AB 1602: Foster youth: disaster aid assistance.

The proposed bill aims to establish a child welfare disaster response program to support foster children and youth, as well as their caregivers, during disasters. The program will be administered by the state department of social services and will have a dedicated account to fund the program. Eligible applicants will include county child welfare agencies, county probation departments, and Indian tribes, which will apply for funds to meet the tangible needs of foster children and youth and their caregivers within 180 days of a local emergency or state of emergency proclamation. The funds will be used to cover housing, clothing, transportation, and other essential needs. The department will determine eligibility criteria and provide written instructions to implement and interpret the provisions.