CA AB1378

Expands agreements between the California Department of Social Services and Indian tribes, tribal organizations, or tribal consortiums to explicitly include agreements that prevent entry into foster care

Allows tribes to enter into agreements with the state solely for administering prevention programs under the Family First Prevention Services program

Requires the department, subject to appropriation, to provide funding to tribes for independent legal representation for children and their parents, guardians, and Indian custodians in tribal foster care proceedings

Mandates the department to develop a cost allocation plan by March 31, 2026, in consultation with Indian tribes, to allow Title IV-E federal funds to support independent legal representation costs

Maintains that tribes bear no share of costs for these agreements, with nonfederal costs borne by the state (or county if a child transfers to county jurisdiction)