Existing federal law provides for allocation of federal funds through the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant program to eligible states. Existing law provides for the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program, under which, through a combination of state and county funds and federal funds received through the TANF program, each county provides cash assistance and other benefits to qualified low-income families. Existing law provides for state-subsidized childcare programs and childcare for recipients of benefits under the CalWORKs program and establishes 3 stages of childcare services managed by county welfare departments and agencies contracting with the State Department of Social Services.

Existing law, the Child Care and Development Services Act, establishes a system of childcare and development services for children up to 13 years of age. Existing law requires the State Department of Social Services to contract with local contracting agencies for alternative payment programs for childcare services to be provided throughout the state.

This bill would specify that nothing prohibits an administrator of an alternative payment program or agency administering CalWORKs Stage One or Stage Two programs, serving children, as specified, from utilizing funds for administrative and support services to provide families at risk of homelessness or escaping domestic abuse a referral pathway to secure stable childcare placement. The bill would also authorize the administrator to provide the services in coordination with, and not supplant, services provided by county human services agencies. The bill would also authorize the administrator to partner with specified agencies to provide those services.