CA Welf & Inst Code Section 16523.1

(a)

To the extent funds are appropriated in the annual Budget Act, the department shall award program funds to counties for the purpose of providing housing-related supports to eligible families experiencing homelessness if that homelessness prevents reunification between an eligible family and a child receiving child welfare services, or where lack of housing prevents a parent or guardian from addressing issues that could lead to foster care placement.

(b)

Notwithstanding subdivision (a), this section does not create an entitlement to housing-related assistance, which is intended to be provided at the discretion of the county as a service to eligible families.

(c)

(1)It is the intent of the Legislature that housing-related assistance provided pursuant to this article utilize evidence-based models, including evidence-based practices in rapid rehousing and supportive housing.

(2)

Housing-related supports available to participating families shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:

(A)

An assessment of each family’s housing needs, including a plan to assist them in meeting those needs.

(B)

Housing navigation or search assistance to recruit landlords, and assist families in locating housing affordable to the family, under a presumption that the family will pay no more than one-third of their income in rent.

(C)

The use of evidence-based models, such as motivational interviewing and trauma-informed care, to build relationships with a parent or guardian.

(D)

Housing-related financial assistance, including rental assistance, security deposit assistance, utility payments, moving cost assistance, and interim housing assistance while housing navigators are actively seeking permanent housing options for the family.

(E)

Housing stabilization services, including ongoing tenant engagement, case management, public systems assistance, legal services, credit repair assistance, life skills training, and conflict mediation with landlords and neighbors.

(F)

If the family requires supportive housing, long-term services promoting housing stability.

(d)

The department shall award program funds to counties according to criteria developed by the department, in consultation with the County Welfare Directors Association, the Corporation for Supportive Housing, and Housing California, subject to both of the following requirements:

(1)

A county that receives state funds under this program shall match that funding on a dollar-by-dollar basis. The county funds used for this purpose shall supplement, not supplant, county funding already intended for these purposes.

(2)

A county that receives state funds under this program shall have a local continuum of care that participates in a homeless services coordinated entry and assessment system, as required by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

(e)

The department, in consultation with Housing California, the Corporation for Supportive Housing, and the County Welfare Directors Association of California, shall develop all of the following:

(1)

The criteria by which counties may be awarded funds to provide housing-related assistance to eligible families pursuant to this article.

(2)

The proportion of program funding to be expended on reasonable and appropriate administrative activities to minimize overhead and maximize services.

(3)

Eligible sources of funds for a county’s matching contribution.

(4)

Tracking and reporting procedures for the program.

(5)

A process for evaluating program data.