Protect ICWA
US Supreme court to review the Indian Child Welfare Act
The U.S. Supreme Court announced that it will hear a challenge to the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), a 44-year-old law that has long been considered the gold standard in child welfare policy. The far-reaching consequences of this case will be felt for generations.
About ICWA
https://www.nicwa.org/about-icwa/
The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) was enacted in 1978 in response to a crisis affecting American Indian and Alaska Native children, families, and tribes. Studies revealed that large numbers of Native children were being separated from their parents, extended families, and communities by state child welfare and private adoption agencies. In fact, the research found that 25%–35% of all Native children were being removed; of these, 85% were placed outside of their families and communities—even when fit and willing relatives were available. Congressional testimony documented the devastating impact this was having upon Native children, families, and tribes. The intent of Congress under ICWA was to “protect the best interests of Indian children and to promote the stability and security of Indian tribes and families” (25 U.S.C. § 1902). ICWA sets federal requirements that apply to state child custody proceedings involving an Indian child who is a member of or eligible for membership in a federally recognized tribe.
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