(a) The application form signed by a resource family applicant of a foster family agency shall be signed with a declaration by the applicant that the information submitted is true, correct, and contains no material omissions of fact to the best knowledge and belief of the applicant. Any person who willfully and knowingly, with the intent to deceive, makes a false statement or fails to disclose a material fact in his or her application is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(b) Before approving a resource family, a foster family agency shall conduct a reference check of the applicant by contacting all of the following:

(1) Any foster family agencies that have certified the applicant.

(2) Any state or county licensing offices that have licensed the applicant as a foster family home.

(3) Any counties that have approved the applicant as a relative or nonrelative extended family member.

(4) Any foster family agencies or counties that have approved the applicant as a resource family.

(5) Any state licensing offices that have licensed the applicant as a community care facility, child day care center, or family child care home.

(c) The department, a county, or a foster family agency may request information from, or divulge information to, the department, a county, or a foster family agency regarding a prospective resource family for the purpose of conducting, and as necessary to conduct, a reference check to determine whether it is safe and appropriate to approve an applicant to be a resource family.

(Added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 612, Sec. 27. (AB 1997) Effective January 1, 2017.)