AB 779: Child welfare services: domestic violence consultant pilot program.

The state is establishing a 3-year pilot program to enhance social workers' knowledge of domestic violence and its effects on families. The program will partner a county child welfare agency with a domestic violence consultant from a victim service organization. The consultant will provide education on domestic violence dynamics and services, discuss complicating factors and protective measures, and offer tailored engagement and intervention strategies. A participating county will be required to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the program and report its findings to the legislature by October 31, 2031. The evaluation will involve seeking input from the state department of social services and stakeholders with lived experience.