Section 1531.5.

(a)  The State Department of Social Services shall not deny a license for a foster family home solely on the basis that the applicant is a parent who has administered corporal punishment not constituting child abuse, or will continue to administer such corporal punishment, to his or her own children.

(b)  Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the state department from denying a license for a foster care home where the applicant has been found by the state department to have engaged in child abuse.

(c)  As used in this section, "child abuse" means a situation in which a child suffers from any one or more of the following:

(1)  Serious physical injury inflicted upon the child by other than accidental means.

(2)  Harm by reason of intentional neglect or malnutrition or sexual abuse.

(3)  Going without necessary and basic physical care.

(4)  Willful mental injury, negligent treatment, or maltreatment of a child under the age of 18 by a person who is responsible for the child's welfare under circumstances which indicate that the child's health or welfare is harmed or threatened thereby, as determined in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Director of Social Services.

(5)  Any condition which results in the violation of the rights or physical, mental, or moral welfare of a child or jeopardizes the child's present or future health, opportunity for normal development, or capacity for independence.

(d)  Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit a foster parent to administer any corporal punishment to a foster child.

(Added by Stats. 1983, Ch. 521, Sec. 1.)