CT SB01204

Establishes the Connecticut Indian Child Welfare Act (Sections 1-28), creating state-level protections for Indian children in custody proceedings that apply to both federally recognized tribes and three Connecticut state-recognized tribes: Golden Hill Paugussett, Paucatuck Eastern Pequot, and Schaghticoke

Grants Indian tribes exclusive jurisdiction over child custody proceedings involving Indian children residing on reservations, and requires state courts to transfer foster care or termination cases to tribal jurisdiction upon petition by a parent, Indian custodian, or tribe (absent good cause or parental objection)

Mandates notification to parents, Indian custodians, and tribes via registered mail for involuntary proceedings, with a minimum 10-day waiting period before hearings and up to 20 additional days for preparation upon request

Requires "active efforts" to prevent family breakup before foster care placement or termination of parental rights, with foster care requiring clear and convincing evidence and termination requiring evidence beyond a reasonable doubt (including qualified expert witness testimony) that continued custody would cause serious harm

Establishes placement preferences prioritizing extended family members, tribal members, and Indian families for adoptive and foster placements, and authorizes the Department of Children and Families to enter agreements with tribes regarding care, custody, and jurisdiction