§ 16504. — 16504. (Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 79, Sec. 27.)

California § 16504.

• Jurisdiction: California
• Code WIC: Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC
• Div. 9.: DIVISION 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES
• Part 4.: PART 4. SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN
• Ch. 5.: CHAPTER 5. State Child Welfare Services

Text

(a)
Any child reported to the county child welfare services department to be endangered by abuse, neglect, or exploitation shall be eligible for initial intake and evaluation of risk services. Each county child welfare services department shall maintain and operate a 24-hour response system. An immediate in-person response shall be made by a county child welfare services department social worker in emergency situations in accordance with regulations of the department. The person making any initial response to a request for child welfare services shall consider providing appropriate social services to maintain the child safely in their
own home. However, an in-person response is not required when the county child welfare services department, based upon an evaluation of risk, determines that an in-person response is not appropriate. An evaluation of risk includes collateral contacts, a review of previous referrals, and other relevant information.
(b)
A county child welfare services department social worker shall make an in-person response whenever a referral is received pursuant to Section 11254. Whenever a referral is received pursuant to Section 11254, the county child welfare services department social worker, within 20 calendar days from the receipt of the referral, shall determine whether the physical or emotional health or safety of the individual or child would be jeopardized if the individual and child lived in the same residence with the individual’s own parent or legal guardian, or other adult relative.
(c)
Notwithstanding Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code, any nonminor dependent, as described in subdivision (v) of Section 11403, reported to the county welfare services department to be endangered by abuse, neglect, or exploitation by a licensed or approved caregiver while in a foster care placement shall be eligible for evaluation of risk services, to determine if the placement is safe and appropriate. The county child welfare services department shall cross-report the suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation by the licensed or approved caregiver to the appropriate licensing or approval agency and, as appropriate, to law enforcement.
(d)
Notwithstanding any other law, county child welfare services departments do not need to substantiate or
have allegations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation in order to provide voluntary services and stabilization support.

Legislative History

Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 79, Sec. 27. (SB 119) Effective July 29, 2025.