On October 17, 2025, UPE met with the County to discuss how AB135 will affect Behaviorally Based Case Plans. AB135 partners DHA and CPS to assist parents who are in need, to continue CalWorks cash benefits (if eligible) while the children are out of the home, and the parent/s case plan goal is family reunification (CWFR). The enactment of AB135 will primarily affect the Social Workers in Court Services and Permanency units.
Since in the past, CPS Social Workers have had problems getting in touch with DHA, UPE wanted to know if there will be a specific email or ‘backdoor’ phone number that CPS Social Workers will have access to in order to communicate effectively. The department stated that, if it is determined that the family is eligible for benefits, they will be assigned a DHA CWFR Social Worker to communicate with.
The other issue that the County is notoriously known for is a lack of training. UPE wanted to know when training would begin and what the order of the training would be. Management has made a plan for training to begin in the first week of November, starting with Court Services.
While this change may benefit families, UPE wants to make sure that members have the necessary resources and training to carry out AB135.
Thank you for your advocacy, Sarah Singleton, Trudy Mallory-Jones, and Amina Bell
