Foster children: rights of foster youth

The law aims to prevent children from being moved between foster placements using trash bags or similarly inappropriate containers. It also protects their ability to use their own clothing and personal items.

What the law does ​

• Requires personal belongings to be transported during placement changes and other moves in a way that preserves a youth’s property and dignity.
• Specifies that suitcases, duffel bags, backpacks, and moving boxes must be used instead of trash bags or other inappropriate receptacles.
• Adds a right to reasonable access to and use of personal belongings, clothing, and personal items.

Who it affects ​

• Children and nonminor dependents in foster care.
• Foster caregivers, child welfare personnel, and probation personnel handling placement changes.

Context ​

These protections are added to California’s existing foster youth bill of rights.