BILL NUMBER: AB 381 INTRODUCED BILL TEXT INTRODUCED BY Assembly Member Calderon FEBRUARY 18, 2015 An act relating to juveniles. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST AB 381, as introduced, Calderon. Dependent children: placement. Existing law, in cases in which a minor is adjudged a dependent child of the court on the ground that the minor has suffered abuse or neglect, allows the court to take the child from the physical custody of his or her parents or guardian if there would be a substantial danger to the physical health, safety, protection, or physical or emotional well-being of the minor if the minor were returned home, among other criteria. If a child is removed from the physical custody of his or her parents, existing law requires preferential consideration to be given to a request by a relative of the child for placement of the child with the relative. Existing law requires that the best interest of the child be considered, among other specified factors, in making that determination. This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation to ensure the best possible outcome for children removed from the physical custody of his or her parents. Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: no. State-mandated local program: no. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. It is the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation to ensure the best possible outcome for children removed from the physical custody of his or her parents.