(a) At the time a recipient enters the welfare-to-work program, the county shall conduct an appraisal, pursuant to regulations adopted by the department, during which the recipient is informed of the requirement to participate in allowable welfare-to-work activities and of the provision of supportive services, pursuant to Section 11323.2. The appraisal shall gather and provide information about the recipient in the following areas:

1. (1) Employment history, interests, and skills.
2. (2) Educational history and learning disabilities.
3. (3) Housing status and stability.
4. (4) Language barriers.
5. (5) Physical and behavioral health, including, but not limited to, mental health and substance abuse issues.
6. (6) Child physical and behavioral health and well-being.
7. (7) Criminal background that may present a barrier to employment or housing stability.
8. (8) Domestic violence.
9. (9) Need for supportive services described in Section 11323.2.
10. (10) Other information that may affect an individual’s ability to participate in work activities.
11. (11) The recipient’s determination of their skills, prior work experience, and employability. The recipient may indicate that they would like assistance with this determination. The recipient may request assistance with completing any portion of the appraisal.

(b)

1. (1) The county shall utilize a standardized appraisal tool in order to assess strengths for and barriers to work activities. This tool shall be developed or selected by the department, in consultation with stakeholders, and shall be customized as needed for statewide use.

2. (2)

   1. (A) Upon completion of the development of the updated streamlined appraisal tool developed pursuant to Section 11325.15, the county shall utilize the updated streamlined appraisal tool.
   2. (B) This paragraph shall become operative on July 1, 2026, or, if automation is necessary, the later of July 1, 2026, or on the date the department notifies the Legislature that the Statewide Automated Welfare System can perform the necessary automation to implement this paragraph.
3. (3) Concurrent with the development of the standardized appraisal tool, mandatory training shall be developed for administration of the tool and shall, in addition, include skill-building components, including, at a minimum, rapport building and interviewing techniques.

(c)

1. (1) If the results of the appraisal indicate that the individual may face barriers that impair their ability to participate in work activities, the county shall refer the recipient for an evaluation and services as described in Section 11325.25, 11325.5, or 11325.8, or may refer the recipient to family stabilization pursuant to Section 11325.24.
2. (2) If information obtained from the appraisal indicates that the individual qualifies for an exemption from welfare-to-work requirements, the county shall apply the exemption, pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 11320.3.