Dependent children: birth certificates.

Existing law provides for the removal of a child from the custody of a parent or guardian on the basis of abuse or neglect, as specified. Existing law requires the juvenile court to order the social worker to provide family reunification services, unless specified conditions exist. Existing law requires the court to order that reunification services be terminated if it decides to permanently terminate parental rights with regard to, or establish legal guardianship of, the child. This bill would require the court, when it terminates or declines to order reunification services, to order that the child's caregiver receive the child's birth certificate, or, if the child is 16 years of age or older, that the child receive his or her birth certificate, when appropriate.