Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass with amendment a bill that amends the Foster Care Bill of Rights

Highlights:

• Requires children in foster care and their representatives to be informed of their rights in an age-appropriate manner (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that children and non-minor dependents in the foster care system have rights that include, but are not limited to, the following (Sec. 3):

• The right to review their own case plan and plan for permanent placement starting at the age of 10;

• The right to be referred to by the child’s preferred name and pronouns;

• The right to the privacy of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression;

• The right to have reasonable access to a computer and the internet;

• The right to receive medical, dental, vision, or mental health services;

• The right to treatment in accordance with the child’s sexual orientation and gender identity and expression; and

• The right to be placed in out-of-home care in accordance with the child’s gender identity regardless of gender or sex listed on child welfare, medical, or vital records.

• Requires caregivers, child welfare and probation personnel, and legal counsel to receive training for best care practices related to LGBTQ children (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends the Foster Care Bill of Rights

Highlights:

• Requires that children in foster care and their representatives be informed of their rights in an age appropriate manner (Sec. 1).

• Establishes that children and non-minor dependents in the foster care system have rights that include, but are not limited to, the following (Sec. 3):

• The right to review their own case plan and plan for permanent placement starting at the age of ten;

• The right to be referred to by the child’s preferred name and pronouns;

• The right to the privacy of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression;

• The right to have reasonable access to a computer and the internet;

• The right to treatment in accordance with the child’s sexual orientation and gender identity and expression; and

• The right to be placed in out-of-home care in accordance with the child’s gender identity regardless of gender or sex listed on child welfare, medical, or vital records.

• Requires caregivers, child welfare and probation personnel, and legal counsel to receive training for best care practices related to LGBTQ children (Sec. 3)

Full Bill Text