Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code § 11325.4

(a) An assessment shall be available upon completion of orientation and appraisal pursuant to Section 11320.1. An assessment evaluates the participants’ strengths and skills to assist them in choosing the activities they wish to include in their welfare-to-work plan. At the participant’s option, this assessment may incorporate the appraisal tool used pursuant to Section 11325.15 and shall include at least all of the following: (1) The participant’s work history and an inventory of their employment skills, knowledge, and abilities. (2) The participant’s educational history and present educational competency level. (3) The participant’s need for supportive and barrier removal services in order to obtain the greatest benefit from the employment and training services offered under this article. (4) An evaluation of the chances for employment given the current skills of the participant and the local labor market conditions. (5) Local labor market information. (6) Physical limitations or mental conditions that limit the participant’s ability for employment or participation in welfare-to-work activities. (b) Counties may contract with outside parties, including local educational agencies and service delivery areas to perform all or part of the assessment. (c) Notwithstanding the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code), the department may implement, interpret, or make specific this section by means of all-county letters or similar written instructions from the department until regulations are adopted. These all-county letters or similar instructions shall have the same force and effect as regulations until the adoption of regulations. (d) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2026, or, if automation is necessary, the later of July 1, 2026, or when the department notifies the Legislature that the Statewide Automated Welfare System can perform the necessary automation to implement this section.