Plain English Breakdown
The official status shows the bill was vetoed, but it is unclear from the provided text if lawmakers successfully overrode that veto.
Child Welfare Prevention Services for Indian Tribes
This vetoed bill would let California make new agreements with Indian tribes to run prevention programs that keep children out of foster care and, if lawmakers approve money, pay for lawyers in these cases.
What This Bill Does
- Allows the state department to sign agreements with tribes specifically to prevent children from entering foster care.
- Permits an agreement to be made just for running prevention services under the Family First Prevention Services program.
- Requires the state to fund independent lawyers for a child, parent, guardian, or Indian custodian if money is approved by lawmakers.
- Orders the department to create a plan by March 31, 2026, on how to pay for these legal services after talking with tribes.
Who It Names or Affects
- Indian tribes and tribal organizations in California
- The State Department of Social Services
- Children who might enter foster care or are already in the system
- Parents, guardians, and Indian custodians involved in child welfare cases
Terms To Know
- Family First Prevention Services program
- A federal law that lets states use money for mental health care, substance abuse treatment, or parent training to keep children out of foster care.
- Indian custodian
- An Indian person who has legal responsibility for a child under tribal custom or state law.
Limits and Unknowns
- The governor vetoed this bill, so it did not become law unless lawmakers overrode the veto.
- Funding for lawyers only happens if lawmakers approve money in the budget.
- The text does not say how much money would be needed or exactly which tribes could join.