18961. (Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 60, Sec. 1.)

(a) Projects and services funded pursuant to this article shall be selected using the following criteria:

(1) Priority shall be given to private, nonprofit agencies with programs that serve the needs of children at risk of abuse or neglect and that have demonstrated effectiveness in prevention or intervention.

(2) Agencies shall be eligible for funding provided that evidence is submitted that the proposed services are not duplicated in the community, are based on needs of children at risk, and are supported by a local public agency, including, but not limited to, one of the following:

(A) The county welfare department.

(B) A public law enforcement agency.

(C) The county probation department.

(D) The county board of supervisors.

(E) The county public health department.

(F) The county mental health department.

(G) The school district.

(3) Services provided shall be culturally and linguistically appropriate to the populations served.

(4) Services may include, but need not be limited to, day care, respite services, transportation, mental health services, services provided through home visiting programs, parent education and support programs, domestic violence services, disability services, early developmental screening and assessment, and counseling services.

(5) Applicant agencies shall demonstrate the existence of a 10 percent cash or in-kind match that will support the goals of child abuse and neglect prevention and intervention.

(6) Funding shall be used to supplement, but not supplant, child welfare services authorized pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 16500) of Part 4.

(7) Priority for services shall be given to children who are at high risk, including children who are being served by the county welfare departments for being abused and neglected and other children who are referred for services by legal, medical, or social services agencies.

(8) Service to minority populations shall be reflected in the funding of projects.

(9) Projects and services shall clearly be related to the needs of children, especially those 14 years of age and under.