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OOS Group Homes and Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Programs
ACIN I-07-23, Assembly Bill 153 (Chapter 86, Statutes of 2021), ACLs 21-146, 08-21
In 2021, Assembly Bill (AB) 153 allowed for the continued use of out-of-state residential facilities (OOSRFs) such as group homes (GHs) and short-term residential therapeutic programs (STRTPs) provided the facilities were certified by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). This child-specific certification process was time-limited through July 1, 2022.
As of July 1, 2022, all new OOSRF placements were prohibited except in limited circumstances. As of January 1, 2023, all OOSRFs were decertified by CDSS, and all foster youth placed in those facilities must have been returned to California.
Foster youth must be placed in settings that satisfy California’s requirements for licensed or approved care and supervision. The prohibition on placements in OOSRFs does not make alternatives to OOSRF, such as hotels or short-term rental units, permissible.
Placement of foster children/NMDs into OOSRFs is no longer permitted except in the limited circumstances below:
- Placement of emotionally disturbed children under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act if the placement is not funded with federal or state foster care funds.
- Placement of Indian children to satisfy Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) placement purposes.
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