A bill making its way through the California state Legislature would make it easier for children to be temporarily placed under the care of guardians other than their parents.
Assembly Bill 495, also called the Family Preparedness Plan Act of 2025, is aimed at protecting children of illegal immigrants and allowing “nonrelative extended family members” to act as caregivers if parents are unavailable due to immigration issues. Critics argue the bill has gaping holes that put children—and parental rights—at risk.
The bill, which passed the Assembly and will be heard in the state Senate Appropriations Committee on Aug. 18, expands caregiver authorization and joint guardianship to ensure children’s medical and dental needs are met in the event their parents are detained or deported by immigration officials….