This bill mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) consider a child's cultural background when making foster care placements and develop resources to support the cultural heritage of foster children. Key provisions include amendments to existing laws to incorporate the protection and fostering of a child's cultural background alongside their religious faith. The bill introduces new requirements for foster parents to complete training on cultural awareness and sensitivity, as well as the importance of maintaining cultural practices. Additionally, it establishes a system of cultural advocates who will be assigned to children in cultural foster care to assess their needs, assist foster families, and facilitate connections with cultural resources.

The bill also creates a non-lapsing Cultural Foster Care Fund to support the implementation of these provisions, including funding for cultural training programs and compensation for cultural advocates. It emphasizes the importance of community engagement in preserving cultural practices and requires the DHHS to collaborate with local cultural resource centers. The bill includes a new section in the Foster Care Children's Bill of Rights, ensuring that children live in environments that reflect their cultural backgrounds. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, and while it does not provide direct funding, it anticipates significant expenditures for the DHHS to fulfill its new responsibilities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 170-E:11, 170-E:34, 170-E:52, 6:12, 170-G:21
HB1779 text: 170-E:11, 170-E:34, 170-E:52, 6:12, 170-G:21