SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 562, the Placing Foster Youth with Families Act, authored by Assemblymember José Luis Solache (D–Lynwood). The new law strengthens California's foster care system by ensuring that more foster youth are placed with relatives, keeping children connected to their families, cultures, and communities.
"Every child deserves the chance to grow up surrounded by family, culture, and love. The Placing Foster Youth with Families Act ensures that more foster youth are placed with relatives when safe to do so," said Assemblymember Solache.
AB 562 addresses the disparities and inconsistent practices across California's foster care system by requiring counties to track and report their kinship placement data and take corrective action when their placement rates fall below statewide averages. The law also encourages the use of evidence-based family-finding practices to identify and connect foster youth with their extended families.
"AB 562 will result in more foster children being placed with loving family members rather than strangers, benefitting the child for the whole of their lives," said Ed Howard, Senior Counsel at the Children's Advocacy Institute, University of San Diego School of Law, a co-sponsor of the bill. "The Children's Advocacy Institute thanks Assemblymember Solache and Governor Newsom for helping keep families together."
"AB 562 recognizes the importance of kinship care, family, and cultural identity," said Carolyn Reyes, Executive Director of California Youth Connection (CYC). "We are proud to have worked with Assemblymember Solache, Assemblymember Bryan, and UC Davis' Center of Excellence for Family Support and Engagement on AB 562 to support greater stability, permanency, and healthier outcomes for children in the foster care system."
California's foster care system continues to face significant disparities, with Black and Native American children entering foster care at disproportionately higher rates. Research shows that children placed with relatives experience greater stability, stronger cultural identity, and better long-term outcomes.
By promoting kinship care and requiring accountability across counties, AB 562 advances a more just and compassionate foster care system for California's most vulnerable children.
For more information, follow Assemblymember Solache at the following social media channels:
Instagram: @asmsolache
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AsmSolache/
For additional information, please contact:
Assemblymember Solache Communications Director, Chris.Mateo@asm.ca.gov
Assemblymember José Luis Solache, Jr. was first elected to the California State Assembly in November 2024 representing the cities and communities of Lakewood, Lynwood, Maywood, Paramount, South Gate, Huntington Park, Bellflower and Walnut Park. For a full biography of Assemblymember Solache, click here.