{"code":"WIC","codeName":"Welfare and Institutions Code","section":"16160","citation":"Welf. & Inst. Code, § 16160","status":"in-force","lawOn":"2026-09-28","headings":[{"name":"DIVISION 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES [10000. - 18999.98.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/welfare-and-institutions-code/division-9"},{"name":"PART 4. SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN [16000. - 16589.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/welfare-and-institutions-code/division-9/part-4"},{"name":"CHAPTER 2.5. Foster Child Ombudsman Program [16160. - 16167.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/welfare-and-institutions-code/division-9/part-4/chapter-2.5"}],"history":"Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 293, Sec. 1.   (AB 317)   Effective January 1, 2022.","effective":"2022-01-01","html":"<p>The Legislature finds and declares that the people of California have benefited from the establishment of a long-term care ombudsperson pursuant to Section <a href=\"/wic/9710\">9710</a> of the Welfare and Institutions Code and a childcare ombudsperson program pursuant to Section <a href=\"/hsc/1596.872a\">1596.872a</a> of the Health and Safety Code. The Legislature further finds it is essential to maintain the nonpartisan nature, integrity, and impartiality of ombudsperson functions and services. It is the intent of the Legislature to provide similar protections for foster children by establishing a foster care ombudsperson program within the State Department of Social Services.</p>","text":"The Legislature finds and declares that the people of California have benefited from the establishment of a long-term care ombudsperson pursuant to Section 9710 of the Welfare and Institutions Code and a childcare ombudsperson program pursuant to Section 1596.872a of the Health and Safety Code. The Legislature further finds it is essential to maintain the nonpartisan nature, integrity, and impartiality of ombudsperson functions and services. It is the intent of the Legislature to provide similar protections for foster children by establishing a foster care ombudsperson program within the State Department of Social Services.","otherVersions":[],"url":"https://blackletter.si/welfare-and-institutions-code/foster-child-ombudsman-program-16160","source":"California Legislative Information bulk export (pubinfo)"}