August 8, 2013 - This report provides an overview of child abuse and neglect trends, explains the state and county roles in the Child Welfare Services (CWS) system, and examines the outcomes of children involved with the CWS system. In general, CWS outcomes have improved since the last decade. Foster children spend, on average, less time in foster care (which is generally considered a positive trend), are more quickly reunified with their families, and have more permanency in their living situations. However, this report raises several issues for the Legislature to consider in improving outcomes for children in the CWS system. In the report, we discuss how child well-being is not adequately measured in the CWS system and we suggest options for improving the evaluation of child well-being. We also raise issues related to improving group home quality through provider rate reform and accreditation standards. Finally, we make suggestions for how the current 2011 Realignment growth funding allocation process could be modified to provide county incentives for improved performance.
April 3, 2024 - Presented to: Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Human Services
April 24, 2024 - This report examines disproportionalities and disparities across California’s child welfare system in terms of income and race/ethnicity. The report provides background on the child welfare system, describes child welfare system disproportionalities and disparities, and lays out potential drivers of these inequities. Additionally, the report identifies a number of decision-making and policy areas that can help address disproportionalities and disparities, and provides options for the Legislature to consider.
February 26, 2024 - In this post, we analyze the Governor’s budget proposals relating to child welfare and foster care programs, which include a number of budget solutions. In addition, the post provides comments and questions to help the Legislature weigh in regarding the administration’s proposal for the statutorily required new foster care rates structure.
January 5, 1996 - This report presents a variety of information on the subject of child abuse and neglect. It is designed to serve both as a reference document and as a vehicle for stimulating further discussion and policy development on these issues.
February 11, 2016 - We review the Governor's 2016-17 budget proposals for (1) the Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP) program, (2) In-Home Supportive Services, (3) California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs), and (4) Foster Care. Further, we provide the Legislature with key issues to consider when evaluating the Governor's budget proposals.
February 11, 2021 - In this analysis of the Governor’s 2021-22 budget proposal for child welfare programs, we: (1) provide program background; (2) outline the Governor’s proposed budget for child welfare services and foster care programs; and (3) provide key questions and issues for the Legislature to consider related to the administration’s proposals for continued pandemic response, implementation of the federal Family First Prevention Services Act, and ongoing implementation of Continuum of Care Reform.
February 16, 2018 - In this report we provide a broad overview of the Governor's health and human services budget, highlighting major year-over-year changes. We then provide a more in-depth analysis of select programmatic areas.
May 1, 1985 - Chapter 978, Statutes of 1982 (S8 14), restructured and expanded the child welfare system in California, in an effort to protect more effectively the welfare of children whose needs are not being met in their natural home environment. Chapter 978 also required the Legislative Analyst to report on the success of the new programs in meeting these objectives. This report is intended to satisfy that requirement. In Chapter I, we describe the intent of SB 14 and the way in which the measure was intended to improve services to abused and neglected children and their families. In Chapter II, we describe the implementation of the measure. In Chapters III and IV we present our conclusions regarding the effect of SB 14 on children and families in California. The last chapter contains our recommendations for improving the effectiveness of the child welfare services program.
February 22, 2022 - California’s children and family programs include an array of services to protect children from abuse and neglect and to keep families safely together when possible. This analysis: (1) provides program background; (2) outlines the Governor’s proposed 2022-23 budget for children and family programs, including child welfare services and foster care programs; (3) provides implementation updates on a number of programs that were funded in 2021-22; and (4) raises questions and issues for the Legislature to consider as it evaluates the budget proposal.
February 22, 2023 - California’s children and family programs include an array of services to protect children from abuse and neglect and to keep families safely together when possible. This analysis: (1) provides program background; (2) outlines the Governor’s proposed 2023-24 budget for children and family programs, including child welfare services and foster care programs; (3) provides implementation updates on a number of programs that were funded in the current and prior years; and (4) raises questions and issues for the Legislature to consider.