Foster Youth Legislation

Chronological Summary of Major California and Federal Legislation Related to Child Abuse, Child Dependency, and Child Welfare (1970–2025)

1970s

Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) (1974)

Established federal funding for prevention, assessment, investigation, prosecution, and treatment of child abuse. Required states to implement mandatory reporting laws.

42 U.S.C. § 5101 et seq. (Link)

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1980s

Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act (1980)

Required states to make reasonable efforts to prevent removal of children from their homes and to reunify families. Introduced case plans and periodic reviews.

P.L. 96-272 (Link)

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1990s

Family Preservation and Support Services Program Act (1993)

Provided funding to states for family support and preservation services to prevent child abuse and neglect.

P.L. 103-66 (Link)

Adoption and Safe Families Act (1997)

Emphasized child safety and permanency. Required timely permanency hearings and promoted adoption.

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P.L. 105-89 (Link)

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2000s

Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) (California)

Mandated reporting of suspected child abuse by professionals. Updated over time to expand definitions and reporter categories.

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California Penal Code §§ 11164–11174.3 (Link)

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2010s

AB 1067 (2016) – Foster Youth Bill of Rights

Required the development of a youth-friendly version of the Foster Youth Bill of Rights in California.

Cal. Welf. & Inst. Code § 16001.9 (Link)

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AB 2083 (2018) – System of Care for Foster Youth

Mandated interagency collaboration to provide trauma-informed care for children with complex needs in foster care.

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Cal. Welf. & Inst. Code § 16521.6 (Link)

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2020s

AB 319 (2025) – Trauma-Informed Continuum of Care

Expanded therapeutic services and trauma-informed practices in foster care.

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California Assembly Bill 319 (2025) (Link)

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AB 308 (2025) – Mobile Crisis Teams

Authorized counties to develop crisis response protocols for children with developmental disabilities.

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California Assembly Bill 308 (2025) (Link)

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AB 170 (2025) – Remote Juvenile Proceedings

Extended remote hearings in juvenile dependency cases to improve access and efficiency.

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California Assembly Bill 170 (2025) (Link)

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Child Welfare Services Manual (CDSS)

Ongoing updates to California's Child Welfare Services Manual, governing procedures for child protection, foster care, and family reunification.

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California Department of Social Services (Link)