following:

(A) Regional agreements with immediate needs providers to ensure an adequate supply of providers who are certified and able to meet the standards of care framework.

(B) Agreements between placing agencies to administer the Immediate Needs Program, or for building a consortium of placing agencies to jointly administer the Immediate Needs Program.

(7) Development of informational materials for placing agencies to provide to children, nonminor dependents, families, and caregivers, about the Immediate Needs Program. Information shall be provided in plain language, in alternative formats and alternative modes of communication and provide language access as required by state and federal law.

(8) Workforce development, training, and curriculum requirements on the Immediate Needs Program, including the standards of care framework and model contracting.

(9) Development of guidelines and training on funding resources and claiming by placing agencies and immediate needs providers, including, but not limited to, controls and documentation to determine when federal financial participation may be available if all state and federal requirements are met.

(10) Development of policies and procedures for statewide collection of data and outcome measures, including requirements for the placing agencies and immediate needs providers to submit needed data and reports.

(11) Development of guidelines describing the conditions, and the process and procedure, under which the department will need to enter into contracts regarding the Immediate Needs Program.

(12) Development, in collaboration with the State Department of Health Care Services and other entities specified in subdivision (f), of guidance on the implementation of the Immediate Needs Program, including, but not limited to, guidance on implementation of high-fidelity wraparound services. This guidance shall also address reducing administrative and programmatic burdens and duplication and promote consistent procedures statewide.

(f) The department, in consultation with the State Department of Health Care Services, County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California, County Welfare Directors Association of California, Chief Probation Officers of California, tribes, child welfare advocates, providers, current or former foster children, nonminor dependents, parents, caregivers, and other interested parties, shall establish statewide minimum standards for the Immediate Needs Program and for immediate needs providers of services and supports, and shall issue guidance necessary to implement this section. The process for development of the standards of care framework relating to Indian children shall include consultation with federally recognized tribes.

(g) The department shall consult with an Indian tribe, consortium of tribes, or tribal organization that has entered into an agreement with the state pursuant to Section 10553.1 for the purpose of the implementation of this section by the Indian tribe, consortium of tribes, or tribal organization.

(h) (1) (A) The State Department of Health Care Services shall implement a case rate or other type of reimbursement for high-fidelity wraparound services, which is a Medi-Cal specialty mental health service for members under 21 years of age, and seek any necessary federal Medicaid approvals. This paragraph shall be implemented only if, and to the extent that, federal financial participation under Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) is available and all necessary federal approvals have been obtained.

(B) All children and nonminor dependents in foster care who meet the criteria to participate in the Immediate Needs Program specified in subdivision (b) and are under 21 years of age are eligible to receive high-fidelity wraparound services, consistent with state and federal Medicaid policies, as a component of the Immediate Needs Program. Placing agencies and mental health plans shall coordinate referrals for high-fidelity wraparound services and mental health plans shall provide or arrange for the provision of these services consistent with the terms of their Medi-Cal contracts.

(C) (i) Upon the Immediate Needs Program taking effect pursuant to subdivision (b), a portion of the Immediate Needs Funding shall be used as the non-federal share of Medi-Cal covered high-fidelity wraparound services provided to children and nonminor dependents in foster care who meet the criteria to participate in the Immediate Needs Program specified in subdivision (b), consistent with guidance provided by the departments.

(ii) Counties may use additional or other allowable sources of funds towards the nonfederal share of Medi-Cal covered high-fidelity wraparound services if Immediate Needs Funds are insufficient.

(iii) State and county sources of funds that were not expended because Immediate Needs Funds were used for the nonfederal share of Medi-Cal covered high-fidelity wraparound services should be used for services to children and nonminor dependents in foster care who meet the criteria to participate in the Immediate Needs Program.

(D) This paragraph does not relieve mental health plans of the obligation to provide all medically necessary specialty mental health services.

(2) Federal financial participation under the Medi-Cal program shall only be available for services and supports provided under the Immediate Needs Program if all state and federal requirements are met and the service is medically necessary.

(A) The State Department of Health Care Services may issue guidance on the conditions under which federal financial participation is available for Medi-Cal services that intersect with the implementation of this section.

(B) Medi-Cal services shall only be claimed to the extent medical assistance federal financial participation is available and is not otherwise jeopardized.

(3) Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the State Department of Health Care Services may implement, interpret, or make specific this section concerning the provision of Medi-Cal services by means of plan or all-county letters, information notices, plan or provider bulletins, or other similar instructions, without taking any further regulatory action.

(i) (1) The department has authority to receive the Immediate Needs Funding on behalf of the placing agency and use the funding to award contracts for the purpose of implementing and maintaining the Immediate Needs Program under either of the following circumstances:

(A) Pursuant to a voluntary agreement reached between the department and a placing agency.

(B) If the department, pursuant to the conditions, policies, and procedures established under paragraph (11) of subdivision (e), determines a placing agency has failed to adequately administer the Immediate Needs Program or meet the immediate needs of children or nonminor dependents for whom it is responsible based on the standard of care framework established in paragraph (2) of subdivision (e).

(2) Notwithstanding any other law, contracts awarded by the department for purposes of this section shall be exempt from the personal services contracting requirements of Article 4 (commencing with Section 19130) of Chapter 5 of Part 2 of Division 5 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

(3) Notwithstanding any other law, contracts awarded by the department for purposes of this section shall be exempt from the Public Contract Code and the State Contracting Manual and shall not be subject to the review or approval of the Department of General Services or the Department of Technology.

(j) Placing agencies shall have authority to enter into voluntary agreements with other placing agencies to administer their Immediate Needs Program, and to form a consortium of placing agencies to jointly administer the Immediate Needs Program, provided there is compliance with the written guidance and technical support provided by the department pursuant to paragraphs (6) and (7) of subdivision (e).