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Committee advances AB 319 requiring counties to plan expanded therapeutic care options for foster youth
Summary
AB 319 would require counties to submit plans to a joint interagency team by Jan. 1, 2027, describing how they will develop and expand therapeutic care options for foster youth; the Assembly Committee on Human Services passed the bill as amended to the Assembly Appropriations Committee by a unanimous vote.
The Assembly Committee on Human Services voted to pass AB 319 as amended to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
Assemblymember Jackson, the bill’s author, said AB 319 seeks to improve care for foster youth who have experienced severe trauma by requiring counties to submit detailed plans to the joint interagency resolution team by Jan. 1, 2027. Plans must describe how counties will develop and expand therapeutic care options and must be updated every two years.
"This asks us to make sure that counties plan for this and everything that comes with it," Jackson said, saying the plans should include short‑term residential therapeutic programs (STRPs), therapists and individualized services so counties can provide less restrictive, evidence‑based care.
Members of the public spoke in support. Monique Rodriguez, who identified herself as formerly in foster care, said she supports the bill. Committee members noted workforce constraints for mental‑health providers during discussion; one committee member who identified professional experience as a therapist cautioned that there are not enough trained clinicians to meet demand.
The committee chair recommended an aye vote. Assemblymember Selena Calderon moved the bill and Celeste Rodriguez seconded. The roll call recorded five aye votes and the measure was reported out as amended to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
The bill sets a statewide planning requirement; implementation details and funding streams were not specified in the hearing. Supporters said the measure complements the governor’s youth behavioral health initiative by documenting county plans and tracking progress.
