The 2023-24 Budget: Overview of Information Technology Project Proposals

Mar 17, 2023 - We generally refer to these new approaches as challenge-based procurements in the post. The goal of challenge-based procurements is to allow more bidders to offer solutions to the state’s complex problems, rather than requiring the state to pre-define solutions with detailed requirements-based solicitations.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4746

Implementing California’s Child Welfare Prevention Services Program

Jan 28, 2026 - Other Challenges Staffing Challenges. Nearly all counties noted in their CPPs and during conversations that they struggle to recruit and retain child welfare social workers (and oftentimes local service providers face similar challenges).
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5106

The 2026-27 Budget: County Administration and H.R. 1 Implementation

Mar 5, 2026 - One common challenge with HHS administration budgeting methodologies is that estimated unit costs and other assumptions can become outdated because of inflation or changes in processes or program requirements.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5149

The 2026-27 Budget: Child Welfare

Mar 3, 2026 - What have been obstacles, challenges, or delays to implementation? To what extent and how have DSS and program partners been able to address these issues? Is further Legislative guidance (or anything else) needed to address any remaining barriers?
https://lao.ca.gov/publications/report/5147

Implementing California’s Child Welfare Prevention Services Program [Publication Details]

Jan 28, 2026 - This report discusses ongoing implementation of California’s Family First Prevention Services program since 2021-22.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5106

The 2021-22 Budget: Preliminary Comments on the Governor’s May Revision Proposal for Broadband Infrastructure

May 24, 2021 - Proposal Does Not Appear to Address Potential Implementation Challenges. There are a number of implementation challenges acknowledged by the administration that could slow the time line for installation of the middle-mile broadband network.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4440

The 2022-23 Budget: California Food Assistance Program

Feb 11, 2022 - Specific Challenges With Updating Automated Systems. In the past, when a CFAP expansion has been considered, three major challenges involving automated systems have emerged. First, the necessary changes to SAWS likely must wait until after the new CalSAWS system has been fully implemented statewide —currently estimated to be December 2023.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4532

The 2025-26 Budget: CalWORKs

Feb 19, 2025 - What challenges have counties faced in implementing CalWORKs in recent years? What challenges have CalWORKs participants faced in achieving self-sufficiency and family well-being? To what extent and how has the state addressed these issues?
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4969

California’s Child Welfare System: Addressing Disproportionalities and Disparities

Apr 24, 2024 - Differentiating Between Poverty and Possible Maltreatment Key Challenge. A key challenge of decisions made within the child welfare system is how best to support families with poverty ‑related risk factors for maltreatment.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4897

The 2025-26 Budget: Overview of the Federal CalWORKs Pilot

Feb 21, 2025 - What challenges does the administration anticipate county staff or county human services departments may encounter throughout the pilot? How will CDSS help address these challenges? What impacts might the planned funding reductions to HVP, mental health and substance abuse services, and intensive case management, as well as the projected budget year decrease in
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4978