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AB 1378

Child welfare services: prevention services: Indian tribes.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cecilia Aguiar-Curry and 11 co-sponsors

AB 1378 empowers California Indian tribes to provide prevention services, reducing foster care entries for Indian children and ensuring legal support in custody cases.

Consideration of Governor's veto pending.
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Bill Summary · AB 1378

Summary of AB 1378: Child Welfare Services: Prevention Services: Indian Tribes

Overview

Bill Number: AB 1378
Introduced: February 21, 2025
Status: Consideration of Governor's veto pending
Author: Rogers
Subject: Child welfare services, Indian tribes, prevention services

AB 1378 aims to enhance the capacity of Indian tribes in California to provide child welfare services, particularly focusing on prevention services to avoid the unnecessary entry of Indian children into foster care.

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of AB 1378 is to empower Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and tribal consortiums by allowing them to enter into agreements with the State Department of Social Services (DSS) regarding the care and custody of Indian children. The bill seeks to facilitate the administration of prevention programs under the Family First Prevention Services Act, thereby reducing the number of Indian children entering the foster care system.

Key Provisions

  1. Agreements for Prevention Services:

    • The bill mandates that upon request from an Indian tribe, the DSS must enter into agreements that include provisions to prevent the entry of children into foster care.
    • These agreements can be specifically for the administration of prevention programs under the Family First Prevention Services program.

  2. Funding for Legal Representation:

    • Subject to appropriations, the DSS is required to provide funding to tribes for independent legal representation for children, their parents, guardians, and Indian custodians involved in foster care proceedings.

  3. Cost Allocation Plan:

    • The DSS must develop a cost allocation plan by March 31, 2026, in consultation with Indian tribes, to support the costs of independent legal representation.

  4. No Tribal Cost Share:

    • There will be no cost share for tribes under these agreements, meaning the state will bear the non-federal costs associated with the agreements.

  5. Eligibility for Funding:

    • Tribes that enter into agreements will be eligible to receive allocations of child welfare services funds to assist in establishing comprehensive child welfare services programs.

  6. Startup Costs:

    • The bill allows for funding to assist tribes with startup costs associated with establishing these programs, available for three years, with possible extensions upon showing good cause.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and consortiums in California, as well as Indian children and families involved in the child welfare system.

  • Potential Benefits:

    • The bill aims to reduce the number of Indian children in foster care by enhancing preventive services and ensuring that legal representation is accessible to those involved in custody proceedings.
    • It promotes tribal sovereignty by allowing tribes to manage their child welfare services in accordance with their cultural values and practices.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill has passed through various legislative committees and has been amended multiple times before reaching its current form.
  • It is currently pending consideration of the Governor's veto, having been vetoed on October 6, 2025.

AB 1378 represents a significant step towards improving child welfare services for Indian tribes in California, emphasizing prevention and legal support to protect the welfare of Indian children and families.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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