Understanding AB 495: Staying Clear and Confident

California’s early learning landscape changes quickly, and it’s easy for information to get mixed up. Assembly Bill 495 has raised questions in the field, often because early reports didn’t explain the details clearly. 

Assembly Bill 495, known as the Family Preparedness Plan Act, helps families plan for emergencies without disrupting a child’s care or education.

If passed, the bill would:

• Let trusted non-relatives, such as extended family or close family friends, use a caregiver’s authorization affidavit to help enroll a child in school or child care and consent to certain services.
• Allows parents to name a temporary guardian who can care for a child if the parent is detained, hospitalized, or otherwise unavailable.
• Requires schools and early learning programs to follow state guidance on family safety and privacy, including how to respond if law enforcement requests access to a child or family records.
• Ensures programs rely on a family’s emergency contact information first, before contacting child protective services. 

AB 495 is designed to keep children safe, reduce unnecessary trauma, and support families through difficult situations. 

EveryChild California will continue sharing clear updates to help programs understand how this and other new laws affect the families they serve.

Stay informed on the latest budget updates and calls to action at:
www.everychildca.org/legislative-resources

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