Child Welfare
Today, many tribes have some form of child protection services and have their own tribal codes, court systems, and child welfare programs. In other cases, tribes receive funding and services from states or counties.1 For non-tribal welfare workers, it is important to learn and respect AI/AN cultural practices in order to provide successful child welfare services to this population.
Since the passage of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) in 1978, tribes have a greater voice in child welfare cases, and federal standards have been established for placement of Indian children in foster and/or adoptive homes, and handling of child abuse and neglect.2
Resources
Tribal Child Welfare
This page from the Child Welfare Information Gateway provides access to resources to help build an understanding of key topics related to Tribal child welfare, ICWA, and how States can work in partnership with Tribes on various child welfare issues.