Bill > AB1378

This bill amends existing California law to enhance child welfare services for Indian tribes by expanding and clarifying agreements between the State Department of Social Services and tribal organizations. Specifically, the bill allows tribes to enter into agreements that focus on preventing children from entering foster care and explicitly permits agreements solely for administering prevention programs under the Family First Prevention Services Act of 2018. The bill requires the department to provide funding to tribes to support independent legal representation for children and their families in foster care proceedings, subject to appropriation. Additionally, the bill mandates that the department develop a cost allocation plan by March 31, 2026, in consultation with Indian tribes, to support legal representation costs using federal Title IV-E administrative funds. The legislation aims to give Indian tribes more control and resources in managing child welfare services, ensuring that tribal organizations can access funding and have a more comprehensive approach to child welfare that prioritizes prevention and legal support for families.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1378