- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
Children adopted after being transferred from state juvenile court to a tribal court in California will now be included in the state’s Adoptions Assistance Program (AAP) with Gov. Gavin Newsom'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. 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," Ramos said.
California Tribal Families Coalition Co-Executive Directors Michelle Castagne and Blair Kreuzer said, “We thank the governor for his approval of this important family bill. 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.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsUS Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Seattle Seahawks Tackle Preservation Projects at Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center for Annual Day of Service
Native News Weekly (June 15, 2025): D.C. Briefs
Help us tell the stories that could save Native languages and food traditions
At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.
The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.
Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices. We'll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.
This isn't corporate media parachuting into Indian Country for a quick story. This is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who understand these communities. It's "Warrior Journalism"—fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who depend on us for news that mainstream media often ignores.
We need your help right now. While we've secured partial funding, we're still $450,000 short of our three-year budget. Our immediate goal is $25,000 this month to keep this critical work moving forward—funding reporter salaries, travel to remote communities, photography, and the deep reporting these stories deserve.
Every dollar directly supports Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous stories. Whether it's $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these vital narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope don't disappear into silence.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging, and these stories need to be told.
Support independent Native journalism. Fund the stories that matter.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher
