Governor signs new bill into law for enhanced coordination, services within county agencies

The county is committed to improving safety net services at the local and state level.

NEWS RELEASE

Over the weekend, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Senate Bill (SB) 1054, which facilitates sharing of information between county safety net departments to create wrap around services that meet all needs of families.

“SB 1054 creates a streamlined process to share information across the two agencies ensuring a more efficient and well-informed response in situations that include vulnerable children, youth, seniors and dependent adults served by both agencies in different capacities,” said Senator Ochoa Bogh, 23rd Senate District. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to work collaboratively on this piece of legislation with the County of Riverside and the County Welfare Directors Association of California to positively impact on children, seniors, and those who work with them.”

The state senate bill sponsored by State Senator Ochoa Bogh will allow teams from Adult Protective Services (APS) and Child Protective Services (CPS) to share important safety information regarding shared clients and client families. Currently, teams are not explicitly allowed to share information between APS and CPS, even when households may be served by both programs. 

“Focusing on client needs requires teamwork and this moves us one step closer to ensuring that our most vulnerable communities are receiving timely care and protection,” said Supervisor Karen Spiegel, Second District Supervisor, and Co-Chair of the Vulnerable Children and Adults Committee.

The bill helps shift information from a “need to know” posture to a “need to share” posture that will ensure residents most in need get the help they need from county safety net departments.

“We are dedicated to strengthening our protection and early intervention services,“ said Chairman Jeff Hewitt, Fifth District Supervisor. “I’d like to thank Senator Ochoa Bogh for sponsoring and advocating for SB1054.”