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Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 2324 (Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez) into law, creating new opportunities for young caregivers to transform their lived experience into careers supporting Californians with disabilities, older adults, and others who rely on long-term care. The bill was signed on July 16 and takes effect on January 1, 2027.
Across California, thousands of young people quietly provide care for a parent, sibling, grandparent, or other loved one with a disability, chronic illness, mental health condition, or age-related needs. While these youth often develop valuable caregiving skills at an early age, their contributions often go unrecognized.
AB 2324 establishes a Youth Caregiver Career Pathway within California’s Career Technical Education system, helping students build on their caregiving experience through education, training, and workforce development opportunities. The law directs state education leaders to develop recommendations for curriculum, work-based learning experiences, and student support services that recognize youth caregiving as a pathway into California’s direct support workforce. It also calls for identifying the unique academic, emotional, and financial challenges youth caregivers face and recommending strategies to help them succeed.
For The Arc of California, the legislation represents an important investment in both California’s future workforce and the families who provide care every day. As the state continues to face a critical shortage of direct support professionals, creating pathways that encourage and prepare the next generation of caregivers can help strengthen the workforce that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities while recognizing the invaluable experience many young caregivers already possess.
The legislation was sponsored by the Association of Regional Center Agencies (ARCA), the California Association of Public Authorities for IHSS, and the California Association of Local Behavioral Health Boards & Commissions. The bill received unanimous bipartisan support throughout the legislative process before being signed into law.
The Arc of California applauds Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez, Governor Newsom, and the bill’s sponsors for recognizing the important role youth caregivers play today while helping prepare the next generation of California’s direct support professionals.
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