The Senate Appropriations Committee meeting on March 25, 2025, focused on the Human Resources Division, with significant discussions surrounding the welfare of Native American children in North Dakota's foster care system. Chairman Deaver and Senator Matherne opened the session by addressing the operations of tribal social service offices, emphasizing that these offices are integral to service delivery for Native American constituents.

The committee discussed the placement preferences for Native American children in state custody, highlighting the importance of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). It was noted that ideally, Native American children should be placed with relatives or within their tribal communities. However, this is not always feasible, and the committee acknowledged the challenges in ensuring that these children are placed in culturally appropriate environments.

Chairman Deaver explained that when a child is removed from a home in Burkeley County and is an enrolled member of a tribal nation, the tribe may request jurisdiction over the case. This allows tribal coordinators to work collaboratively with state agencies to identify suitable families for placement, ensuring that cultural context and preferences are respected.

Senator Grama raised a question regarding the demographics of Native American children in foster care, noting that 51% of these children are Native American. The discussion revealed that a portion of these children, approximately 181 out of 615, are under the custody of tribal nations and likely reside on reservations. These children are eligible for Title IV funding, which supports their care, and tribal employees manage their cases in accordance with North Dakota's foster care laws.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the importance of collaboration between state and tribal agencies to improve outcomes for Native American children in the foster care system. The committee emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue and support to ensure that the cultural needs of these children are met effectively.