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For many immigrant and mixed-status families, daily life is filled with uncertainty. A traffic stop or unexpected enforcement action can tear families apart in an instant. At Community Bridges, we work with thousands of families in Santa Cruz County who live with this fear — families who ask themselves, If I can’t come home tonight, who will care for my children?

That’s why we strongly support the intention of Assembly Bill 1025, authored by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, which proposes a compassionate legal safeguard: standby guardianship. This tool allows a custodial parent to designate a trusted caregiver for their children without immediately involving the courts. It offers peace of mind, protects privacy, and limits the overreach of the current system. 

We especially appreciate that AB 1025 states that the custodial parent’s rights remain superior to the standby guardian’s — even after provisional or formal appointment. This ensures parental authority is preserved and reunification, when possible, remains simple and direct. 

However, key barriers could prevent the families who need this the most from accessing it. Filing fees, fear of government systems and the intimidating nature of legal processes already discourage many from seeking help. The lack of guaranteed legal representation in civil matters like this further complicates an already burdensome self-help process — especially for low-income, recently arrived immigrant families and those with limited English proficiency. 

We urge the legislature to include measures that address these access issues. We recommend eliminating or waiving filing fees for income-eligible families, simplifying the process to reduce legal complexity and funding community-based education and legal support in multiple languages. 

At Community Bridges, we operate 10 programs — from Women, Infants & Children to Meals on Wheels — serving thousands across the region. We help families build safety plans, access crisis support, and prepare for emergencies. AB 1025 would strengthen this work by protecting families during their most vulnerable moments. 

We thank Assemblymember Pellerin for her leadership and urge the legislature to work alongside community organizations to refine and pass AB 1025. California families need policies that uphold family unity and dignity — not systems that create barriers. 

Ray Cancino

CEO, Community Bridges