Assembly Bill 349, authored by Assemblymember Diane Dixon (R-Newport Beach), has been signed into California law by Governor Gavin Newsom. The new law ensures that the infant supplemental payment provided to teen mothers in the foster care system will now be indexed to inflation.
“I am thrilled that AB 349 has been signed into California Law. This was my third year authoring a bill to add the infant supplemental payment to the California Necessities Index,” said Assemblymember Dixon. “It is a simple yet desperately needed change for one of California’s most vulnerable populations.”
Previously, foster youth who became parents received a monthly infant supplemental payment to cover necessities such as child care, food, diapers, and formula. However, these payments had not increased since 2016, despite rising costs. The new law addresses this by tying the payment to inflation, ensuring its value does not erode over time.
Assemblymember Dixon collaborated with Jill Dominguez, CEO of Mary’s Path, a Short Term Residential Therapeutic Program in Orange County that serves foster mothers and their children. Dominguez highlighted the impact of the legislation: “We are thrilled the governor has signed AB 349 into law. The increased supplement the legislation provides will make a tremendous difference in the lives of foster youth and their babies. Caregivers can breathe a little easier knowing they’ll have more money for everyday necessities like diapers, food and clothes,” said Jill Dominguez, President and CEO of Mary’s Path, which sponsored the legislation. “I’d also like to thank Assembly Member Dixon for her monumental effort on this bill and continued support of Mary’s Path. Her dedication helps ensure a brighter future for foster youth and their families.”
The infant supplemental payment was previously one of only two foster care payments not adjusted for inflation, resulting in stagnant support for recipients, many of whom are survivors of abuse or trafficking. The passage of AB 349 is intended to provide these young mothers with more stable financial assistance.
“The passage of AB 349 underscores the fact that supporting foster mothers and their babies is a bipartisan issue,” said Assemblymember Dixon. “I was grateful for the support of Mary’s Path, my colleagues in the legislature and Governor Newsom.”
Assemblymember Diane Dixon represents California’s 72nd Assembly District, which includes several cities in Orange County.
