California’s foster care system depends on the ability of relatives, resource families, and parenting youth to provide safe, stable homes for children who have experienced trauma. Yet one of the most immediate barriers to successful placements is access to child care. When caregivers cannot quickly secure child care, placements can become unstable, creating additional stress for both children and families.
Recognizing this challenge, California established the Emergency Child Care Bridge Program for Foster Children, a statewide initiative designed to connect foster families with child care resources during the critical period immediately following a child’s placement. Building on the program’s success and seeking to address ongoing administrative barriers, Senator Caroline Menjivar introduced SB 1051 in 2026.
What is SB 1051?
Authored by Senator Caroline Menjivar and co-sponsored by CCRC, Children Now, Alliance for Children’s Rights, CWDA, Thriving Families California, Crystal Stairs, Child Care Alliance of Los Angeles, and California Child Care Resource & Referral Network, this bill will allow eligible foster children to be referred by child navigators for child care vouchers through the Emergency Child Care Bridge Program.
Access to child care can be a critical factor in ensuring stability for children entering foster care. SB 1051 was introduced to streamline access to child care services both for foster children and the families who care for them. According to Children Now, access to child care allows more children entering foster care to live with family members, experience fewer placement disruptions, and remain in school and work if parenting a child of their own.
Why SB 1051 Matters
SB 1051 represents a targeted but potentially impactful improvement to California’s child welfare systems. Advocates identified a gap in the system – child care navigators often recognize eligible children but lack the authority to directly initiate the referral process for the Bridge Program. SB 1051 addresses these challenges by:
- Allowing child care navigators to directly refer eligible foster children to county welfare departments for Bridge Program consideration.
- Requiring participating county welfare departments to review those referrals and determine eligibility.
- Creating a more efficient pathway for foster families to receive child care assistance without necessary delays.
Current Status of SB 1051
As of Junio 2026, SB 1051 has successfully advanced through the California Senate. Key milestones include:
- Introduced on Febrero 12, 2026
- Passed the Senate with unanimous support from voting senators (37-0)
- Advanced to the California Assembly
- Referred to the Assembly Human Services Committee for consideration
- Remains active and is currently moving through the legislative process
If approved by the Assembly and signed by the Governor, it would become California law. Because the bill has not yet been enacted, its provisions are not currently in effect. Any changes to referral authorly or eligibility procedures will depend on the bill’s progress through the Assembly and, ultimately, approval by the Governor.
CCRC’s Role in SB 1051
SB 1051 is one of CCRC’s priority legislative efforts. As a co-sponsor of the bill, CCRC’s involvement goes far beyond public support. CCRC’s Government Relations team has helped shape policy language, provided subject matter expertise, coordinated stakeholder support, and mobilized advocates throughout the legislative process. This important piece of legislation aligns with our broader mission of ensuring that children and families can access the resources they need to thrive.
To track the bill’s progress, learn more about CCRC’s advocacy efforts, and explore other legislative priorities, visit our Legislative Corner and stay informed about the issues shaping California’s child care landscape.