AB 1201: Family reunification services.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

Existing law establishes the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, which may adjudge children to be dependents of the court under certain circumstances, including when the child suffered or there is a substantial risk that the child will suffer serious physical harm, or a parent fails to provide the child with adequate food, clothing, shelter, or medical treatment. Existing law establishes the grounds for removal of a dependent child from the custody of the child’s parents or guardian, and requires the court to order the social worker to provide designated child welfare services, including family reunification services, as prescribed. Existing law provides that reunification services do not need to be provided to a parent or guardian when the court finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that the parent or guardian of the child has been convicted of a violent felony, as defined.

This bill would instead make that provision applicable only if the victim of the violent felony was either a child or someone with whom the parent or guardian had a child in common at the time of the commission of the offense. By expanding the scope of individuals requiring reunification services, and creating additional duties on county child welfare departments, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. September 27, 2026Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 514, Statutes of 2026.
2. September 27, 2026Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 514, Statutes of 2026.
3. September 27, 2026Approved by the Governor.
4. September 27, 2026Approved by the Governor.
5. August 27, 2026Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 4 p.m.
6. August 27, 2026Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 4 p.m.
7. August 20, 2026Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 56. Noes 14. Page 6310.).
8. August 20, 2026Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 56. Noes 14. Page 6310.).
9. August 19, 2026In Assembly. Concurrence in Senate amendments pending.
10. August 19, 2026In Assembly. Concurrence in Senate amendments pending.
11. August 19, 2026Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 27. Noes 9. Page 5557.).
12. August 19, 2026Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 27. Noes 9.).