2024 Key Child Welfare Policy Issues
These resources highlight policy opportunities in 2024 to help ensure children and youth currently or formerly in foster care find safety, stability and success, and to learn more about California’s child welfare system.
The Policies
2024 Key Child Welfare Policy Issues
This overview summarizes issues critical to the well-being of children and youth in foster care.
Child Welfare Budget Cuts
The 2024-25 state budget proposes to eliminate supports and services for children and youth involved with the child welfare system.
Family Urgent Response System (FURS)
FURS provides children and youth who have spent time in foster care and their caregivers with 24/7 trauma-informed support.
Home-Based Family Care Rate Reform
The rate provided to support children and youth in family homes is important to meeting their needs and creating stability.
Health and Well-Being of Youth Currently or Formerly in Foster Care
To heal and thrive, youth need access to comprehensive health services to meet their needs.
Education of Students in Foster Care
With appropriate funding and supports, students in foster care can succeed in school and thrive academically.
Opportunities to Learn More
Child Welfare Policy Roundtable
This monthly meeting highlights the major child welfare and foster care issues facing California.
Child Welfare Policy at Children Now
We aim to transform the child welfare system to ensure youth in foster care thrive.
Please contact Susanna Kniffen at [email protected] if you have any questions about the issues.
About Children Now
Children Now is a nonpartisan, multi-issue research, policy development and advocacy organization dedicated to promoting children’s health and education in California. The organization also leads The Children’s Movement of California, a network of direct service, parent, civil rights, faith-based and community groups dedicated to improving children’s well-being. Learn more about us here.