California is committed to enhancing the well-being of children and youth in foster care, particularly those who have experienced significant trauma, through the implementation of a comprehensive Systems of Care approach. This commitment is significantly propelled by Assembly Bill 2083 (AB 2083), legislation enacted in 2018. AB 2083 mandates that every county in California establish and implement a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This MOU is crucial as it clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of various local agencies involved in serving foster children and youth who have endured severe trauma.
While the primary focus of this legislation is the child welfare system, its vision is broader. It necessitates an expanded perspective to encompass children and youth who are supported by diverse systems beyond child welfare. This inclusive approach aims to create a more integrated and supportive network for vulnerable young people across California.
A cornerstone of this initiative is the establishment of a Joint Interagency Resolution Team. This team plays a pivotal role in guiding and supporting counties in their implementation of trauma-informed care practices. It serves as a central resource, offering technical assistance to ensure that foster children and youth receive the specialized care they need. The mission of the State Resolution Team is clearly defined by three core objectives:
- Fostering Collaboration and Communication: To improve the coordination between different systems to effectively address the complex needs of children, youth, and their families.
- Ensuring Timely Access to Trauma-Informed Services: To facilitate prompt and efficient access to services that are specifically designed to address the impact of trauma on young individuals.
- Resolving Technical Assistance Requests: To provide expert support to counties and partner agencies in navigating challenges and effectively meeting the needs of children and youth within the System of Care framework.
AB 2083 outlines specific deliverables to ensure the successful implementation and ongoing development of the California Systems of Care program. These key deliverables include:
- MOU Guidance: Developing comprehensive guidance for counties, educational bodies, and regional centers to aid in the creation and implementation of the mandated Memoranda of Understanding. This ensures consistent and effective collaboration across local entities.
- Technical Assistance Process: Establishing a clear and accessible process for counties and partner agencies to request technical assistance from the Joint Interagency Resolution Team. This ensures that support is readily available when needed.
- Gap Identification: Regularly reviewing and identifying any gaps in placement options, services, or other critical areas for foster children and youth who have experienced severe trauma. This proactive approach allows for continuous improvement and adaptation of the system.
- Capacity Building Plan: Creating a multi-year plan focused on expanding the capacity and enhancing the delivery of trauma-informed care. This plan targets short-term residential therapeutic programs and other foster care and behavioral health providers to strengthen the overall system.
- Tracking and Reporting: Monitoring and reporting de-identified data on foster youth who receive technical assistance. This data, published annually by the California Health and Human Services Agency, provides valuable insights into the program’s impact and identifies systemic issues that need to be addressed.
In conclusion, the California Systems of Care program, driven by AB 2083 and supported by the Joint Interagency Resolution Team, represents a significant step forward in providing trauma-informed care to foster youth. By promoting collaboration, ensuring access to timely services, and continuously working to improve the system, California is striving to create a more supportive and effective network for its most vulnerable young citizens.
