What is the Indian Child Welfare Act?

The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) was passed in 1978 to protect the rights of Native American children and families. ICWA is a federal law that applies to both on and off-reservation Native American children in Washington state. The purpose of the law is to keep Native American children in their tribal communities and provide protection for their families. The law states that if a Native American child is involved in child welfare proceedings or adoptions, the child’s tribe must be notified, and given the opportunity to intervene and be heard. This allows the tribes to maintain a relationship with their children and families, and to promote the stability and security of their culture. The law also requires that Native American and tribal agencies must be given preference in the placement of Native American children in foster care or adoption, if the child’s tribe has an Indian child welfare program. This ensures that the child is kept within their tribe, culture, and community. The law’s goal is to keep Native American children connected to their families, culture, and community. This is important to ensure that the rights of Native American children and families are protected, and that Native American children are allowed to remain connected to their culture.

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What is the Indian Child Welfare Act?

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