Promoting Strong Native Families and Children Act

The Promoting Strong Native Families and Children Act increases funding and flexibility for Tribal child welfare programs by raising the minimum grant amount for Indian tribes to $5,000 and expanding the percentage of federal funds reserved for Tribes from 3 percent to 5 percent. The bill allows Tribes to use funds for customary adoptions, waives matching requirements to accommodate cultural needs, and enables Tribes to opt out of certain foster care and adoption plans if they only wish to run prevention services. Additionally, it creates a new direct grant program for Tribes to plan and carry out social services, including cultural preservation, and permits States to count Tribal caseworker visits toward their own monthly visit requirements. These changes aim to support Tribal sovereignty and improve child welfare outcomes by providing more resources and administrative flexibility to Native communities.