The Strengthening Tribal Families Act of 2024 amends federal child welfare law to help states better comply with the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, which protects Native American children in the foster care and adoption system. The bill directs the federal government to develop a technical assistance plan by January 2025 to support states in identifying Indian children, notifying tribes about custody proceedings, and meeting requirements for family preservation efforts and expert testimony in court decisions. The legislation requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to collect and analyze data on how well states are implementing these protections and to coordinate with the Department of Interior for guidance. The bill also mandates that the federal government submit biennial reports to Congress on state compliance and improvement efforts. This legislation affects state child welfare agencies, Indian tribes, and Native American children in the child welfare system by establishing clearer federal oversight and support for implementing existing Indian child welfare protections.
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