{"code":"WIC","codeName":"Welfare and Institutions Code","section":"16509","citation":"Welf. & Inst. Code, § 16509","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 5. State Child Welfare Services [16500. - 16523.59.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/welfare-and-institutions-code/division-9/part-4/chapter-5"}],"history":"Added by renumbering Section 16508 by Stats. 1982, Ch. 978, Sec. 58.   Effective September 13, 1982.","effective":"1982-09-13","html":"<p>Cultural and religious child-rearing practices and beliefs which differ from general community standards shall not in themselves create a need for child welfare services unless the practices present a specific danger to the physical or emotional safety of the child.</p>","text":"Cultural and religious child-rearing practices and beliefs which differ from general community standards shall not in themselves create a need for child welfare services unless the practices present a specific danger to the physical or emotional safety of the child.","otherVersions":[],"url":"https://blackletter.si/welfare-and-institutions-code/state-child-welfare-services-16509","source":"California Legislative Information bulk export (pubinfo)"}