CA AB1824

Requires courts to inquire whether a child is an Indian child at the first hearing in guardianship or conservatorship proceedings and imposes a continuing duty of inquiry on courts and petitioners throughout proceedings

Establishes comprehensive definitions consistent with the federal Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), including terms for "Indian child," "Indian tribe," "Indian custodian," "active efforts," and "placement preferences"

Mandates qualified expert witness testimony in proceedings involving Indian children, including testimony that continued custody by a parent or Indian custodian is likely to result in serious emotional or physical damage to the child

Requires parties seeking placement of an Indian child to provide evidence that active efforts have been made to prevent the breakup of the Indian family and establishes specific placement preferences prioritizing extended family members and tribally-approved homes

Sets forth detailed notice requirements for proceedings involving Indian children, including registered or certified mail to parents, Indian custodians, and tribes, and establishes procedures for transferring cases to tribal court jurisdiction