Wolk's Legislation Goes To Governor

Social services legislation passes both houses

AB 2292 would permit guardians to be granted visitation rights if it is in the best interest of the child. This measure would allow courts to determine if visitation should be granted to a child's former guardian if that guardian had full custody of the child and the guardianship was terminated because the child was reunified with their parent.

"This bill allows children to maintain relationships with the loving adults who've cared for them during a particularly tumultuous time," said Assemblymember Wolk. "It encourages courts to opt for stability and continuity in a child's life by continuing a these important relationships between the child and his or her former legal guardian."

AB 2292 is in response to a case where a Solano County constituent was made the legal guardian of her nephew and after a long absence the biological father returned to claim the boy. The constituent was denied visitation with her nephew after her guardianship was terminated.

AB 1986 is also awaiting the Governor's signature. This bill would allow counties to continue to make the decision on emergency placement of an abused or neglected child. "This bill allows California's counties, instead of the state, to continue to use sound judgment to ensure for the timely placement of children who have been removed from their homes," stated Wolk.

AB 2795, sponsored by the State Department of Social Services, streamlines the ability of counties to protect abused and neglected children and assist families in crisis. "I am pleased that we are making progress in reforming and improving our system of protecting vulnerable children," commented Wolk. "These changes will give counties more flexibility to design and deliver services suited to the needs of each child."