Transitional housing placement providers.

Assembly Member Ahrens proposes modifications to California's transitional housing placement provider regulations, establishing uniform statewide standards for programs serving foster youth and nonminor dependents. The legislation prevents counties from imposing requirements beyond those set by the State Department of Social Services.

The bill maintains existing program frameworks while standardizing operational requirements across jurisdictions. Counties and program contracts must adhere to state-established guidelines for bedroom sharing, bathroom access, and living unit arrangements regardless of participants' gender identity. The department retains authority to approve remote site housing for nonminor dependents and regulate staffing ratios, with case managers limited to 12 participants each.

For program administration, the legislation preserves current qualification standards requiring program managers to hold relevant master's degrees and two years of child welfare or transition-age youth experience. Case managers must possess bachelor's degrees in specified fields or combine other degrees with qualifying experience. The department may grant exceptions to these requirements through an established 30-day review process.

While the bill creates new county obligations, it specifies that state reimbursement applies only to cost increases under 2011 Realignment Legislation. Local agencies implementing additional services beyond funded levels must do so without state subvention.