INDIAN CHILD WELFARE

SUMMARY

The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) promotes best child welfare practice by requiring that child welfare agencies provide proper notice to tribes and active efforts to preserve family and community ties before a child who is a member of a federally recognized tribe can be brought into custody. The law sets forth requirements for how tribes, child welfare agencies, and courts work together to address the safety, security, and stability of the child, family and tribe. When necessary, ICWA outlines how states and tribes work together to make a determination regarding removal and placement of the child. In this way, the law is consistent with best practice principles described in CWLA Child Welfare Standard of Excellence, which place emphasis on the role of kin and community in strengthening families.