16546. (Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 573, Sec. 24.)
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a)Identifying and engaging family members are critical…#
(a) Identifying and engaging family members are critical components of providing effective child welfare services to children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect.
(b)For Indian children subject to an Indian child custody…#
(b) For Indian children subject to an Indian child custody proceeding, as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 224.1 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, dedicated and specialized efforts for family finding, engagement, and support are critical to promote the stability and security of Indian tribes and families, to comply with the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. Sec. 1901 et seq.) and other applicable federal and state law, and to protect the best interests of the child.
(c)Often, family members may become caregivers for…#
(c) Often, family members may become caregivers for children or may be able to provide other help and support to children and families on an ongoing basis.