Bipartisan Bill Seeks to Strengthen Tribal Child Welfare Programs

The Promoting Strong Native Families and Children Act is a bipartisan bill introduced by Senators Murkowski and Cortez Masto to improve Tribal child welfare. - Increases federal funding and creates new Tribal set-asides in programs like the Social Services Block Grant.

- Establishes a new Tribal prevention-only Title IV-E agreement authority, allowing Tribes to access prevention funding without operating foster care. - Raises authorized appropriations for the Tribal Court Improvement Program from $2 million to $5 million per year.

- Expands support for Tribal-led prevention, family preservation, and early intervention efforts. The bill is endorsed by major Native and child welfare organizations, aiming to keep Native children connected to their families and cultures.