(a) If, in the course of appraisal pursuant to Section 11325.2 or at any point during an individual’s participation in welfare-to-work activities in accordance with paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 11322.85, it is determined that a recipient meets the criteria described in subdivision (b), the recipient is eligible to participate in family stabilization.

(b) (1) A recipient is eligible to participate in family stabilization if the county determines that his or her family is experiencing an identified situation or crisis that is destabilizing the family and would interfere with participation in welfare-to-work activities and services.

(2) A situation or a crisis that is destabilizing the family in accordance with paragraph (1) may include, but shall not be limited to:

(A) Homelessness or imminent risk of homelessness.

(B) A lack of safety due to domestic violence.

(C) Untreated or undertreated behavioral needs, including mental health or substance abuse-related needs.

(c) Family stabilization shall include intensive case management and services designed to support the family in overcoming the situation or crisis, which may include, but are not limited to, welfare-to-work activities.

(d) Funds allocated for family stabilization in accordance with this section shall be in addition to, and independent of, the county allocations made pursuant to Section 15204.2.

(e) Funds allocated for family stabilization in accordance with this section, or the county allocations made pursuant to Section 15204.2, may be used to provide housing and other needed services to a family during any month that a family is participating in family stabilization.

(f) Each county shall submit to the department a plan, as defined by the department, regarding how it intends to implement the provisions of this section and shall report information to the department, including, but not limited to, the number of recipients served pursuant to this section, information regarding the services provided, outcomes for the families served, and any lack of availability of services. The department shall provide an update regarding this information to the Legislature during the 2014–15 budget process.

(g) It is the intent of the Legislature that family stabilization be a voluntary component intended to provide needed services and constructive interventions for parents and to assist in barrier removal for families facing very difficult needs. Participants in family stabilization are encouraged to participate, but the Legislature does not intend that parents be sanctioned as part of their experience in this program component. The Legislature further intends that recipients refusing or unable to follow their family stabilization plans without good cause be returned to the traditional welfare-to-work program.

(Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 303, Sec. 590. (AB 731) Effective January 1, 2016.)