The California Title IV-E Education Program's ICWA Modules have been developed to provide a foundation for all BASW and MSW students in the program about California Indian History, Tribal Sovereignty and the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). These modules are meant to provide a cultural, historical and political context to working with tribal communities and applying the Indian Child Welfare Act, the golden standard in social work practice. In providing this foundation, we hope students arrive at a deeper understanding of the history of Native American communities and how this history has shaped their experience with governmental agencies, laws, policies and practices, including child welfare agencies and workers. With this new acquired understanding, our intention is that graduates of the Title IV-E Program will engage Native American families, children, and Tribal partners in a way that is culturally responsive and respectful. Finally, the ultimate goal of these modules is to increase ICWA application and compliance, and improve outcomes for Native American children and families.
If you and your students have any questions about this topic that come out of your classes, please contact the California Title IV-E Education Program at titleive@ucdavis.edu. Since you as an instructor may encounter questions or misconceptions about ICWA that you may not be able to answer, we will help you follow up on an appropriate answer for your students.
Module 1: California Indian History
Topics:
• Native Societies in California (Pre-Colonization)
• First European Explorer Contacts
• The Mission System
• The Mexican-American War leading to California becoming a U.S. State
• The Gold Rush
• Indian Boarding Schools
• Federal Indian Laws & Policies
American Indian Civil Rights Era - Self Determination Era
Module 2: Tribal Sovereignty
Topics:
• Foundational knowledge
• Understanding tribal government structure - past and current
• Treaties and supreme court decisions
• Understanding jurisdiction
• Explaining federal recognition
• Contemporary tribal governments
Module 3: Working with Tribal Communities
Topics:
• Assessing your Lens: Looking at the World from Multiple Perspectives
• Looking at the World from Indigenous Perspectives
• The Importance of Spirituality in Indigenous Communities
• Tribal Perspective to Mental Illness
• Current Concerns - Violence Against Native Americans
• Current Concerns - Education, Substance Abuse and Suicide
• Moving Beyond Family Engagement
Module 4: ICWA Practical Guide
Topics:
What is ICWA?
• Inquiry
• Noticing
• Qualified Expert Witness
• Placement
• Active Efforts
Return to the California Title IV-E Education Program Main Site