On January 12, 2026, Assemblymember Chris Rogers introduced AB1574. Co-sponsored by the Yurok Tribe, The Pechanga Band of Indians and the California Tribal Families Coalition, the bill seeks to preserve families and prevent tribal children from entering foster care by creating the Tribal Foster Care Prevention Program. 

The program would establish tribes and tribal organizations as eligible entities to receive funding to provide prevention services for children and families at risk of entering the foster care system. Tribes would be able to enter into an agreement with the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) by submitting an annual letter of interest. The program would fund the costs associated with tribally defined services aimed at preserving families and preventing the entry of children into foster care. 

In 2021,California implemented the Family First Prevention Act through AB 153. This legislation began a targeted shift from intervening with families by removing children and placing them in foster care to intervening early to address the family challenges that lead to removal in the first place. In a short time, this change in investment has shown very positive results. Between 2020 and 2025, the overall California foster care population has been reduced by 33%. In some regions such as Los Angeles, that reduction has been even greater at 46%. Child welfare leaders in Los Angeles explain this incredible outcome as a result of focused prevention services both to community-based referrals and early legal support for families.

There are similar stories of the successful impacts of prevention programs focused on Native American children. The My Two Aunties Program was created by the Indian Health Council, Inc. and is based solely on the tribal values of the communities the program served. The program collaborated with San Diego County in implementation and received funding from the county to support operations. The program reduced the number of Native American children in foster care in the region from 487 to 10, a 98% reduction. (Judge William Thorne and Karan D. Kolb. (2022). A Better Way Needed: A Different Path for Child Welfare. Family Integrity and Justice Quarterly Spring 2022, Vol.1, Issue 2, 144-155.)

AB 1574 follows last year’s legislative efforts to ensure tribes have equitable access to prevention funding. Tribes in California remain dedicated to this priority. 

Support letters are due to the Assembly Committee on Human Services on March 4. See the template support letter here.