adult hands and child hands holding a beaded cloth

Advanced ICWA Training Program

Could your agency benefit from a robust Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) training rooted in relationship building, collaborative engagement and shared learning? Our ICWA training program may be an ideal professional development opportunity for your child welfare workforce.

UC Davis Human Services’ Resource Center for Family-Focused Practice (RCFFP) in partnership with the California Tribal Families Coalition (CTFC) and the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), now offers an Advanced ICWA Training Program for county child welfare agencies. 

About this Training Program

This Advanced ICWA Training Program will support your agency in sustaining ICWA implementation and compliance. For over 40 years, ICWA has faced ongoing challenges, with compliance efforts often stuck in a cycle of raising awareness rather than achieving lasting change. Research tells us that in-depth training in specialized areas of practice, such as ICWA, is essential for sustained implementation. 

This training moves beyond surface-level, introductory topics, equipping child welfare professionals with the advanced skills and knowledge needed to serve as in-house liaisons, mentors and advocates within their agencies. This program is designed to be inclusive and relevant across all child welfare programs and leadership levels. 

Join us in developing ICWA champions within your agencies, moving beyond aspiration to full implementation of ICWA. Together, we can ensure better outcomes for Tribes, Native American families and communities. 

  • Overview of Topics

  • • Tribal Sovereignty and Public Law (PL) 280

    • ICWA Inquiry and Notice

    • Family Finding and Placement Preferences

    • Child Welfare Investigations and Assessments

    • Active Efforts vs Reasonable Efforts

    • Case Planning and Culturally Appropriate Resources

    • Tribal Court and Tribal Customary Adoptions

    • Permanency

    • ICWA and Child and Family Teaming

    • Qualified Expert Witness

    • Evidentiary Standards in ICWA Court Case

    • Tribally Approved Homes

    • Best Practices in Tribal Engagement Throughout Case Continuum

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who should be recruited in my agency as potential Advanced ICWA trainees?
  • We recommend recruiting trainees from all levels of the workforce and leadership, including social workers, supervisors, program managers and directors. It's also important to include representatives from all programs, such as Emergency Response, Ongoing, Permanency Planning and Placement/RFA. Having ICWA champions at every level and in each program ensures a more sustainable ICWA mentoring workforce.
  • What about other agency professionals who aren't explicitly named as the target trainee audience?
  • Special consideration will be given to course "auditors" who may not be able to commit fully but are interested and motivated to participate. This includes county counsel, child welfare directors, and any other individuals serving youth and families who could benefit from this training experience.
  • Can tribes and ICWA representatives access the training?
  • Yes, tribes and their ICWA representatives are always welcome to audit the training. This inclusion enhances the training experience for everyone and is part of the curriculum design. As trainings are scheduled, our training team will conduct tribal outreach and offer opportunities to participate, co-train and learn.

Advanced ICWA Training Program Interest Form

Could your county benefit from a robust ICWA training?

Submit an interest form

Resources