We’re kicking off another three-part ECHO series, with a standalone topic each month. The sessions do not build on one another, so register for the series and join us for all three.
November
Title: Unsealing of Birth Records: Adoption & ICWA Intersection
Date & Time: November 4, 2026 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. PST
Presenter: Kimberly Cluff (CTFC)
Description: When a family becomes involved in the child welfare system they should, under state law, be asked if there is any “native ancestry” within the family, because ICWA inquiry is legally mandated. These inquiry questions can be complicated for families with a family history of adoption. Family members may not know if their parents, grandparents or other ancestors have tribal ties, and sealed adoption and birth records can create barriers to identifying family and Tribal connections. This session will explore the intersection of adoption, inquiry, notice and ICWA, including how unsealing records may support inquiry, notice and active efforts.
Participants will consider what questions may be asked, what information may be disclosed in adoption records, why accessing adoption records matters and how child welfare professionals and other partners can help ensure that a prior adoption does not prevent a child or youth from being connected—or reconnected—with their family, Tribe and community.
December
Title: Understanding Indian Custodianship
Date & Time: December 9, 2026 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. PST
Presenter: Matthew Franklin
Description: What is an Indian custodian, and what can that role mean when a family is involved with the child welfare system or seeks services and support outside of it? This session will explore how Indian custodianship may arise through Tribal law or custom, state law, or a parent’s transfer of a child’s temporary care, custody and control.
Participants will examine how Indian custodianship differs from other caregiving and legal relationships; the legal rights and protections associated with the role, including those afforded under ICWA; and the responsibilities of child welfare agencies and courts when an Indian custodian is involved. The session will also explore why recognizing an Indian custodian matters within and outside the child welfare system, and how Indian custodians’ access to county services and supports may differ from that of other caregivers and foster caregivers.
This session is intended to build awareness not only of what Indian custodianship is, but also of why recognizing this legal designation matters, and how a family’s rights and access to services and supports can be affected when an Indian custodian is not identified and the legal rights associated with the role are not honored and upheld.
January
Title: Tribally Approved Homes
Date & Time: January 13, 2027 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. PST
Presenter: Tamara Honrado, California Indian Legal Services (CILS)
Description: Tribes have the inherit authority to approve homes according to their own licensing standards, including social and cultural standards. When a Tribe’s child has been removed from the home of a parent, guardian or Indian custodian, a Tribally Approved Home may be available for placement by the county in an Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) case.
This session will discuss the distinctions among Tribally Approved Homes (TAHs), Resource Family Approved (RFA) homes and placement preferences such as Tribally Specified Homes and the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) placement preferences. In addition, this session will briefly touch on the funding available to TAHs as well as homes that are pending a TAH approval and emergency placements.
By the end of the session, participants will be able to distinguish among TAHs, RFA homes, and other licensed caregiver homes; identify the requirements of a TAH; and explain how these distinctions can inform placement options and collaborative placement decision-making with Tribes.
These skills will support meaningful shared decision-making with a child’s Tribe or Tribes and help keep Indian children connected to family, Tribe and community.
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. 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.
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 judgement. 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 professionals committed to strengthening ICWA practice and improving outcomes for Indian children, families and Tribes!