Assembly Member Jackson's proposal to enhance California's foster care system would require counties to develop and regularly update plans for trauma-informed therapeutic care. The legislation mandates counties submit detailed strategies to the State Department of Social Services outlining how they will expand therapeutic services and increase availability of short-term residential program slots for foster youth who have experienced severe trauma.

The measure builds upon existing requirements for county memoranda of understanding between child welfare agencies, probation departments, behavioral health departments, offices of education, and regional centers. Under the proposed changes, counties must submit their initial plans by January 1, 2027, followed by biennial updates. These plans must incorporate recommendations from the state's joint interagency resolution team regarding therapeutic care development while addressing specific local circumstances and needs.

The legislation establishes this as a state-mandated local program but specifies that state reimbursement to counties would only be required to the extent that annual funding is provided for any cost increases. Counties would bear responsibility for any new programs or enhanced services implemented above funded levels without additional state subvention.