This bill amends federal child welfare law to strengthen implementation of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, which protects Native American children in the foster care and adoption systems. The legislation requires the federal government to develop a technical assistance plan by January 1, 2025, to help states comply with Indian Child Welfare Act standards, focusing on areas like timely identification of Native American children, tribal notification of court proceedings, and proper placement preferences. The bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to work with the Department of Interior and consult with tribal organizations to assess how well states are meeting federal requirements and to provide ongoing support for improvement. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the federal government submit reports to Congress every two years documenting state compliance with the law and progress in implementing federal standards. The bill does not specify funding amounts but establishes these monitoring and assistance requirements to ensure Native American children and families receive protections guaranteed under existing federal law.
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