Children adopted after being transferred from state juvenile court to a tribal court will now be included in the state’s Adoptions Assistance Program, or AAP, with the governor’s signature of AB 2948 authored by Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino).

AAP benefits are a crucial aspect of the adoption process and have become potential deal breakers for many families wishing to adopt.

“The greatest gift and right that all children need and deserve is a loving family,” Ramos said. “AB 2948 ensures equity and parity for Native children so they too can be raised in a nurturing and safe home. This bill removes the additional obstacles placed on potential parents seeking to welcome tribal foster children into their families.”

“We thank the governor for his approval of this important family bill,” California Tribal Families Coalition Co-Executive Directors Michelle Castagne and Blair Kreuzer said in a joint statement. “AB 2948 will ensure that tribal children are provided the same benefits through the Adoption Assistance Program as non-tribal children and, ultimately, have equal access to support and resources.”

The AAP program provides a monthly negotiated rate, medical coverage, payment for eligible wraparound services and other benefits.

Benefits can be awarded until the child reaches the age of 21 and are based on the child’s needs and family circumstances.

Tribal children have for a long time been disproportionately affected by the qualification process simply because they were not adopted under the same conditions as non-tribal children. These benefits were established to assist prospective parents and prevent long-term foster care.