Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes a youth caregiver career pathway within the technical education system in California.

Highlights:

• Defines “youth caregiver” as a child who provides help or care to any person who has an ongoing health problem or chronic illness, or who is elderly, frail, disabled, or mentally ill (Sec. 2).

• Amends California Career Technical Education Model Curriculum Standards to add content on the role of youth caregivers within the Personal Care and Services career pathway (Sec. 2).

• Requires the State Department of Education, by July 28, 2028 to provide content on the role of youth caregivers within the Personal Care and Services career pathway, including (Sec. 2):

• A focus on skills specific to Personal Care and Services occupations, including, but not limited to, in-home caregiving for youth caregivers supporting household family members;

• Courses in the principles of Home and Community-Based Services Waivers, and other principles and practices of the direct support profession relevant to the care and support of people with developmental, mental health, and physical disabilities, and the needs of older adults;

• A consideration of youth caregivers’ risk factors in caring for family members, such as mental and emotional health, social development, academic and educational attainment, physical health, and other areas impacting the youth caregiver; and

• A consideration of work-based learning strategy included in the work experience education district plan that may consider the family home a viable location for work-based learning within the Personal Care and Services career pathway.

Full Bill Text