1522.41.

 (a) The director, in consultation and collaboration with county placement officials, group home provider organizations, the Director of Health Care Services, and the Director of Developmental Services, shall develop and establish a certification program to ensure that administrators of group home facilities have appropriate training to provide the care and services for which a license or certificate is issued.

(b) (1) In addition to any other requirements or qualifications required by the department, an administrator of a group home facility shall successfully complete a department-approved certification program, pursuant to subdivision (c), prior to employment. An administrator employed in a group home on the effective date of this section shall meet the requirements of paragraph (2) of subdivision (c).

(2) In those cases when the individual is both the licensee and the administrator of a facility, the individual shall comply with all of the licensee and administrator requirements of this section.

(3) Failure to comply with this section shall constitute cause for revocation of the license of the facility.

(4) The licensee shall notify the department within 10 days of any change in administrators.

(c) (1) The administrator certification programs shall require a minimum of 40 hours of classroom instruction that provides training on a uniform core of knowledge in each of the following areas:

(A) Laws, regulations, and policies and procedural standards that impact the operations of the type of facility for which the applicant will be an administrator.

(B) Business operations.

(C) Management and supervision of staff.

(D) Psychosocial and educational needs of the facility residents, including, but not limited to, the information described in subdivision (d) of Section 16501.4 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

(E) Community and support services.

(F) Physical needs for facility residents.

(G) Administration, storage, misuse, and interaction of medication used by facility residents.

(H) Resident admission, retention, and assessment procedures, including the right of a foster child to have fair and equal access to all available services, placement, care, treatment, and benefits, and to not be subjected to discrimination or harassment on the basis of actual or perceived race, ethnic group identification, ancestry, national origin, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental or physical disability, or HIV status.

(I) Instruction on cultural competency and sensitivity relating to, and best practices for, providing adequate care to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth in out-of-home care.

(J) Nonviolent emergency intervention and reporting requirements.

(K) Basic instruction on the existing laws and procedures regarding the safety of foster youth at school and the ensuring of a harassment- and violence-free school environment contained in the School Safety and Violence Prevention Act (Article 3.6 (commencing with Section 32228) of Chapter 2 of Part 19 of Division 1 of Title 1 of the Education Code).

(2) The department shall adopt separate program requirements for initial certification for persons who are employed as group home administrators on the effective date of this section. A person employed as an administrator of a group home facility on the effective date of this section shall obtain a certificate by completing the training and testing requirements imposed by the department within 12 months of the effective date of the regulations implementing this section. After the effective date of this section, these administrators shall meet the requirements imposed by the department on all other group home administrators for certificate renewal.

(3) Individuals applying for certification under this section shall successfully complete an approved certification program, pass a written test administered by the department within 60 days of completing the program, and submit to the department the documentation required by subdivision (d) within 30 days after being notified of having passed the test. The department may extend these time deadlines for good cause. The department shall notify the applicant of his or her test results within 30 days of administering the test.

(d) The department shall not begin the process of issuing a certificate until receipt of all of the following:

(1) A certificate of completion of the administrator training required pursuant to this chapter.

(2) The fee required for issuance of the certificate. A fee of one hundred dollars ($100) shall be charged by the department to cover the costs of processing the application for certification.

(3) Documentation from the applicant that he or she has passed the written test.

(4) Submission of fingerprints pursuant to Section 1522. The department may waive the submission for those persons who have a current clearance on file.

(5) That person is at least 21 years of age.

(e) It shall be unlawful for any person not certified under this section to hold himself or herself out as a certified administrator of a group home facility. Any person willfully making any false representation as being a certified administrator or facility manager is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(f) (1) Certificates issued under this section shall be renewed every two years and renewal shall be conditional upon the certificate holder submitting documentation of completion of 40 hours of continuing education related to the core of knowledge specified in subdivision (c). No more than one-half of the required 40 hours of continuing education necessary to renew the certificate may be satisfied through online courses. All other continuing education hours shall be completed in a classroom setting. For purposes of this section, an individual who is a group home facility administrator and who is required to complete the continuing education hours required by the regulations of the State Department of Developmental Services, and approved by the regional center, may have up to 24 of the required continuing education course hours credited toward the 40-hour continuing education requirement of this section. Community college course hours approved by the regional centers shall be accepted by the department for certification.

(2) Every administrator of a group home facility shall complete the continuing education requirements of this subdivision.

(3) Certificates issued under this section shall expire every two years on the anniversary date of the initial issuance of the certificate, except that any administrator receiving his or her initial certification on or after July 1, 1999, shall make an irrevocable election to have his or her recertification date for any subsequent recertification either on the date two years from the date of issuance of the certificate or on the individual’s birthday during the second calendar year following certification. The department shall send a renewal notice to the certificate holder 90 days prior to the expiration date of the certificate. If the certificate is not renewed prior to its expiration date, reinstatement shall only be permitted after the certificate holder has paid a delinquency fee equal to three times the renewal fee and has provided evidence of completion of the continuing education required.

(4) To renew a certificate, the certificate holder shall, on or before the certificate expiration date, request renewal by submitting to the department documentation of completion of the required continuing education courses and pay the renewal fee of one hundred dollars ($100), irrespective of receipt of the department’s notification of the renewal. A renewal request postmarked on or before the expiration of the certificate shall be proof of compliance with this paragraph.

(5) A suspended or revoked certificate shall be subject to expiration as provided for in this section. If reinstatement of the certificate is approved by the department, the certificate holder, as a condition precedent to reinstatement, shall submit proof of compliance with paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (f), and shall pay a fee in an amount equal to the renewal fee, plus the delinquency fee, if any, accrued at the time of its revocation or suspension. Delinquency fees, if any, accrued subsequent to the time of its revocation or suspension and prior to an order for reinstatement, shall be waived for a period of 12 months to allow the individual sufficient time to complete the required continuing education units and to submit the required documentation. Individuals whose certificates will expire within 90 days after the order for reinstatement may be granted a three-month extension to renew their certificates during which time the delinquency fees shall not accrue.

(6) A certificate that is not renewed within four years after its expiration shall not be renewed, restored, reissued, or reinstated except upon completion of a certification training program, passing any test that may be required of an applicant for a new certificate at that time, and paying the appropriate fees provided for in this section.

(7) A fee of twenty-five dollars ($25) shall be charged for the reissuance of a lost certificate.

(8) A certificate holder shall inform the department of his or her employment status and change of mailing address within 30 days of any change.

(g) Unless otherwise ordered by the department, the certificate shall be considered forfeited under either of the following conditions:

(1) The department has revoked any license held by the administrator after the department issued the certificate.

(2) The department has issued an exclusion order against the administrator pursuant to Section 1558, 1568.092, 1569.58, or 1596.8897, after the department issued the certificate, and the administrator did not appeal the exclusion order or, after the appeal, the department issued a decision and order that upheld the exclusion order.

(h) (1) The department, in consultation and collaboration with county placement officials, provider organizations, the State Department of Health Care Services, and the State Department of Developmental Services, shall establish, by regulation, the program content, the testing instrument, the process for approving certification training programs, and criteria to be used in authorizing individuals, organizations, or educational institutions to conduct certification training programs and continuing education courses. The department may also grant continuing education hours for continuing courses offered by accredited educational institutions that are consistent with the requirements in this section. The department may deny vendor approval to any agency or person in any of the following circumstances:

(A) The applicant has not provided the department with evidence satisfactory to the department of the ability of the applicant to satisfy the requirements of vendorization set out in the regulations adopted by the department pursuant to subdivision (j).

(B) The applicant person or agency has a conflict of interest in that the person or agency places its clients in group home facilities.

(C) The applicant public or private agency has a conflict of interest in that the agency is mandated to place clients in group homes and to pay directly for the services. The department may deny vendorization to this type of agency only as long as there are other vendor programs available to conduct the certification training programs and conduct education courses.

(2) The department may authorize vendors to conduct the administrator’s certification training program pursuant to this section. The department shall conduct the written test pursuant to regulations adopted by the department.

(3) The department shall prepare and maintain an updated list of approved training vendors.

(4) The department may inspect certification training programs and continuing education courses, including online courses, at no charge to the department, to determine if content and teaching methods comply with regulations. If the department determines that any vendor is not complying with the requirements of this section, the department shall take appropriate action to bring the program into compliance, which may include removing the vendor from the approved list.

(5) The department shall establish reasonable procedures and timeframes not to exceed 30 days for the approval of vendor training programs.

(6) The department may charge a reasonable fee, not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150) every two years, to certification program vendors for review and approval of the initial 40-hour training program pursuant to subdivision (c). The department may also charge the vendor a fee, not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100) every two years, for the review and approval of the continuing education courses needed for recertification pursuant to this subdivision.

(7) (A) A vendor of online programs for continuing education shall ensure that each online course contains all of the following:

(i) An interactive portion in which the participant receives feedback, through online communication, based on input from the participant.

(ii) Required use of a personal identification number or personal identification information to confirm the identity of the participant.

(iii) A final screen displaying a printable statement, to be signed by the participant, certifying that the identified participant completed the course. The vendor shall obtain a copy of the final screen statement with the original signature of the participant prior to the issuance of a certificate of completion. The signed statement of completion shall be maintained by the vendor for a period of three years and be available to the department upon demand. Any person who certifies as true any material matter pursuant to this clause that he or she knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(B) Nothing in this subdivision shall prohibit the department from approving online programs for continuing education that do not meet the requirements of subparagraph (A) if the vendor demonstrates to the department’s satisfaction that, through advanced technology, the course and the course delivery meet the requirements of this section.

(i) The department shall establish a registry for holders of certificates that shall include, at a minimum, information on employment status and criminal record clearance.

(j) Subdivisions (b) to (i), inclusive, shall be implemented upon regulations being adopted by the department, by January 1, 2000.

(k) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, vendors approved by the department who exclusively provide either initial or continuing education courses for certification of administrators of a group home facility as defined by regulations of the department, an adult residential facility as defined by regulations of the department, or a residential care facility for the elderly as defined in subdivision (k) of Section 1569.2, shall be regulated solely by the department pursuant to this chapter. No other state or local governmental entity shall be responsible for regulating the activity of those vendors.

1522.41.

 (a) (1) The department, in consultation and collaboration with county placement officials, group home provider organizations, the Director of Health Care Services, and the Director of Developmental Services, shall develop and establish an administrator certification training program to ensure that administrators of group home facilities have appropriate training to provide the care and services for which a license or certificate is issued.

(2) The department shall develop and establish an administrator certification training program to ensure that administrators of short-term residential treatment center facilities have appropriate training to provide the care and services for which a license or certificate is issued.

(b) (1) In addition to any other requirements or qualifications required by the department, an administrator of a group home or short-term residential treatment center shall successfully complete a specified department-approved training certification program, pursuant to subdivision (c), prior to employment.

(2) In those cases when the individual is both the licensee and the administrator of a facility, the individual shall comply with all of the licensee and administrator requirements of this section.

(3) Failure to comply with this section shall constitute cause for revocation of the license of the facility.

(4) The licensee shall notify the department within 10 days of any change in administrators.

(c) (1) The administrator certification programs for group homes shall require a minimum of 40 hours of classroom instruction that provides training on a uniform core of knowledge in each of the following areas:

(A) Laws, regulations, and policies and procedural standards that impact the operations of the type of facility for which the applicant will be an administrator.

(B) Business operations.

(C) Management and supervision of staff.

(D) Psychosocial and educational needs of the facility residents, including, but not limited to, the information described in subdivision (d) of Section 16501.4 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

(E) Community and support services.

(F) Physical needs of facility residents.

(G) Assistance with self-administration, storage, misuse, and interaction of medication used by facility residents.

(H) Resident admission, retention, and assessment procedures, including the right of a foster child to have fair and equal access to all available services, placement, care, treatment, and benefits, and to not be subjected to discrimination or harassment on the basis of actual or perceived race, ethnic group identification, ancestry, national origin, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental or physical disability, or HIV status.

(I) Instruction on cultural competency and sensitivity and related best practices for providing adequate care for children across diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds, as well as children identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender.

(J) Nonviolent emergency intervention and reporting requirements.

(K) Basic instruction on the existing laws and procedures regarding the safety of foster youth at school and the ensuring of a harassment- and violence-free school environment contained in Article 3.6 (commencing with Section 32228) of Chapter 2 of Part 19 of Division 1 of Title 1 of the Education Code.

(2) The administrator certification programs for short-term residential treatment centers shall require a minimum of 40 hours of classroom instruction that provides training on a uniform core of knowledge in each of the following areas:

(A) Laws, regulations, and policies and procedural standards that impact the operations of the type of facility for which the applicant will be an administrator.

(B) Business operations and management and supervision of staff, including staff training.

(C) Physical and psychosocial needs of the children, including behavior management, deescalation techniques, and trauma informed crisis management planning.

(D) Permanence, well-being, and educational needs of the children.

(E) Community and support services, including accessing local behavioral and mental health supports and interventions, substance use disorder treatments, and culturally relevant services, as appropriate.

(F) Understanding the requirements and best practices regarding psychotropic medications, including, but not limited to, court authorization, uses, benefits, side effects, interactions, assistance with self-administration, misuse, documentation, storage, and metabolic monitoring of children prescribed psychotropic medications.

(G) Admission, retention, and assessment procedures, including the right of a foster child to have fair and equal access to all available services, placement, care, treatment, and benefits, and to not be subjected to discrimination or harassment on the basis of actual or perceived race, ethnic group identification, ancestry, national origin, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental or physical disability, or HIV status.

(H) The federal Indian Child Welfare Act (25 U.S.C. Sec. 1901 et seq.), its historical significance, the rights of children covered by the act, and the best interests of Indian children as including culturally appropriate, child-centered practices that respect Native American history, culture, retention of tribal membership, and connection to the tribal community and traditions.

(I) Instruction on cultural competency and sensitivity and related best practices for providing adequate care for children across diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds, as well as children identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender.

(J) Nonviolent emergency intervention and reporting requirements.

(K) Basic instruction on the existing laws and procedures regarding the safety of foster youth at school and the ensuring of a harassment- and violence-free school environment contained in Article 3.6 (commencing with Section 32228) of Chapter 2 of Part 19 of Division 1 of Title 1 of the Education Code.

(d) Administrators who possess a valid group home license, issued by the department, are exempt from completing an approved initial certification training program and taking a written test, provided the individual completes 12 hours of classroom instruction in the following uniform core of knowledge areas:

(1) Laws, regulations, and policies and procedural standards that impact the operations of a short-term residential treatment center.

(2) (A) Authorization, uses, benefits, side effects, interactions, assistance with self-administration, misuse, documentation, and storage of medications.

(B) Metabolic monitoring of children prescribed psychotropic medications.

(3) Admission, retention, and assessment procedures, including the right of a foster child to have fair and equal access to all available services, placement, care, treatment, and benefits, and to not be subjected to discrimination or harassment on the basis of actual or perceived race, ethnic group identification, ancestry, national origin, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental or physical disability, or HIV status.

(4) The federal Indian Child Welfare Act (25 U.S.C. Sec. 1901 et seq.), its historical significance, the rights of children covered by the act, and the best interests of Indian children as including culturally appropriate, child-centered practices that respect Native American history, culture, retention of tribal membership, and connection to the tribal community and traditions.

(5) Instruction on cultural competency and sensitivity and related best practices for providing adequate care for children across diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds, as well as children identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender.

(6) Physical and psychosocial needs of children, including behavior management, deescalation techniques, and trauma informed crisis management planning.

(e) Individuals applying for administrator certification under this section shall successfully complete an approved administrator certification training program, pass a written test administered by the department within 60 days of completing the program, and submit to the department the documentation required by subdivision (f) within 30 days after being notified of having passed the test. The department may extend these time deadlines for good cause. The department shall notify the applicant of his or her test results within 30 days of administering the test.

(f) The department shall not begin the process of issuing a certificate until receipt of all of the following:

(1) A certificate of completion of the administrator training required pursuant to this chapter.

(2) The fee required for issuance of the certificate. A fee of one hundred dollars ($100) shall be charged by the department to cover the costs of processing the application for certification.

(3) Documentation from the applicant that he or she has passed the written test.

(4) Submission of fingerprints pursuant to Section 1522. The department may waive the submission for those persons who have a current clearance on file.

(5) That person is at least 21 years of age.

(g) It shall be unlawful for any person not certified under this section to hold himself or herself out as a certified administrator of a group home or short-term residential treatment center. Any person willfully making any false representation as being a certified administrator or facility manager is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(h) (1) Certificates issued under this section shall be renewed every two years and renewal shall be conditional upon the certificate holder submitting documentation of completion of 40 hours of continuing education related to the core of knowledge specified in subdivision (c). No more than one-half of the required 40 hours of continuing education necessary to renew the certificate may be satisfied through online courses. All other continuing education hours shall be completed in a classroom setting. For purposes of this section, an individual who is a group home or short-term residential treatment center administrator and who is required to complete the continuing education hours required by the regulations of the State Department of Developmental Services, and approved by the regional center, may have up to 24 of the required continuing education course hours credited toward the 40-hour continuing education requirement of this section. The department shall accept for certification, community college course hours approved by the regional centers.

(2) Every administrator of a group home or short-term residential treatment center shall complete the continuing education requirements of this subdivision.

(3) Certificates issued under this section shall expire every two years on the anniversary date of the initial issuance of the certificate, except that any administrator receiving his or her initial certification on or after July 1, 1999, shall make an irrevocable election to have his or her recertification date for any subsequent recertification either on the date two years from the date of issuance of the certificate or on the individual’s birthday during the second calendar year following certification. The department shall send a renewal notice to the certificate holder 90 days prior to the expiration date of the certificate. If the certificate is not renewed prior to its expiration date, reinstatement shall only be permitted after the certificate holder has paid a delinquency fee equal to three times the renewal fee and has provided evidence of completion of the continuing education required.

(4) To renew a certificate, the certificate holder shall, on or before the certificate expiration date, request renewal by submitting to the department documentation of completion of the required continuing education courses and pay the renewal fee of one hundred dollars ($100), irrespective of receipt of the department’s notification of the renewal. A renewal request postmarked on or before the expiration of the certificate shall be proof of compliance with this paragraph.

(5) A suspended or revoked certificate shall be subject to expiration as provided for in this section. If reinstatement of the certificate is approved by the department, the certificate holder, as a condition precedent to reinstatement, shall submit proof of compliance with paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subdivision, and shall pay a fee in an amount equal to the renewal fee, plus the delinquency fee, if any, accrued at the time of its revocation or suspension. Delinquency fees, if any, accrued subsequent to the time of its revocation or suspension and prior to an order for reinstatement, shall be waived for a period of 12 months to allow the individual sufficient time to complete the required continuing education units and to submit the required documentation. Individuals whose certificates will expire within 90 days after the order for reinstatement may be granted a three-month extension to renew their certificates during which time the delinquency fees shall not accrue.

(6) A certificate that is not renewed within four years after its expiration shall not be renewed, restored, reissued, or reinstated except upon completion of a certification training program, passing any test that may be required of an applicant for a new certificate at that time, and paying the appropriate fees provided for in this section.

(7) A fee of twenty-five dollars ($25) shall be charged for the reissuance of a lost certificate.

(8) A certificate holder shall inform the department of his or her employment status and change of mailing address within 30 days of any change.

(i) Unless otherwise ordered by the department, the certificate shall be considered forfeited under either of the following conditions:

(1) The department has revoked any license held by the administrator after the department issued the certificate.

(2) The department has issued an exclusion order against the administrator pursuant to Section 1558, 1568.092, 1569.58, or 1596.8897, after the department issued the certificate, and the administrator did not appeal the exclusion order or, after the appeal, the department issued a decision and order that upheld the exclusion order.

(j) (1) The department, in consultation and collaboration with county placement officials, provider organizations, the State Department of Health Care Services, and the State Department of Developmental Services, shall establish, by regulation, the program content, the testing instrument, the process for approving administrator certification training programs, and criteria to be used in authorizing individuals, organizations, or educational institutions to conduct certification training programs and continuing education courses. The department may also grant continuing education hours for continuing courses offered by accredited educational institutions that are consistent with the requirements in this section. The department may deny vendor approval to any agency or person in any of the following circumstances:

(A) The applicant has not provided the department with evidence satisfactory to the department of the ability of the applicant to satisfy the requirements of vendorization set out in the regulations adopted by the department.

(B) The applicant person or agency has a conflict of interest in that the person or agency places its clients in group homes or short-term residential treatment centers.

(C) The applicant public or private agency has a conflict of interest in that the agency is mandated to place clients in group homes or short-term residential treatment centers and to pay directly for the services. The department may deny vendorization to this type of agency only as long as there are other vendor programs available to conduct the certification training programs and conduct education courses.

(2) The department may authorize vendors to conduct the administrator’s certification training program pursuant to this section. The department shall conduct the written test pursuant to regulations adopted by the department.

(3) The department shall prepare and maintain an updated list of approved training vendors.

(4) The department may inspect administrator certification training programs and continuing education courses, including online courses, at no charge to the department, to determine if content and teaching methods comply with regulations. If the department determines that any vendor is not complying with the requirements of this section, the department shall take appropriate action to bring the program into compliance, which may include removing the vendor from the approved list.

(5) The department shall establish reasonable procedures and timeframes not to exceed 30 days for the approval of vendor training programs.

(6) The department may charge a reasonable fee, not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150) every two years, to certification program vendors for review and approval of the initial 40-hour training program pursuant to subdivision (c). The department may also charge the vendor a fee, not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100) every two years, for the review and approval of the continuing education courses needed for recertification pursuant to this subdivision.

(7) (A) A vendor of online programs for continuing education shall ensure that each online course contains all of the following:

(i) An interactive portion in which the participant receives feedback, through online communication, based on input from the participant.

(ii) Required use of a personal identification number or personal identification information to confirm the identity of the participant.

(iii) A final screen displaying a printable statement, to be signed by the participant, certifying that the identified participant completed the course. The vendor shall obtain a copy of the final screen statement with the original signature of the participant prior to the issuance of a certificate of completion. The signed statement of completion shall be maintained by the vendor for a period of three years and be available to the department upon demand. Any person who certifies as true any material matter pursuant to this clause that he or she knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(B) Nothing in this subdivision shall prohibit the department from approving online programs for continuing education that do not meet the requirements of subparagraph (A) if the vendor demonstrates to the department’s satisfaction that, through advanced technology, the course and the course delivery meet the requirements of this section.

(k) The department shall establish a registry for holders of certificates that shall include, at a minimum, information on employment status and criminal record clearance.

(l) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, vendors approved by the department who exclusively provide either initial or continuing education courses for certification of administrators of a group home or short-term residential treatment center as defined by regulations of the department, an adult residential facility as defined by regulations of the department, or a residential care facility for the elderly as defined in subdivision (k) of Section 1569.2, shall be regulated solely by the department pursuant to this chapter. No other state or local governmental entity shall be responsible for regulating the activity of those vendors.

1529.2.

 (a) In addition to the foster parent training provided by community colleges, foster family agencies shall provide a program of training for their certified foster families.

(b) (1) Every licensed foster parent shall complete a minimum of 12 hours of foster parent training, as prescribed in paragraph (3), before the placement of any foster children with the foster parent. In addition, a foster parent shall complete a minimum of eight hours of foster parent training annually, as prescribed in paragraph (4). No child shall be placed in a foster family home unless these requirements are met by the persons in the home who are serving as the foster parents.

(2) (A) Upon the request of the foster parent for a hardship waiver from the postplacement training requirement or a request for an extension of the deadline, the county may, at its option, on a case-by-case basis, waive the postplacement training requirement or extend any established deadline for a period not to exceed one year, if the postplacement training requirement presents a severe and unavoidable obstacle to continuing as a foster parent. Obstacles for which a county may grant a hardship waiver or extension are:

(i) Lack of access to training due to the cost or travel required.

(ii) Family emergency.

(B) Before a waiver or extension may be granted, the foster parent should explore the opportunity of receiving training by video or written materials.

(3) The initial preplacement training shall include, but not be limited to, training courses that cover all of the following:

(A) An overview of the child protective system.

(B) The effects of child abuse and neglect on child development.

(C) Positive discipline and the importance of self-esteem.

(D) Health issues in foster care, including, but not limited to, the information described in subdivision (d) of Section 16501.4 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

(E) Accessing education and health services available to foster children.

(F) The right of a foster child to have fair and equal access to all available services, placement, care, treatment, and benefits, and to not be subjected to discrimination or harassment on the basis of actual or perceived race, ethnic group identification, ancestry, national origin, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental or physical disability, or HIV status.

(G) Instruction on cultural competency and sensitivity relating to, and best practices for, providing adequate care to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth in out-of-home care.

(H) Basic instruction on the existing laws and procedures regarding the safety of foster youth at school and the ensuring of a harassment and violence free school environment contained in the School Safety and Violence Prevention Act (Article 3.6 (commencing with Section 32228) of Chapter 2 of Part 19 of Division 1 of Title 1 of the Education Code).

(4) The postplacement annual training shall include, but not be limited to, training courses that cover all of the following:

(A) Age-appropriate child development.

(B) Health issues in foster care, including, but not limited to, the information described in subdivision (d) of Section 16501.4 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

(C) Positive discipline and the importance of self-esteem.

(D) Emancipation and independent living skills if a foster parent is caring for youth.

(E) The right of a foster child to have fair and equal access to all available services, placement, care, treatment, and benefits, and to not be subjected to discrimination or harassment on the basis of actual or perceived race, ethnic group identification, ancestry, national origin, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental or physical disability, or HIV status.

(F) Instruction on cultural competency and sensitivity relating to, and best practices for, providing adequate care to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth in out-of-home care.

(5) Foster parent training may be attained through a variety of sources, including community colleges, counties, hospitals, foster parent associations, the California State Foster Parent Association’s conference, adult schools, and certified foster parent instructors.

(6) A candidate for placement of foster children shall submit a certificate of training to document completion of the training requirements. The certificate shall be submitted with the initial consideration for placements and provided at the time of the annual visit by the licensing agency thereafter.

(c) Nothing in this section shall preclude a county from requiring county-provided preplacement or postplacement foster parent training in excess of the requirements in this section.

1529.2.

 (a) In addition to the foster parent training provided by community colleges, foster family agencies shall provide a program of training for their certified foster families.

(b) (1) Every licensed foster parent shall complete a minimum of 12 hours of foster parent training, as prescribed in paragraph (3), before the placement of any foster children with the foster parent. In addition, a foster parent shall complete a minimum of eight hours of foster parent training annually, as prescribed in paragraph (4). No child shall be placed in a foster family home unless these requirements are met by the persons in the home who are serving as the foster parents.

(2) (A) Upon the request of the foster parent for a hardship waiver from the postplacement training requirement or a request for an extension of the deadline, the county may, at its option, on a case-by-case basis, waive the postplacement training requirement or extend any established deadline for a period not to exceed one year, if the postplacement training requirement presents a severe and unavoidable obstacle to continuing as a foster parent. Obstacles for which a county may grant a hardship waiver or extension are:

(i) Lack of access to training due to the cost or travel required.

(ii) Family emergency.

(B) Before a waiver or extension may be granted, the foster parent should explore the opportunity of receiving training by video or written materials.

(3) The initial preplacement training shall include, but not be limited to, training courses that cover all of the following:

(A) An overview of the child protective system.

(B) The effects of child abuse and neglect on child development.

(C) Positive discipline and the importance of self-esteem.

(D) Health issues in foster care, including, but not limited to, the information described in subdivision (d) of Section 16501.4 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

(E) Accessing education and health services available to foster children.

(F) The right of a foster child to have fair and equal access to all available services, placement, care, treatment, and benefits, and to not be subjected to discrimination or harassment on the basis of actual or perceived race, ethnic group identification, ancestry, national origin, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental or physical disability, or HIV status.

(G) Instruction on cultural competency and sensitivity relating to best practices for providing adequate care to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth in out-of-home care.

(H) Basic instruction on the existing laws and procedures regarding the safety of foster youth at school and the ensuring of a harassment- and violence-free school environment contained in Article 3.6 (commencing with Section 32228) of Chapter 2 of Part 19 of Division 1 of Title 1 of the Education Code.

(4) The postplacement annual training shall include, but not be limited to, training courses that cover all of the following:

(A) Age-appropriate child development.

(B) Health issues in foster care, including, but not limited to, the information described in subdivision (d) of Section 16501.4 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

(C) Positive discipline and the importance of self-esteem.

(D) Emancipation and independent living skills if a foster parent is caring for youth.

(E) The right of a foster child to have fair and equal access to all available services, placement, care, treatment, and benefits, and to not be subjected to discrimination or harassment on the basis of actual or perceived race, ethnic group identification, ancestry, national origin, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental or physical disability, or HIV status.

(F) Instruction on cultural competency and sensitivity relating to, and best practices for, providing adequate care to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth in out-of-home care.

(5) Foster parent training may be attained through a variety of sources, including community colleges, counties, hospitals, foster parent associations, the California State Foster Parent Association’s conference, adult schools, and certified foster parent instructors.

(6) A candidate for placement of foster children shall submit a certificate of training to document completion of the training requirements. The certificate shall be submitted with the initial consideration for placements and provided at the time of the annual visit by the licensing agency thereafter.

(c) Nothing in this section shall preclude a county from requiring county-provided preplacement or postplacement foster parent training in excess of the requirements in this section.

(d) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2017, and as of that date is repealed, unless a later enacted statute, that is enacted before January 1, 2017, deletes or extends that date.

1529.2.

 (a) It is the intent of the Legislature that all foster parents have the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to support the safety, permanency, and well-being of children in foster care. Initial and ongoing preparation and training of foster parents should support the foster parent’s role in parenting vulnerable children, youth, and young adults, including supporting the children’s connection with their families. Their training should be ongoing in order to provide foster parents with information on new practices and requirements and other helpful topics within the child welfare and probation systems and may be offered in a classroom setting, online, or individually.

(b) A licensed or certified foster parent shall complete a minimum of eight training hours annually, a portion of which shall be from one or more of the following topics, as prescribed by the department, pursuant to subdivision (a):

(1) Age-appropriate child and adolescent development.

(2) Health issues in foster care, including, but not limited to, the information described in subdivision (d) of Section 16501.4 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

(3) Positive discipline and the importance of self-esteem.

(4) Preparation of children and youth for a successful transition to adulthood.

(5) The right of a foster child to have fair and equal access to all available services, placement, care, treatment, and benefits, and to not be subjected to discrimination or harassment on the basis of actual or perceived race, ethnic group identification, ancestry, national origin, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental or physical disability, or HIV status.

(6) Instruction on cultural competency and sensitivity and related best practices for providing adequate care for children across diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds, as well as children identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender.

(c) In addition to any training required by this section, a foster parent may be required to receive specialized training, as relevant, for the purpose of preparing the foster parent to meet the needs of a particular child in care. This training may include, but is not limited to, the following:

(1) Understanding how to use best practices for providing care and supervision to commercially sexually exploited children.

(2) Understanding cultural needs of children, including, but not limited to, cultural competency and sensitivity and related best practices for providing adequate care to children across diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds, as well as children identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender.

(3) Understanding the requirements and best practices regarding psychotropic medications, including, but not limited to, court authorization, benefits, uses, side effects, interactions, assistance with self-administration, misuse, documentation, storage, and metabolic monitoring of children prescribed psychotropic medications.

(4) Understanding the federal Indian Child Welfare Act (25 U.S.C. Sec. 1901 et seq.), its historical significance, the rights of children covered by the act, and the best interests of Indian children, including the role of the caregiver in supporting culturally appropriate, child-centered practices that respect Native American history, culture, retention of tribal membership and connection to the tribal community and traditions.

(5) Understanding how to use best practices for providing care and supervision to nonminor dependents.

(6) Understanding how to use best practices for providing care and supervision to children with special health care needs.

(d) No child shall be placed with a foster parent unless each foster parent in the home meets the requirements of this section.

(e) (1) Upon the request of the licensed or certified foster parent for a hardship waiver from the annual training requirement or a request for an extension of the deadline, the county may, at its option, on a case-by-case basis, waive the training requirement or extend any established deadline for a period not to exceed one year, if the training requirement presents a severe and unavoidable obstacle to continuing as a foster parent.

(2) Obstacles for which a county may grant a hardship waiver or extension are:

(A) Lack of access to training due to the cost or travel required or lack of child care to participate in the training, when online resources are not available.

(B) Family emergency.

(3) Before a waiver or extension may be granted, the licensed or certified foster parent should explore the opportunity of receiving training online or by video or written materials.

(f) (1) Foster parent training may be obtained through sources that include, but are not necessarily limited to, community colleges, counties, hospitals, foster parent associations, the California State Foster Parent Association’s Conference, online resources, adult schools, and certified foster parent instructors.

(2) In addition to the foster parent training provided by community colleges, foster family agencies shall provide a program of training for their certified foster families.

(g) (1) Training certificates shall be submitted to the appropriate licensing or foster family agency.

(2) Upon completion, a licensed or certified parent shall submit a certificate of completion for the annual training requirements.

(h) Nothing in this section shall preclude a county or a foster family agency from requiring foster parent training in excess of the requirements in this section.

(i) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2017.

(j) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2019, and as of that date is repealed, unless a later enacted statute, that is enacted before January 1, 2019, deletes or extends that date.

304.7.

 (a) The Judicial Council shall develop and implement standards for the education and training of all judges who conduct hearings pursuant to Section 300. The training shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:

(1) A component relating to Section 300 proceedings for newly appointed or elected judges and an annual training session in Section 300 proceedings.

(2) Cultural competency and sensitivity relating to, and best practices for, providing adequate care to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth.

(3) The information described in subdivision (d) of Section 16501.4.

(b) A commissioner or referee who is assigned to conduct hearings held pursuant to Section 300 shall meet the minimum standards for education and training established pursuant to subdivision (a), by July 31, 1998.

(c) The Judicial Council shall submit an annual report to the Legislature on compliance by judges, commissioners, and referees with the education and training standards described in subdivisions (a) and (b).

317.

 (a) (1) When it appears to the court that a parent or guardian of the child desires counsel but is presently financially unable to afford and cannot for that reason employ counsel, the court may appoint counsel as provided in this section.

(2) When it appears to the court that a parent or Indian custodian in an Indian child custody proceeding desires counsel but is presently unable to afford and cannot for that reason employ counsel, the provisions of Section 1912(b) of Title 25 of the United States Code and Section 23.13 of Title 25 of the Code of Federal Regulations shall apply.

(b) When it appears to the court that a parent or guardian of the child is presently financially unable to afford and cannot for that reason employ counsel, and the child has been placed in out-of-home care, or the petitioning agency is recommending that the child be placed in out-of-home care, the court shall appoint counsel for the parent or guardian, unless the court finds that the parent or guardian has made a knowing and intelligent waiver of counsel as provided in this section.

(c) (1) If a child or nonminor dependent is not represented by counsel, the court shall appoint counsel for the child or nonminor dependent, unless the court finds that the child or nonminor dependent would not benefit from the appointment of counsel. The court shall state on the record its reasons for that finding.

(2) A primary responsibility of counsel appointed to represent a child or nonminor dependent pursuant to this section shall be to advocate for the protection, safety, and physical and emotional well-being of the child or nonminor dependent.

(3) Counsel may be a district attorney, public defender, or other member of the bar, provided that he or she does not represent another party or county agency whose interests conflict with the child’s or nonminor dependent’s interests. The fact that the district attorney represents the child or nonminor dependent in a proceeding pursuant to Section 300 as well as conducts a criminal investigation or files a criminal complaint or information arising from the same or reasonably related set of facts as the proceeding pursuant to Section 300 is not in and of itself a conflict of interest.

(4) The court may fix the compensation for the services of appointed counsel.

(5) (A) The appointed counsel shall have a caseload and training that ensures adequate representation of the child or nonminor dependent. The Judicial Council shall promulgate rules of court that establish caseload standards, training requirements, and guidelines for appointed counsel for children and shall adopt rules as required by Section 326.5 no later than July 1, 2001.

(B) The training requirements imposed pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall include instruction on both of the following:

(i) Cultural competency and sensitivity relating to, and best practices for, providing adequate care to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth in out-of-home care.

(ii) The information described in subdivision (d) of Section 16501.4.

(d) Counsel shall represent the parent, guardian, child, or nonminor dependent at the detention hearing and at all subsequent proceedings before the juvenile court. Counsel shall continue to represent the parent, guardian, child, or nonminor dependent unless relieved by the court upon the substitution of other counsel or for cause. The representation shall include representing the parent, guardian, or the child in termination proceedings and in those proceedings relating to the institution or setting aside of a legal guardianship. On and after January 1, 2012, in the case of a nonminor dependent, as described in subdivision (v) of Section 11400, no representation by counsel shall be provided for a parent, unless the parent is receiving court-ordered family reunification services.

(e) (1) Counsel shall be charged in general with the representation of the child’s interests. To that end, counsel shall make or cause to have made any further investigations that he or she deems in good faith to be reasonably necessary to ascertain the facts, including the interviewing of witnesses, and shall examine and cross-examine witnesses in both the adjudicatory and dispositional hearings. Counsel may also introduce and examine his or her own witnesses, make recommendations to the court concerning the child’s welfare, and participate further in the proceedings to the degree necessary to adequately represent the child. When counsel is appointed to represent a nonminor dependent, counsel is charged with representing the wishes of the nonminor dependent except when advocating for those wishes conflicts with the protection or safety of the nonminor dependent. If the court finds that a nonminor dependent is not competent to direct counsel, the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem for the nonminor dependent.

(2) If the child is four years of age or older, counsel shall interview the child to determine the child’s wishes and assess the child’s well-being, and shall advise the court of the child’s wishes. Counsel shall not advocate for the return of the child if, to the best of his or her knowledge, return of the child conflicts with the protection and safety of the child.

(3) Counsel shall investigate the interests of the child beyond the scope of the juvenile proceeding, and report to the court other interests of the child that may need to be protected by the institution of other administrative or judicial proceedings. Counsel representing a child in a dependency proceeding is not required to assume the responsibilities of a social worker, and is not expected to provide nonlegal services to the child.

(4) (A) At least once every year, if the list of educational liaisons is available on the Internet Web site for the State Department of Education, both of the following shall apply:

(i) Counsel shall provide his or her contact information to the educational liaison, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 48853.5 of the Education Code, of each local educational agency serving counsel’s foster child clients in the county of jurisdiction.

(ii) If counsel is part of a firm or organization representing foster children, the firm or organization may provide its contact information in lieu of contact information for the individual counsel. The firm or organization may designate a person or persons within the firm or organization to receive communications from educational liaisons.

(B) The child’s caregiver or other person holding the right to make educational decisions for the child may provide the contact information of the child’s attorney to the child’s local educational agency.

(C) Counsel for the child and counsel’s agent may, but are not required to, disclose to an individual who is being assessed for the possibility of placement pursuant to Section 361.3 the fact that the child is in custody, the alleged reasons that the child is in custody, and the projected likely date for the child’s return home, placement for adoption, or legal guardianship. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prohibit counsel from making other disclosures pursuant to this subdivision, as appropriate.

(5) Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to permit counsel to violate a child’s attorney-client privilege.

(6) The changes made to this subdivision during the 2011–12 Regular Session of the Legislature by the act adding subparagraph (C) of paragraph (4) and paragraph (5) are declaratory of existing law.

(7) The court shall take whatever appropriate action is necessary to fully protect the interests of the child.

(f) Either the child or counsel for the child, with the informed consent of the child if the child is found by the court to be of sufficient age and maturity to consent, which shall be presumed, subject to rebuttal by clear and convincing evidence, if the child is over 12 years of age, may invoke the psychotherapist-client privilege, physician-patient privilege, and clergyman-penitent privilege. If the child invokes the privilege, counsel may not waive it, but if counsel invokes the privilege, the child may waive it. Counsel shall be the holder of these privileges if the child is found by the court not to be of sufficient age and maturity to consent. For the sole purpose of fulfilling his or her obligation to provide legal representation of the child, counsel shall have access to all records with regard to the child maintained by a health care facility, as defined in Section 1545 of the Penal Code, health care providers, as defined in Section 6146 of the Business and Professions Code, a physician and surgeon or other health practitioner, as defined in former Section 11165.8 of the Penal Code, as that section read on January 1, 2000, or a child care custodian, as defined in former Section 11165.7 of the Penal Code, as that section read on January 1, 2000. Notwithstanding any other law, counsel shall be given access to all records relevant to the case that are maintained by state or local public agencies. All information requested from a child protective agency regarding a child who is in protective custody, or from a child’s guardian ad litem, shall be provided to the child’s counsel within 30 days of the request.

(g) In a county of the third class, if counsel is to be provided to a child at the county’s expense other than by counsel for the agency, the court shall first use the services of the public defender before appointing private counsel. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to require the appointment of the public defender in any case in which the public defender has a conflict of interest. In the interest of justice, a court may depart from that portion of the procedure requiring appointment of the public defender after making a finding of good cause and stating the reasons therefor on the record.

(h) In a county of the third class, if counsel is to be appointed to provide legal counsel for a parent or guardian at the county’s expense, the court shall first use the services of the alternate public defender before appointing private counsel. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to require the appointment of the alternate public defender in any case in which the public defender has a conflict of interest. In the interest of justice, a court may depart from that portion of the procedure requiring appointment of the alternate public defender after making a finding of good cause and stating the reasons therefor on the record.

317.

 (a) (1) When it appears to the court that a parent or guardian of the child desires counsel but is presently financially unable to afford and cannot for that reason employ counsel, the court may appoint counsel as provided in this section.

(2) When it appears to the court that a parent or Indian custodian in an Indian child custody proceeding desires counsel but is presently unable to afford and cannot for that reason employ counsel, the provisions of Section 1912(b) of Title 25 of the United States Code and Section 23.13 of Title 25 of the Code of Federal Regulations shall apply.

(b) When it appears to the court that a parent or guardian of the child is presently financially unable to afford and cannot for that reason employ counsel, and the child has been placed in out-of-home care, or the petitioning agency is recommending that the child be placed in out-of-home care, the court shall appoint counsel for the parent or guardian, unless the court finds that the parent or guardian has made a knowing and intelligent waiver of counsel as provided in this section.

(c) (1) If a child or nonminor dependent is not represented by counsel, the court shall appoint counsel for the child or nonminor dependent, unless the court finds that the child or nonminor dependent would not benefit from the appointment of counsel. The court shall state on the record its reasons for that finding.

(2) A primary responsibility of counsel appointed to represent a child or nonminor dependent pursuant to this section shall be to advocate for the protection, safety, and physical and emotional well-being of the child or nonminor dependent.

(3) Counsel may be a district attorney, public defender, or other member of the bar, provided that he or she does not represent another party or county agency whose interests conflict with the child’s or nonminor dependent’s interests. The fact that the district attorney represents the child or nonminor dependent in a proceeding pursuant to Section 300 as well as conducts a criminal investigation or files a criminal complaint or information arising from the same or reasonably related set of facts as the proceeding pursuant to Section 300 is not in and of itself a conflict of interest.

(4) The court may fix the compensation for the services of appointed counsel.

(5) (A) The appointed counsel shall have a caseload and training that ensures adequate representation of the child or nonminor dependent. The Judicial Council shall promulgate rules of court that establish caseload standards, training requirements, and guidelines for appointed counsel for children and shall adopt rules as required by Section 326.5 no later than July 1, 2001.

(B) The training requirements imposed pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall include instruction on both of the following:

(i) Cultural competency and sensitivity relating to, and best practices for, providing adequate care to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth in out-of-home care.

(ii) The information described in subdivision (d) of Section 16501.4.

(d) Counsel shall represent the parent, guardian, child, or nonminor dependent at the detention hearing and at all subsequent proceedings before the juvenile court. Counsel shall continue to represent the parent, guardian, child, or nonminor dependent unless relieved by the court upon the substitution of other counsel or for cause. The representation shall include representing the parent, guardian, or the child in termination proceedings and in those proceedings relating to the institution or setting aside of a legal guardianship. On and after January 1, 2012, in the case of a nonminor dependent, as described in subdivision (v) of Section 11400, no representation by counsel shall be provided for a parent, unless the parent is receiving court-ordered family reunification services.

(e) (1) Counsel shall be charged in general with the representation of the child’s interests. To that end, counsel shall make or cause to have made any further investigations that he or she deems in good faith to be reasonably necessary to ascertain the facts, including the interviewing of witnesses, and shall examine and cross-examine witnesses in both the adjudicatory and dispositional hearings. Counsel may also introduce and examine his or her own witnesses, make recommendations to the court concerning the child’s welfare, and participate further in the proceedings to the degree necessary to adequately represent the child. When counsel is appointed to represent a nonminor dependent, counsel is charged with representing the wishes of the nonminor dependent except when advocating for those wishes conflicts with the protection or safety of the nonminor dependent. If the court finds that a nonminor dependent is not competent to direct counsel, the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem for the nonminor dependent.

(2) If the child is four years of age or older, counsel shall interview the child to determine the child’s wishes and assess the child’s well-being, and shall advise the court of the child’s wishes. Counsel shall not advocate for the return of the child if, to the best of his or her knowledge, return of the child conflicts with the protection and safety of the child.

(3) Counsel shall investigate the interests of the child beyond the scope of the juvenile proceeding, and report to the court other interests of the child that may need to be protected by the institution of other administrative or judicial proceedings. Counsel representing a child in a dependency proceeding is not required to assume the responsibilities of a social worker, and is not expected to provide nonlegal services to the child.

(4) (A) At least once every year, if the list of educational liaisons is available on the Internet Web site for the State Department of Education, both of the following shall apply:

(i) Counsel shall provide his or her contact information to the educational liaison, as described in subdivision (c) of Section 48853.5 of the Education Code, of each local educational agency serving counsel’s foster child clients in the county of jurisdiction.

(ii) If counsel is part of a firm or organization representing foster children, the firm or organization may provide its contact information in lieu of contact information for the individual counsel. The firm or organization may designate a person or persons within the firm or organization to receive communications from educational liaisons.

(B) The child’s caregiver or other person holding the right to make educational decisions for the child may provide the contact information of the child’s attorney to the child’s local educational agency.

(C) Counsel for the child and counsel’s agent may, but are not required to, disclose to an individual who is being assessed for the possibility of placement pursuant to Section 361.3 the fact that the child is in custody, the alleged reasons that the child is in custody, and the projected likely date for the child’s return home, placement for adoption, or legal guardianship. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prohibit counsel from making other disclosures pursuant to this subdivision, as appropriate.

(5) Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to permit counsel to violate a child’s attorney-client privilege.

(6) The changes made to this subdivision during the 2011–12 Regular Session of the Legislature by the act adding subparagraph (C) of paragraph (4) and paragraph (5) are declaratory of existing law.

(7) The court shall take whatever appropriate action is necessary to fully protect the interests of the child.

(f) Either the child or counsel for the child, with the informed consent of the child if the child is found by the court to be of sufficient age and maturity to consent, which shall be presumed, subject to rebuttal by clear and convincing evidence, if the child is over 12 years of age, may invoke the psychotherapist-client privilege, physician-patient privilege, and clergyman-penitent privilege. If the child invokes the privilege, counsel may not waive it, but if counsel invokes the privilege, the child may waive it. Counsel shall be the holder of these privileges if the child is found by the court not to be of sufficient age and maturity to consent. For the sole purpose of fulfilling his or her obligation to provide legal representation of the child, counsel shall have access to all records with regard to the child maintained by a health care facility, as defined in Section 1545 of the Penal Code, health care providers, as defined in Section 6146 of the Business and Professions Code, a physician and surgeon or other health practitioner, as defined in former Section 11165.8 of the Penal Code, as that section read on January 1, 2000, or a child care custodian, as defined in former Section 11165.7 of the Penal Code, as that section read on January 1, 2000. Notwithstanding any other law, counsel shall be given access to all records relevant to the case that are maintained by state or local public agencies. All information requested from a child protective agency regarding a child who is in protective custody, or from a child’s guardian ad litem, shall be provided to the child’s counsel within 30 days of the request.

(g) In a county of the third class, if counsel is to be provided to a child at the county’s expense other than by counsel for the agency, the court shall first use the services of the public defender before appointing private counsel. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to require the appointment of the public defender in any case in which the public defender has a conflict of interest. In the interest of justice, a court may depart from that portion of the procedure requiring appointment of the public defender after making a finding of good cause and stating the reasons therefor on the record.

(h) In a county of the third class, if counsel is to be appointed to provide legal counsel for a parent or guardian at the county’s expense, the court shall first use the services of the alternate public defender before appointing private counsel. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to require the appointment of the alternate public defender in any case in which the public defender has a conflict of interest. In the interest of justice, a court may depart from that portion of the procedure requiring appointment of the alternate public defender after making a finding of good cause and stating the reasons therefor on the record.

369.5.

 (a) (1) If a child is adjudged a dependent child of the court under Section 300 and the child has been removed from the physical custody of the parent under Section 361, only a juvenile court judicial officer shall have authority to make orders regarding the administration of psychotropic medications for that child. The juvenile court may issue a specific order delegating this authority to a parent upon making findings on the record that the parent poses no danger to the child and has the capacity to authorize psychotropic medications. Court authorization for the administration of psychotropic medication shall be based on a request from a physician, indicating the reasons for the request, a description of the child’s diagnosis and behavior, the expected results of the medication, and a description of any side effects of the medication.

(2) (A) On or before July 1, 2016, the Judicial Council shall amend and adopt rules of court and develop appropriate forms for the implementation of this section, in consultation with the State Department of Social Services, the State Department of Health Care Services, and stakeholders, including, but not limited to, the County Welfare Directors Association of California, the County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California, the Chief Probation Officers of California, associations representing current and former foster children, caregivers, and children’s attorneys. This effort shall be undertaken in coordination with the updates required under paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 739.5.

(B) The rules of court and forms developed pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall address all of the following:

(i) The child and his or her caregiver and court-appointed special advocate, if any, have an opportunity to provide input on the medications being prescribed.

(ii) Information regarding the child’s overall mental health assessment and treatment plan is provided to the court.

(iii) Information regarding the rationale for the proposed medication, provided in the context of past and current treatment efforts, is provided to the court. This information shall include, but not be limited to, information on other pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments that have been utilized and the child’s response to those treatments, a discussion of symptoms not alleviated or ameliorated by other current or past treatment efforts, and an explanation of how the psychotropic medication being prescribed is expected to improve the child’s symptoms.

(iv) Guidance is provided to the court on how to evaluate the request for authorization, including how to proceed if information, otherwise required to be included in a request for authorization under this section, is not included in a request for authorization submitted to the court.

(C) The rules of court and forms developed pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall include a process for periodic oversight by the court of orders regarding the administration of psychotropic medications that includes the caregiver’s and child’s observations regarding the effectiveness of the medication and side effects, information on medication management appointments and other followup appointments with medical practitioners, and information on the delivery of other mental health treatments that are a part of the child’s overall treatment plan. The periodic oversight shall be facilitated by the county social worker, public health nurse, or other appropriate county staff. This oversight process shall be conducted in conjunction with other regularly scheduled court hearings and reports provided to the court by the county child welfare agency.

(b) (1) In counties in which the county child welfare agency completes the request for authorization for the administration of psychotropic medication, the agency is encouraged to complete the request within three business days of receipt from the physician of the information necessary to fully complete the request.

(2) Nothing in this subdivision is intended to change current local practice or local court rules with respect to the preparation and submission of requests for authorization for the administration of psychotropic medication.

(c) (1) Within seven court days from receipt by the court of a completed request, the juvenile court judicial officer shall either approve or deny in writing a request for authorization for the administration of psychotropic medication to the child, or shall, upon a request by the parent, the legal guardian, or the child’s attorney, or upon its own motion, set the matter for hearing.

(2) Notwithstanding Section 827 or any other law, upon the approval or denial by the juvenile court judicial officer of a request for authorization for the administration of psychotropic medication, the county child welfare agency or other person or entity who submitted the request shall provide a copy of the court order approving or denying the request to the child’s caregiver.

(d) Psychotropic medication or psychotropic drugs are those medications administered for the purpose of affecting the central nervous system to treat psychiatric disorders or illnesses. These medications include, but are not limited to, anxiolytic agents, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotic medications, anti-Parkinson agents, hypnotics, medications for dementia, and psychostimulants.

(e) Nothing in this section is intended to supersede local court rules regarding a minor’s right to participate in mental health decisions.

(f) This section does not apply to nonminor dependents, as defined in subdivision (v) of Section 11400.

739.5.

 (a) (1) If a minor who has been adjudged a ward of the court under Section 601 or 602 is removed from the physical custody of the parent under Section 726 and placed into foster care, as defined in Section 727.4, only a juvenile court judicial officer shall have authority to make orders regarding the administration of psychotropic medications for that minor. The juvenile court may issue a specific order delegating this authority to a parent upon making findings on the record that the parent poses no danger to the minor and has the capacity to authorize psychotropic medications. Court authorization for the administration of psychotropic medication shall be based on a request from a physician, indicating the reasons for the request, a description of the minor’s diagnosis and behavior, the expected results of the medication, and a description of any side effects of the medication.

(2) (A) On or before July 1, 2016, the Judicial Council shall amend and adopt rules of court and develop appropriate forms for the implementation of this section, in consultation with the State Department of Social Services, the State Department of Health Care Services, and stakeholders, including, but not limited to, the County Welfare Directors Association of California, the County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California, the Chief Probation Officers of California, associations representing current and former foster children, caregivers, and minor’s attorneys. This effort shall be undertaken in coordination with the updates required under paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 369.5.

(B) The rules of court and forms developed pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall address all of the following:

(i) The minor and his or her caregiver and court-appointed special advocate, if any, have an opportunity to provide input on the medications being prescribed.

(ii) Information regarding the minor’s overall mental health assessment and treatment plan is provided to the court.

(iii) Information regarding the rationale for the proposed medication, provided in the context of past and current treatment efforts, is provided to the court. This information shall include, but not be limited to, information on other pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments that have been utilized and the minor’s response to those treatments, a discussion of symptoms not alleviated or ameliorated by other current or past treatment efforts, and an explanation of how the psychotropic medication being prescribed is expected to improve the minor’s symptoms.

(iv) Guidance is provided to the court on how to evaluate the request for authorization, including how to proceed if information, otherwise required to be included in a request for authorization under this section, is not included in a request for authorization submitted to the court.

(C) The rules of court and forms developed pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall include a process for periodic oversight by the court of orders regarding the administration of psychotropic medications that includes the caregiver’s and minor’s observations regarding the effectiveness of the medication and side effects, information on medication management appointments and other followup appointments with medical practitioners, and information on the delivery of other mental health treatments that are a part of the minor’s overall treatment plan. This oversight process shall be conducted in conjunction with other regularly scheduled court hearings and reports provided to the court by the county probation agency.

(b) (1) The agency that completes the request for authorization for the administration of psychotropic medication is encouraged to complete the request within three business days of receipt from the physician of the information necessary to fully complete the request.

(2) Nothing in this subdivision is intended to change current local practice or local court rules with respect to the preparation and submission of requests for authorization for the administration of psychotropic medication.

(c) (1) Within seven court days from receipt by the court of a completed request, the juvenile court judicial officer shall either approve or deny in writing a request for authorization for the administration of psychotropic medication to the minor, or shall, upon a request by the parent, the legal guardian, or the minor’s attorney, or upon its own motion, set the matter for hearing.

(2) Notwithstanding Section 827 or any other law, upon the approval or denial by the juvenile court judicial officer of a request for authorization for the administration of psychotropic medication, the county probation agency or other person or entity who submitted the request shall provide a copy of the court order approving or denying the request to the minor’s caregiver.

(d) Psychotropic medication or psychotropic drugs are those medications administered for the purpose of affecting the central nervous system to treat psychiatric disorders or illnesses. These medications include, but are not limited to, anxiolytic agents, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotic medications, anti-Parkinson agents, hypnotics, medications for dementia, and psychostimulants.

(e) Nothing in this section is intended to supersede local court rules regarding a minor’s right to participate in mental health decisions.

(f) This section does not apply to nonminor dependents, as defined in subdivision (v) of Section 11400.

16003.

 (a) In order to promote the successful implementation of the statutory preference for foster care placement with a relative caretaker as set forth in Section 7950 of the Family Code, each community college district with a foster care education program shall make available orientation and training to the relative or nonrelative extended family member caregiver into whose care the county has placed a foster child pursuant to Section 1529.2 of the Health and Safety Code, including, but not limited to, courses that cover the following:

(1) The role, rights, and responsibilities of a relative or nonrelative extended family member caregiver caring for a child in foster care, including the right of a foster child to have fair and equal access to all available services, placement, care, treatment, and benefits, and to not be subjected to discrimination or harassment on the basis of actual or perceived race, ethnic group identification, ancestry, national origin, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental or physical disability, or HIV status.

(2) An overview of the child protective system.

(3) The effects of child abuse and neglect on child development.

(4) Positive discipline and the importance of self-esteem.

(5) Health issues in foster care, including, but not limited to, the information described in subdivision (d) of Section 16501.4.

(6) Accessing education and health services that are available to foster children.

(7) Relationship and safety issues regarding contact with one or both of the birth parents.

(8) Permanency options for relative or nonrelative extended family member caregivers, including legal guardianship, the Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payment Program, and kin adoption.

(9) Information on resources available for those who meet eligibility criteria, including out-of-home care payments, the Medi-Cal program, in-home supportive services, and other similar resources.

(10) Instruction on cultural competency and sensitivity relating to, and best practices for, providing adequate care to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth in out-of-home care.

(11) Basic instruction on the existing laws and procedures regarding the safety of foster youth at school and the ensuring of a harassment and violence free school environment contained in the School Safety and Violence Prevention Act (Article 3.6 (commencing with Section 32228) of Chapter 2 of Part 19 of Division 1 of Title 1 of the Education Code).

(b) In addition to training made available pursuant to subdivision (a), each community college district with a foster care education program shall make training available to a relative or nonrelative extended family member caregiver that includes, but need not be limited to, courses that cover all of the following:

(1) Age-appropriate child development.

(2) Health issues in foster care, including, but not limited to, the information described in subdivision (d) of Section 16501.4.

(3) Positive discipline and the importance of self-esteem.

(4) Emancipation and independent living.

(5) Accessing education and health services available to foster children.

(6) Relationship and safety issues regarding contact with one or both of the birth parents.

(7) Permanency options for relative or nonrelative extended family member caregivers, including legal guardianship, the Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payment Program, and kin adoption.

(8) Basic instruction on the existing laws and procedures regarding the safety of foster youth at school and the ensuring of a harassment and violence free school environment contained in the School Safety and Violence Prevention Act (Article 3.6 (commencing with Section 32228) of Chapter 2 of Part 19 of Division 1 of Title 1 of the Education Code).

(c) In addition to the requirements of subdivisions (a) and (b), each community college district with a foster care education program, in providing the orientation program, shall develop appropriate program parameters in collaboration with the counties.

(d) Each community college district with a foster care education program shall make every attempt to make the training and orientation programs for relative or nonrelative extended family member caregivers highly accessible in the communities in which they reside.

(e) When a child is placed with a relative or nonrelative extended family member caregiver, the county shall inform the caregiver of the availability of training and orientation programs and it is the intent of the Legislature that the county shall forward the names and addresses of relative or nonrelative extended family member caregivers to the appropriate community colleges providing the training and orientation programs.

(f) This section shall not be construed to preclude counties from developing or expanding existing training and orientation programs for foster care providers to include relative or nonrelative extended family member caregivers.

16003.

 (a) In order to promote the successful implementation of the statutory preference for foster care placement with a relative caregiver as set forth in Section 7950 of the Family Code, each community college district with a foster care education program shall make available orientation and training to the relative or nonrelative extended family member caregiver into whose care the county has placed a foster child pursuant to Section 1529.2 of the Health and Safety Code, including, but not limited to, courses that cover the following:

(1) The role, rights, and responsibilities of a relative or nonrelative extended family member caregiver caring for a child in foster care, including the right of a foster child to have fair and equal access to all available services, placement, care, treatment, and benefits, and to not be subjected to discrimination or harassment on the basis of actual or perceived race, ethnic group identification, ancestry, national origin, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental or physical disability, or HIV status.

(2) An overview of the child protective system.

(3) The effects of child abuse and neglect on child development.

(4) Positive discipline and the importance of self-esteem.

(5) Health issues in foster care, including, but not limited to, the information described in subdivision (d) of Section 16501.4.

(6) Accessing education and health services that are available to foster children.

(7) Relationship and safety issues regarding contact with one or both of the birth parents.

(8) Permanency options for relative or nonrelative extended family member caregivers, including legal guardianship, the Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payment Program, and kin adoption.

(9) Information on resources available for those who meet eligibility criteria, including out-of-home care payments, the Medi-Cal program, in-home supportive services, and other similar resources.

(10) Instruction on cultural competency and sensitivity relating to, and best practices for, providing adequate care to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth in out-of-home care.

(11) Basic instruction on the existing laws and procedures regarding the safety of foster youth at school and the ensuring of a harassment and violence free school environment contained in Article 3.6 (commencing with Section 32228) of Chapter 2 of Part 19 of Division 1 of Title 1 of the Education Code.

(b) In addition to training made available pursuant to subdivision (a), each community college district with a foster care education program shall make training available to a relative or nonrelative extended family member caregiver that includes, but need not be limited to, courses that cover all of the following:

(1) Child and adolescent development, including sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression.

(2) Health issues in foster care, including, but not limited to, the information described in subdivision (d) of Section 16501.4.

(3) Positive discipline and the importance of self-esteem.

(4) Emancipation and independent living.

(5) Accessing education and health services available to foster children.

(6) Relationship and safety issues regarding contact with one or both of the birth parents.

(7) Permanency options for relative or nonrelative extended family member caregivers, including legal guardianship, the Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payment Program, and kin adoption.

(8) Basic instruction on the existing laws and procedures regarding the safety of foster youth at school and the ensuring of a harassment and violence free school environment contained in Article 3.6 (commencing with Section 32228) of Chapter 2 of Part 19 of Division 1 of Title 1 of the Education Code.

(c) In addition to the requirements of subdivisions (a) and (b), each community college district with a foster care education program, in providing the orientation program, shall develop appropriate program parameters in collaboration with the counties.

(d) Each community college district with a foster care education program shall make every attempt to make the training and orientation programs for relative or nonrelative extended family member caregivers highly accessible in the communities in which they reside.

(e) When a child is placed with a relative or nonrelative extended family member caregiver, the county shall inform the caregiver of the availability of training and orientation programs and it is the intent of the Legislature that the county shall forward the names and addresses of relative or nonrelative extended family member caregivers to the appropriate community colleges providing the training and orientation programs.

(f) This section shall not be construed to preclude counties from developing or expanding existing training and orientation programs for foster care providers to include relative or nonrelative extended family member caregivers.

16003.

 (a) In order to promote the successful implementation of the statutory preference for foster care placement with a relative caretaker as set forth in Section 7950 of the Family Code, each community college district with a foster care education program shall make available orientation and training, pursuant to Sections 1522.44 and 1529.2 of the Health and Safety Code, to the relative or nonrelative extended family member caregiver into whose care the county has placed a foster child. The training shall include, but is not limited to, courses that cover the following:

(1) The role, rights, and responsibilities of a relative or nonrelative extended family member caregiver caring for a child in foster care, including the right of a foster child to have fair and equal access to all available services, placement, care, treatment, and benefits, and to not be subjected to discrimination or harassment on the basis of actual or perceived race, ethnic group identification, ancestry, national origin, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental or physical disability, or HIV status.

(2) An overview of the child protective system.

(3) The effects of child abuse and neglect on child development.

(4) Positive discipline and the importance of self-esteem.

(5) Health issues in foster care, including, but not limited to, the information described in subdivision (d) of Section 16501.4.

(6) Accessing education and health services that are available to foster children.

(7) Relationship and safety issues regarding contact with one or both of the birth parents.

(8) Permanency options for relative or nonrelative extended family member caregivers, including legal guardianship, the Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payment Program, and kin adoption.

(9) Information on resources available for those who meet eligibility criteria, including out-of-home care payments, the Medi-Cal program, in-home supportive services, and other similar resources.

(10) Instruction on cultural competency and sensitivity relating to, and best practices for, providing adequate care to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth in out-of-home care.

(11) Basic instruction on the existing laws and procedures regarding the safety of foster youth at school and the ensuring of a harassment and violence free school environment contained in the School Safety and Violence Prevention Act (Article 3.6 (commencing with Section 32228) of Chapter 2 of Part 19 of Division 1 of Title 1 of the Education Code).

(12) Knowledge of, and skills related to, the application of the reasonable and prudent parent standard for the participation of the child in age or developmentally appropriate activities, as set forth in Section 1522.44 of the Health and Safety Code.

(b) In addition to training made available pursuant to subdivision (a), each community college district with a foster care education program shall make training available to a relative or nonrelative extended family member caregiver that includes, but need not be limited to, courses that cover all of the following:

(1) Age-appropriate child development.

(2) Health issues in foster care, including, but not limited to, the information described in subdivision (d) of Section 16501.4.

(3) Positive discipline and the importance of self-esteem.

(4) Emancipation and independent living.

(5) Accessing education and health services available to foster children.

(6) Relationship and safety issues regarding contact with one or both of the birth parents.

(7) Permanency options for relative or nonrelative extended family member caregivers, including legal guardianship, the Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payment Program, and kin adoption.

(8) Basic instruction on the existing laws and procedures regarding the safety of foster youth at school and the ensuring of a harassment and violence free school environment contained in the School Safety and Violence Prevention Act (Article 3.6 (commencing with Section 32228) of Chapter 2 of Part 19 of Division 1 of Title 1 of the Education Code).

(9) Knowledge of, and skills related to, the application of the reasonable and prudent parent standard for the participation of the child in age or developmentally appropriate activities, as set forth in Section 1522.44 of the Health and Safety Code.

(c) In addition to the requirements of subdivisions (a) and (b), each community college district with a foster care education program, in providing the orientation program, shall develop appropriate program parameters in collaboration with the counties.

(d) Each community college district with a foster care education program shall make every attempt to make the training and orientation programs for relative or nonrelative extended family member caregivers highly accessible in the communities in which they reside.

(e) When a child is placed with a relative or nonrelative extended family member caregiver, the county shall inform the caregiver of the availability of training and orientation programs and it is the intent of the Legislature that the county shall forward the names and addresses of relative or nonrelative extended family member caregivers to the appropriate community colleges providing the training and orientation programs.

(f) This section shall not be construed to preclude counties from developing or expanding existing training and orientation programs for foster care providers to include relative or nonrelative extended family member caregivers.

16003.

 (a) In order to promote the successful implementation of the statutory preference for foster care placement with a relative caregiver as set forth in Section 7950 of the Family Code, each community college district with a foster care education program shall make available orientation and training, pursuant to Sections 1522.44 and 1529.2 of the Health and Safety Code, to the relative or nonrelative extended family member caregiver into whose care the county has placed a foster child. The training shall include, but is not limited to, courses that cover the following:

(1) The role, rights, and responsibilities of a relative or nonrelative extended family member caregiver caring for a child in foster care, including the right of a foster child to have fair and equal access to all available services, placement, care, treatment, and benefits, and to not be subjected to discrimination or harassment on the basis of actual or perceived race, ethnic group identification, ancestry, national origin, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental or physical disability, or HIV status.

(2) An overview of the child protective system.

(3) The effects of child abuse and neglect on child development.

(4) Positive discipline and the importance of self-esteem.

(5) Health issues in foster care, including, but not limited to, the information described in subdivision (d) of Section 16501.4.

(6) Accessing education and health services that are available to foster children.

(7) Relationship and safety issues regarding contact with one or both of the birth parents.

(8) Permanency options for relative or nonrelative extended family member caregivers, including legal guardianship, the Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payment Program, and kin adoption.

(9) Information on resources available for those who meet eligibility criteria, including out-of-home care payments, the Medi-Cal program, in-home supportive services, and other similar resources.

(10) Instruction on cultural competency and sensitivity relating to, and best practices for, providing adequate care to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth in out-of-home care.

(11) Basic instruction on the existing laws and procedures regarding the safety of foster youth at school and the ensuring of a harassment and violence free school environment contained in Article 3.6 (commencing with Section 32228) of Chapter 2 of Part 19 of Division 1 of Title 1 of the Education Code.

(12) Knowledge of, and skills related to, the application of the reasonable and prudent parent standard for the participation of the child in age or developmentally appropriate activities, as set forth in Section 1522.44 of the Health and Safety Code.

(b) In addition to training made available pursuant to subdivision (a), each community college district with a foster care education program shall make training available to a relative or nonrelative extended family member caregiver that includes, but need not be limited to, courses that cover all of the following:

(1) Child and adolescent development, including sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression.

(2) Health issues in foster care, including, but not limited to, the information described in subdivision (d) of Section 16501.4.

(3) Positive discipline and the importance of self-esteem.

(4) Emancipation and independent living.

(5) Accessing education and health services available to foster children.

(6) Relationship and safety issues regarding contact with one or both of the birth parents.

(7) Permanency options for relative or nonrelative extended family member caregivers, including legal guardianship, the Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payment Program, and kin adoption.

(8) Basic instruction on the existing laws and procedures regarding the safety of foster youth at school and the ensuring of a harassment and violence free school environment contained in Article 3.6 (commencing with Section 32228) of Chapter 2 of Part 19 of Division 1 of Title 1 of the Education Code.

(9) Knowledge of, and skills related to, the application of the reasonable and prudent parent standard for the participation of the child in age or developmentally appropriate activities, as set forth in Section 1522.44 of the Health and Safety Code.

(c) In addition to the requirements of subdivisions (a) and (b), each community college district with a foster care education program, in providing the orientation program, shall develop appropriate program parameters in collaboration with the counties.

(d) Each community college district with a foster care education program shall make every attempt to make the training and orientation programs for relative or nonrelative extended family member caregivers highly accessible in the communities in which they reside.

(e) When a child is placed with a relative or nonrelative extended family member caregiver, the county shall inform the caregiver of the availability of training and orientation programs and it is the intent of the Legislature that the county shall forward the names and addresses of relative or nonrelative extended family member caregivers to the appropriate community colleges providing the training and orientation programs.

(f) This section shall not be construed to preclude counties from developing or expanding existing training and orientation programs for foster care providers to include relative or nonrelative extended family member caregivers.

(g) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2017, and as of that date is repealed, unless a later enacted statute, that is enacted before January 1, 2017, deletes or extends that date.

16206.

 (a) The purpose of the program is to develop and implement statewide coordinated training programs designed specifically to meet the needs of county child protective services social workers assigned emergency response, family maintenance, family reunification, permanent placement, and adoption responsibilities. It is the intent of the Legislature that the program include training for other agencies under contract with county welfare departments to provide child welfare services. In addition, the program shall provide training programs for persons defined as a mandated reporter pursuant to the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code). The program shall provide the services required in this section to the extent possible within the total allocation. If allocations are insufficient, the department, in consultation with the grantee or grantees and the Child Welfare Training Advisory Board, shall prioritize the efforts of the program, giving primary attention to the most urgently needed services. County child protective services social workers assigned emergency response responsibilities shall receive first priority for training pursuant to this section.

(b) The training program shall provide practice-relevant training for mandated child abuse reporters and all members of the child welfare delivery system that will address critical issues affecting the well-being of children, and shall develop curriculum materials and training resources for use in meeting staff development needs of mandated child abuse reporters and child welfare personnel in public and private agency settings.

(c) The training provided pursuant to this section shall include all of the following:

(1) Crisis intervention.

(2) Investigative techniques.

(3) Rules of evidence.

(4) Indicators of abuse and neglect.

(5) Assessment criteria, including the application of guidelines for assessment of relatives for placement according to the criteria described in Section 361.3.

(6) Intervention strategies.

(7) Legal requirements of child protection, including requirements of child abuse reporting laws.

(8) Case management.

(9) Use of community resources.

(10) Information regarding the dynamics and effects of domestic violence upon families and children, including indicators and dynamics of teen dating violence.

(11) Posttraumatic stress disorder and the causes, symptoms, and treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder in children.

(12) The importance of maintaining relationships with individuals who are important to a child in out-of-home placement, including methods to identify those individuals, consistent with the child’s best interests, including, but not limited to, asking the child about individuals who are important, and ways to maintain and support those relationships.

(13) The legal duties of a child protective services social worker, in order to protect the legal rights and safety of children and families from the initial time of contact during investigation through treatment.

(14) The information described in subdivision (d) of Section 16501.4.

(d) The training provided pursuant to this section may also include any or all of the following:

(1) Child development and parenting.

(2) Intake, interviewing, and initial assessment.

(3) Casework and treatment.

(4) Medical aspects of child abuse and neglect.

(e) The training program in each county shall assess the program’s performance at least annually and forward it to the State Department of Social Services for an evaluation. The assessment shall include, at a minimum, all of the following:

(1) Workforce data, including education, qualifications, and demographics.

(2) The number of persons trained.

(3) The type of training provided.

(4) The degree to which the training is perceived by participants as useful in practice.

(5) Any additional information or data deemed necessary by the department for reporting, oversight, and monitoring purposes.

(f) The training program shall provide practice-relevant training to county child protective services social workers who screen referrals for child abuse or neglect and for all workers assigned to provide emergency response, family maintenance, family reunification, and permanent placement services. The training shall be developed in consultation with the Child Welfare Training Advisory Board and domestic violence victims’ advocates and other public and private agencies that provide programs for victims of domestic violence or programs of intervention for perpetrators.

16501.3.

 (a) The State Department of Social Services shall establish and maintain a program of public health nursing in the child welfare services program that meets the federal requirements for the provision of health care to minor and nonminor dependents in foster care consistent with Section 30026.5 of the Government Code. The purpose of the public health nursing program shall be to identify, respond to, and enhance the physical, mental, dental, and developmental well-being of children in the child welfare system.

(b) Under this program, counties shall use the services of a foster care public health nurse. The foster care public health nurse shall work with the appropriate child welfare services workers to coordinate health care services and serve as a liaison with health care professionals and other providers of health-related services. This shall include coordination with county mental health plans and local health jurisdictions, as appropriate.

(c) The duties of a foster care public health nurse shall include, but need not be limited to, the following:

(1) Documenting that each child in foster care receives initial and followup health screenings that meet reasonable standards of medical practice.

(2) Collecting health information and other relevant data on each foster child as available, receiving all collected information to determine appropriate referral and services, and expediting referrals to providers in the community for early intervention services, specialty services, dental care, mental health services, and other health-related services necessary for the child.

(3) Participating in medical care planning and coordinating for the child. This may include, but is not limited to, assisting case workers in arranging for comprehensive health and mental health assessments, interpreting the results of health assessments or evaluations for the purpose of case planning and coordination, facilitating the acquisition of any necessary court authorizations for procedures or medications, advocating for the health care needs of the child and ensuring the creation of linkage among various providers of care.

(4) Providing followup contact to assess the child’s progress in meeting treatment goals.

(5) At the request of and under the direction of a nonminor dependent, as described in subdivision (v) of Section 11400, assist the nonminor dependent in accessing physical health and mental health care, coordinating the delivery of health and mental health care services, advocating for the health and mental health care that meets the needs of the nonminor dependent, and to assist the nonminor dependent to assume responsibility for his or her ongoing physical and mental health care management.

(d) The services provided by foster care public health nurses under this section shall be limited to those for which reimbursement may be claimed under Title XIX at an enhanced rate for services delivered by skilled professional medical personnel. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, this section shall be implemented only if, and to the extent that, the department determines that federal financial participation, as provided under Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1396 et seq.), is available.

(e) (1) The State Department of Health Care Services shall seek any necessary federal approvals for child welfare agencies to appropriately claim enhanced federal Title XIX funds for services provided pursuant to this section.

(2) Commencing in the fiscal year immediately following the fiscal year in which the necessary federal approval pursuant to paragraph (1) is secured, county child welfare agencies shall provide health care oversight and coordination services pursuant to this section, and may accomplish this through agreements with local public health agencies.

(f) (1) Notwithstanding Section 10101, prior to the 2011–12 fiscal year, there shall be no required county match of the nonfederal cost of this program.

(2) Commencing in the 2011–12 fiscal year, and each fiscal year thereafter, funding and expenditures for programs and activities under this section shall be in accordance with the requirements provided in Sections 30025 and 30026.5 of the Government Code.

(g) Public health nurses shall receive training developed pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 16501.4.

16501.3.

 (a) The State Department of Social Services shall establish and maintain a program of public health nursing in the child welfare services program that meets the federal requirements for the provision of health care to minor and nonminor dependents in foster care consistent with Section 30026.5 of the Government Code. The purpose of the public health nursing program shall be to promote and enhance the physical, mental, dental, and developmental well-being of children in the child welfare system.

(b) Under this program, counties shall use the services of a foster care public health nurse. The foster care public health nurse shall work with the appropriate child welfare services workers to coordinate health care services and serve as a liaison with health care professionals and other providers of health-related services. This shall include coordination with county mental health plans and local health jurisdictions, as appropriate. In order to fulfill these duties, the foster care public health nurse shall have access to the child’s medical, dental, and mental health care information, in a manner that is consistent with all relevant privacy requirements.

(c) The duties of a foster care public health nurse shall include, but need not be limited to, the following:

(1) Documenting that each child in foster care receives initial and followup health screenings that meet reasonable standards of medical practice.

(2) Collecting health information and other relevant data on each foster child as available, receiving all collected information to determine appropriate referral and services, and expediting referrals to providers in the community for early intervention services, specialty services, dental care, mental health services, and other health-related services necessary for the child.

(3) Participating in medical care planning and coordinating for the child. This may include, but is not limited to, assisting case workers in arranging for comprehensive health and mental health assessments, interpreting the results of health assessments or evaluations for the purpose of case planning and coordination, facilitating the acquisition of any necessary court authorizations for procedures or medications, monitoring and oversight of psychotropic medications, advocating for the health care needs of the child, and ensuring the creation of linkage among various providers of care.

(4) Providing followup contact to assess the child’s progress in meeting treatment goals.

(5) At the request of and under the direction of a nonminor dependent, as described in subdivision (v) of Section 11400, assisting the nonminor dependent in accessing physical health and mental health care, coordinating the delivery of health and mental health care services, advocating for the health and mental health care that meets the needs of the nonminor dependent, assisting the nonminor dependent to make informed decisions about his or her health care by, at a minimum, providing educational materials, and assisting the nonminor dependent to assume responsibility for his or her ongoing physical and mental health care management.

(d) The services provided by foster care public health nurses under this section shall be limited to those for which reimbursement may be claimed under Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act at an enhanced rate for services delivered by skilled professional medical personnel. Notwithstanding any other law, this section shall be implemented only if, and to the extent that, the department determines that federal financial participation, as provided under Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1396 et seq.), is available.

(e) (1) The State Department of Health Care Services shall seek any necessary federal approvals for child welfare agencies to appropriately claim enhanced federal Title XIX funds for services provided pursuant to this section.

(2) Commencing in the fiscal year immediately following the fiscal year in which the necessary federal approval pursuant to paragraph (1) is secured, county child welfare agencies shall provide health care oversight and coordination services pursuant to this section, and may accomplish this through agreements with local public health agencies.

(f) (1) Notwithstanding Section 10101, prior to the 2011–12 fiscal year, there shall be no required county match of the nonfederal cost of this program.

(2) Commencing in the 2011–12 fiscal year, and each fiscal year thereafter, funding and expenditures for programs and activities under this section shall be in accordance with the requirements provided in Sections 30025 and 30026.5 of the Government Code.

(g) Public health nurses shall receive training developed pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 16501.4.

16501.4.

 In order to ensure the oversight of psychotropic medications that are prescribed for children pursuant to Section 369.5 or 739.5, all of the following shall occur:

(a) The State Department of Health Care Services shall provide to the State Department of Social Services, pursuant to a data sharing agreement meeting the requirements of applicable state and federal law and regulations, information for administration, oversight, and implementation of federal and state health and public social service programs for children in foster care. The departments shall also develop, in consultation with counties, a data sharing agreement in which county placing agencies may opt to participate, which shall enable the county to, at a minimum, receive data reports developed pursuant to this section.

(b) (1) In consultation with the State Department of Health Care Services, the County Welfare Directors Association of California, the County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California, the Chief Probation Officers of California, and stakeholders, the State Department of Social Services shall develop the content and format for monthly, county-specific reports that describe each child for whom one or more psychotropic medications have been paid for under Medi-Cal, including paid claims and managed care encounters. At a minimum, the report shall include the following information:

(A) Psychotropic medications that have been authorized for the child pursuant to Section 369.5 or 739.5.

(B) Pharmacy data, based on paid claims and managed care encounters, including the name of the psychotropic medication, quantity, and dose prescribed for the child.

(C) Other available data, including, but not limited to, information regarding psychosocial interventions and incidents of polypharmacy.

(2) The report shall include one or more indicators, developed in consultation with the stakeholders identified in paragraph (1), that note children for whom additional followup may be appropriate. The indicators may include, but need not be limited to, an indicator that identifies each child under five years of age for whom one or more psychotropic medications is prescribed and an indicator that identifies each child of any age for whom three or more psychotropic medications are prescribed.

(c) (1) The State Department of Social Services shall distribute to a county placing agency the monthly report for children under its jurisdiction, if the placing agency is a signatory to the data sharing agreement described in subdivision (a).

(2) A county placing agency shall use the form developed pursuant to paragraph (3) to share information pertaining to a child with the appropriate juvenile court, the child’s attorney, the county department of behavioral health, and the court-appointed special advocate, if one has been appointed.

(A) In the case of the juvenile court, the information described in subdivision (a) shall be shared in conjunction with reports prepared for each regularly scheduled court hearing.

(B) In the case of the child’s attorney, the county department of behavioral health, and court-appointed special advocate, the information described in subdivision (a) shall be shared initially for each child served by these individuals upon the authorization of psychotropic medication, and subsequently when that information changes.

(3) In consultation with the State Department of Health Care Services, the County Welfare Directors Association, the County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California, the Chief Probation Officers of California, and stakeholders, the State Department of Social Services shall develop a form to be utilized in sharing the information required by paragraph (2).

(d) In consultation with the State Department of Health Care Services, the Judicial Council, the County Welfare Directors Association of California, the County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California, the Chief Probation Officers of California, and stakeholders, the State Department of Social Services shall develop training that may be provided to county child welfare social workers, probation officers, courts hearing cases pursuant to Section 300, 601, or 602, children’s attorneys, children’s caregivers, court-appointed special advocates, and other relevant staff who work with children under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court that addresses the authorization, uses, risks, benefits, assistance with self-administration, oversight, and monitoring of psychotropic medications, trauma, and substance use disorder and mental health treatments, including how to access those treatments.