1. (a) HOPE shall ensure that all Program Enrollees and, if they are still under 18, their parent(s), Indian custodian(s), or legal guardian(s), will receive notice that they have been enrolled in the HOPE program within three months of enrollment and again once a year.

   1. (1) For Program Enrollees determined to be eligible under WIC Section 18997.51(d)(2), notice may be made via agreement with the California Department of Social Services or tribal authorities to distribute the required information to Program Enrollees, their parent(s), legal guardian(s), or Indian custodian(s).
   2. (2) For all other Program Enrollees, notice shall be sent by mail or email directly to the Program Enrollee, their parent(s), legal guardian(s), or Indian custodian(s).
2. (b) The notice shall include the amount that has been deposited in the Program Enrollee's HOPE trust account, the first and last dates when the Program Enrollee will be eligible to withdraw from their HOPE trust account, the amount of money expected to be available for withdrawal on those dates, how to access financial planning and management services, and a description of the Program Enrollee's rights and responsibilities, including their right to use the funds as needed without restriction.
3. (c) The notice shall also instruct Program Enrollees and, if they are still under 18, their parent(s), legal guardian(s), or Indian custodian(s), how to acknowledge receipt of this information via the HOPE Trust Account Dashboard, email, or mail.

Note: Authority cited: Section 18997.5, Welfare and Institutions Code. Reference: Sections 18997.5, 18997.51 and 18997.57, Welfare and Institutions Code.

History

1. New section filed 8-26-2025; operative 10-1-2025 (Register 2025, No. 35).