Cal. Welf. & Inst. Code § 16508.2

It is the intent of the Legislature to establish additional alternatives to foster care placements. Therapeutic day services is an alternative which has been shown in other states to be effective in reunifying families, and in avoiding or shortening the time the children must stay in foster care, and in reunifying placed children with their families. It has also been found to be significantly less expensive than foster care. (Amended by Stats. 1990, Ch. 1139, Sec. 4. Effective September 21, 1990.)