SECTIONS 16524-16524.5 - California Statutes

WELFARE AND INSTITUTIONS CODE

SECTION 16524-16524.5

16524. (a) The Child Welfare Services Program Improvement Fund is
hereby established in the State Treasury. The fund shall consist of
donated grants, gifts, or bequests made to the state from private
sources, and the moneys in the fund shall be expended, upon
appropriation by the Legislature, to enhance the state's ability to
provide a comprehensive system of supports that promote positive
outcomes for children and families.
(b) To the extent possible, the department shall use moneys in the
fund as a match to obtain federal participation in the cost of
eligible activities.
(c) Moneys made available through the Child Welfare Services
Program Improvement Fund shall be used to augment federal, state, or
county funds made available for the child welfare services program.
(d) It is the intent of the Legislature that moneys in the Child
Welfare Services Program Improvement Fund shall provide for
activities including, but not limited to, the following:
(1) Providing mandated training statewide for all child welfare
services social workers.
(2) Standardizing training so that all foster parents and relative
caregivers in the state receive the same level and quality of
training.
(3) Expediting the implementation of evidence-based practices, as
recommended in the Child Welfare Services (CWS) Redesign.
(4) Supporting the state's ability to achieve improved outcomes
for children and families consistent with the terms of the State of
California Program Improvement Plan (PIP) for the Child Welfare
Services Program.
(5) Supporting technical assistance efforts for counties.

16524.5. (a) The State Department of Social Services may fund the
various activities authorized pursuant to Section 16524 by means of
grants rather than contracts. The grants shall not be subject to the
review specified in Section 10295 of the Public Contract Code.
(b) The department may renew grants for the various activities
authorized pursuant to Section 16524 that exceed three years in
duration if the grant is reviewed annually and the grantee is found
to be satisfactorily meeting the grant objectives.