WIC §16519.3: (a) Notwithstanding any other law and no later than January 1, 2027, the department shall adopt a simplified approval process for relative caregivers consistent with the definition of foster family ho

(a) Notwithstanding any other law and no later than January 1, 2027, the department shall adopt a simplified approval process for relative caregivers consistent with the definition of foster family homes for the purposes of Title IV-E eligibility in Section 1355.20 of Title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The simplified approval process for relative and kinship caregivers shall be implemented only if and to the extent that federal financial participation is available and after necessary federal approval of state plan amendments has been obtained. (b) The department may convene government-to-government consultation with tribes and communicate with other interested individuals and organizations to develop a simplified approval process for relative and kinship caregivers that achieves the goals of safety, permanency, and well-being for children in out-of-home care. The communication may include seeking feedback from relative and kinship caregivers, foster youth, county child welfare and probation agencies, foster family agencies, tribes, tribal organizations, tribal consortia, and other interested community partners. (c) (1) For purposes of this section, “relative” has the same meaning as defined in subdivision (m) of Section 11400, or an extended family member of an Indian child, as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 224.1. (2) The department shall consider using a broader definition of “relative” that includes nonrelative extended family members, as defined in subdivision (n) of Section 11400.