The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) of 1978 is a landmark law that protects the best interests of Indian children, promotes the stability and security of Indian Tribes and families, and upholds Tribal sovereignty. The ICWA establishes minimum Federal standards for the removal of Indian children and placement of such children in homes, which reflect the values of Indian culture. While dedicated professionals work every day to honor and implement its principles, the ICWA remains inconsistently implemented across California. This monthly ECHO series was created to help improve practice and ICWA compliance through hands-on support for professionals.
May Topic: Reason to Know vs. Reason to Believe
Participants will be provided with an overview of the legal requirements for ICWA inquiry in juvenile dependency cases, with focused attention on understanding the difference between “reason to know” and “reason to believe,” and the practical next steps required to meet these standards. You will walk out of the session with a clear understanding of what distinguishes reason to know from reason to believe and what actions are required when either threshold is met.
Building on our previous discussion of inquiry and notice, this session will help connect the legal language to day-to-day decision-making. We will break down common scenarios, clarify when further inquiry is required, and outline how timely, thoughtful action supports compliance, meaningful partnership with Tribes, and better outcomes for children and families.
June Topic: Connection Is Protection: Keeping Kids Connected to Culture and Tribe Regardless of ICWA Status
Connection to culture and Tribal community should not depend on whether ICWA applies.
Youth in out-of-home care experience separation and disconnection every day — from family, community, culture, and the routines that create stability and familiarity. Over time, this disruption can also destabilize a young person’s sense of identity and belonging. For American Indian and Alaska Native children and families, this harm is compounded by historical injustices, including deliberate efforts to dismantle Tribal communities and child removal practices that targeted Native children.
Cultural connection is often approached as secondary or optional in practice. Yet, it is a protective factor – regardless if ICWA applies. When children and youth have a strong cultural identity and meaningful relationships with their Tribe and community, they can experience a greater sense of belonging that can buffer the harms of system involvement and build resilience.
In this ECHO session, we will focus on practical, everyday strategies professionals can use to help children, youth, and families develop or strengthen meaningful connections to their culture and Tribe(s) - whether ICWA applies or not. We will also examine how authentic Tribal engagement impacts outcomes, including research showing that when Tribes are actively involved, children spend 100 less days in out of home care.
Participants will leave with actionable ideas they can integrate immediately into their work.
Who Should Attend:
This series is designed for social workers, juvenile probation officers and other child and family serving professionals and will provide digestible, practical support focused on ICWA practice, Tribal sovereignty and respectful collaboration and partnership with Tribes.
A key feature of this series is the chance to build relationships with Tribal partners and ICWA experts throughout the state. These connections foster trust, deepen understanding and create space for shared growth.
What to Expect in Each Session:
These monthly sessions follow the ECHO model, an “all teach, all learn” collaborative learning space. It’s a chance to:
- Sharpen your skills in serving American Indian and Alaska Native Families
- Gain confidence in working with Tribes
- Work through challenges together using culturally respectful, solution focused problem-solving lens
- Access learning tools, reference materials, and guidance you can return to after each session
- Learn from case-based discussion and live coaching on challenges you may also be facing*
* We ask our attendees to volunteer for case presentation portion. They are encouraged but never mandatory. If you submit one, expect encouragement, not judgment. It's safe, positive space to get unstuck and explore practical strategies with people who understand the complexities you may be facing.
Why It Works
Adult learning theory, implementation science and direct input from Tribal partners all point to the same truth: One-and-done training doesn't work. Real growth comes through sustained, reflective and community-based learning. This series is designed to do just that.
Whether you are new to ICWA or seasoned in this work, you'll find practical support and renewed clarity. Join this community of professional committed to strengthening ICWA practice and improving outcomes for Indian children, families and Tribes!
Brought to you by: The Resource Center for Family-Focused Practice at UC Davis Human Services, in partnership with California Department of Social Services.