California’s AB 495, also known as the Family Preparedness Plan Act, is a new law designed to protect children from the trauma of family separation and ensure caregiving continuity when parents are temporarily unavailable due to circumstances such as immigration enforcement, military service, illness, or incarceration. Authored by Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez and signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, the bill gives families more tools and flexibility to plan ahead while preserving parental rights and promoting children’s stability.
The law creates a Short-Term Joint Guardianship process in probate court, allowing parents to legally designate a temporary joint guardian without giving up custody. It also strengthens confidentiality protections, ensuring that guardianship records remain private. In addition, AB 495 requires schools and licensed childcare providers to follow the Attorney General’s updated immigration-related policies, which prohibit collecting immigration status information and limit cooperation with enforcement agencies. The bill also standardizes and expands the use of Caregiver’s Authorization Affidavits, allowing trusted relatives, mentors, or family friends to care for children and access essential services on their behalf. By prioritizing family preparedness, privacy, and stability, AB 495 ensures that children remain safe, supported, and connected to their communities when families face crisis.The bill goes into effect on January 1st, 2026.