Whole Child Community Equity

Assembly Bill (AB) 2832, the Whole Child Community Equity (Chapter 699, Statutes of 2022) signed by the Governor on September 28, 2022, implemented Welfare and Institution Code (WIC) sections 10492-10492.2 and established the initiative to support the ending of racial and economic inequities in child care in California by ensuring a whole child approach that prioritizes the full scope of a child’s development need, including emotional well-being, safety, health, and more.

Overview

AB 2832 requires the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) to develop, finalize, and present the Whole Child Equity Framework (Framework) and Whole Child Community Equity Screening Tool (Equity Tool) and recommended uses to the legislature. In order to support this effort, the CDSS is in the process of convening a workgroup made up of parents and families from historically underserved communities and other early childhood stake holders to provide recommendations to CDSS for purposes of developing the Framework, the Equity Screening Tool, and recommended uses of the Equity Screening Tool for early childhood investments and whole child resources.

The Framework will outline categories that are essential to supporting children 0 to 13 years of age, inclusive, through a whole child approach, including, but not limited to, access to child care, physical and mental health services, education, community safety, and economic well-being.

Contact Information

For inquiries, please contact the Child Care and Development Division Whole Child Community Equity Unit at WCCE@dss.ca.gov.

Whole Child Community Equity Workgroup Meetings