Purpose: AB 495, known as the Family Preparedness Plan Act of 2025, was introduced to help children—particularly of immigrant families—avoid disruption when a parent might be suddenly detained or deported. The bill expands who can use a caregiver’s authorization affidavit to include “non-relative extended family members.” This term is broadly defined to include adults with an established familial or mentoring relationship with the child—or a relative of the child

Those individuals could make decisions about the child's education and medical care—including enrolling them in school or consenting to treatments—without needing a court appearance, notarization, or even explicit parental consent.

 Lack of oversight safeguards: Legal experts and parental rights advocates warn there are no required background checks, home visits, or court reviews before a caregiver makes significant decisions about a child.