AN ACT to amend and reenact sections 27-19.1-01 and 27-19.1-02, subsection 1 of section 27-19.1-03, subsection 1 of section 27-19.1-04, and sections 27-19.1-05 and 27-19.1-06 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to Indian child welfare.
What changed between versions
New definitions were added for 'extended family member,' 'foster care or nonfoster care placement,' 'Indian,' 'Indian child,' 'Indian child custody proceeding,' 'Indian child's tribe,' and 'adoptive placement' to clarify legal terms used in child welfare cases.
The list of 'active efforts' required to maintain or reunite Indian children with families was expanded to include specific actions like keeping siblings together, supporting regular visits, and identifying community resources such as housing and mental health services.
New requirements were added to ensure tribal involvement in family team meetings, permanency planning, and resolution of placement issues, strengthening tribal participation in child welfare decisions.
Formatting changes were made to the bill's header and page numbering to reflect the current legislative session and improve document organization.
