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California lawmakers are considering legislation that would remove an unnecessary barrier for families working to reunify after involvement with Child Protective Services (CPS).
AB 2510 would exempt families participating in a CPS family reunification plan from the CalWORKS vaccine requirement for young children.
Under current law, families applying for CalWORKS benefits must ensure that children who are not yet school-aged have received “age-appropriate” vaccines or provide documentation supporting an exemption. AB 2510 recognizes that families already navigating the challenges of reunification should not be forced to satisfy additional vaccine requirements in order to receive the assistance they need.
Parents working to rebuild and reunite their families often face tremendous emotional, financial, and logistical obstacles. Access to basic support services should not hinge on compliance with government vaccine requirements.
WAPF does not take a position on provisions of this large welfare reform bill that are unrelated to vaccines.
AB 2510 has passed the California Assembly and is now before the Senate Human Services Committee.
California lawmakers need to hear from constituents NOW.
TAKE ACTION
Contact members of the Senate Human Services Committee and your California State Senator TODAY and ask them to SUPPORT AB 2510.
Find your California Senator here:
https://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov
Senate Human Services Committee members can be found here:
Phone calls are most effective. Respectful emails help too.
SAMPLE SCRIPT
“Hello, my name is ___ and I’m a constituent from ___.
I’m calling to urge Senator ___ to SUPPORT AB 2510.
Families working toward reunification after CPS involvement face enormous challenges. They should not be denied essential assistance because of vaccine requirements tied to CalWORKS eligibility.
AB 2510 removes an unnecessary barrier for vulnerable families while respecting informed consent and parental decision-making.
Please support AB 2510.
Thank you.”
TALKING POINTS
- AB 2510 removes an unnecessary obstacle for families working to reunify after CPS involvement.Β These parents are already navigating extensive court requirements, case plans, and oversight.
- CalWORKS exists to help vulnerable families meet their basic needs.Β Access to food, housing, and financial assistance should not be jeopardized because of vaccine documentation requirements.
- Family reunification is a recognized public policy goal in California.Β When it is safe and appropriate, the state should remove barriers that prevent children from returning home.
- Parents involved in reunification plans are often under extraordinary stress.Β Requiring compliance with additional bureaucratic hurdles can delay access to essential support during a critical period.
- AB 2510 does not change California’s school vaccine laws.Β It simply creates a narrow exemption within the CalWORKS program for families actively participating in court-approved reunification plans.
- This bill does not prohibit vaccination or alter vaccine recommendations.Β Parents who wish to vaccinate their children remain free to do so.
- Children should not suffer the loss of essential resources because their families are navigating complex medical decisions during reunification.
- Government assistance programs should support family stability rather than create additional barriers for parents trying to rebuild their lives and regain custody of their children.
- California should prioritize policies that strengthen families, reduce trauma, and improve outcomes for children in the child welfare system.
- AB 2510 is a modest, compassionate reform that recognizes the unique circumstances of families working toward reunification and gives them the support they need to succeed.
MORE INFORMATION
AB 2510 Bill Text and Status:
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2510
Current Status: AB 2510 passed the California Assembly on May 27, 2026, and was re-referred to the Senate Human Services Committee on June 16, 2026.
For additional information on informed consent and vaccine policy:
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