Committee advances bill to require broader notice when foster children face abuse or neglect allegations

Assemblymember Carrillo's AB 1688, which would expand notice requirements after reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect in foster placements, was advanced by the Assembly Human Services Committee and referred to the Assembly Public Safety Committee.

Carrillo told the committee current practice alerts only the attorney for the child suspected of being abused and said other children in the same placement may remain unaware of potential risk. "That is why I'm here today to introduce AB 16 88, to protect our most vulnerable populations of children," Carrillo said, describing gaps in the reporting process that can allow children to fall through the cracks.

Ann Quirk, policy attorney with the Children's Law Center of California and a cosponsor, said AB 1688 adds two safeguards: notice to the parents' attorney so all parents' advocates can coordinate, and notice to attorneys for other children placed in the same home so they can check on their clients. Quirk emphasized privacy protections, saying details would not be shared but attorneys would receive an alert to follow up.

Witnesses and members recounted professional experience in group homes and foster settings and urged stronger oversight. A therapist who testified described multiple mandated‑reporting incidents that led to limited follow‑through and asked the committee for more oversight and more "eyes" on placements.

After discussion and public remarks, the committee moved and seconded a motion to pass AB 1688 as amended to the Assembly Public Safety Committee; the roll call recorded unanimous 'aye' votes and the chair announced the bill was out of committee.

The measure will next be considered by the Assembly Public Safety Committee; sponsors said the bill aims to close notification gaps to better protect foster youth.