HR 7 Summary

• Urges the governor to continue fully implementing the Alaska Tribal Child Welfare Compact established December 15, 2017, and build ongoing partnerships between state and tribal governments

• Addresses disproportionate removal of Alaska Native children from homes, noting 57 percent of children in state foster care are Alaska Native despite comprising only 18.9 percent of the child population

• References historical removal patterns, including 1973-1976 statistics showing one in every 30 Alaska Native children was adopted with 93 percent placed in non-Native homes

• Recognizes 161 tribal governments and consortia participating in the Compact to identify family placements, restructure programs, and pursue increased federal foster care and adoption assistance funding under Social Security Act Title IV, Part E

• Emphasizes that tribal involvement improves child welfare outcomes through culturally relevant services, local accountability, and healing approaches rooted in Alaska Native cultures and values