SACRAMENTO, CA – Assembly Bill 1378 has passed the California Legislature on a strong bipartisan vote and is now headed to the Governor's Desk. Assemblymember Rogers (D-Santa Rosa) introduced this legislation in partnership with the California Tribal Families Coalition, Pechanga Band of Indians, and Yurok Tribe to ensure tribal children remain connected to their families and communities through culturally appropriate support services.
"When we invest in culturally appropriate services, we strengthen families and avoid the trauma of separation," said Assemblymember Rogers. "AB 1378 will ensure Tribes can directly access the same prevention program funding that is available to counties and other service providers. This is critical step toward equity and better outcomes for tribal youth."
Tribal children are entering foster care at disproportionate rates—two and a half times the rate of white children—despite laws that aim to keep families together. In Humboldt County alone, over 200 indigenous children are in the foster care system – almost 40% of the total foster children in the county. AB 1378 clarifies that Tribes are eligible to enter into partial prevention agreements with the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) under the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA). These services are aimed at preventing the unnecessary removal of children into foster care and they are already accessible to counties and other community-based organizations. Additionally, AB 1378 authorizes funding to support legal representation for tribal families.
"The Yurok Tribe strongly supports AB 1378 because it provides greater support and protections for Native children," said Joseph L. James, the Chairman of the Yurok Tribe. "By empowering tribes to lead prevention efforts, this bill keeps tribal families together and ensures access to culturally centered care. We respectfully encourage Governor Newsom to sign this important legislation, which strengthens tribal sovereignty and safeguards the well-being of Native children across California."
Tribes have already demonstrated success in delivering effective prevention services. One example is the "Two Aunties Program" developed by the Indian Health Council, a consortium of seven Tribes in San Diego County. Based on the values of the communities it serves, the program reduced the number of tribal children in foster care from 487 to just 10.
"AB 1378 represents a meaningful step forward in honoring California's commitment to tribal sovereignty, equity in child welfare, and the well-being of Native American children and families," said Councilwoman Catalina Chacon of the Pechanga Band of Indians. "This bill acknowledges that the responsibility to support Native families in crisis is a shared one—and that honoring tribal authority must include the tools and funding needed to act."
"When we keep our families whole, we keep our Nations strong," said Joseph Linton, Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians Vice Chair and California Tribal Families Coalition Board Member. "Preventing foster care isn't just protection—it's preservation. We thank Assemblymember Rogers for his leadership on AB 1378 to help us preserve healthy families and our Tribal Nations."
###
Chris Rogers was elected to the State Assembly in 2024. As the Assemblymember for the Second Assembly District, he represents Sonoma, Mendocino, Humboldt, Del Norte and Trinity counties. Learn more about Assemblymember Rogers here.
