When a youth goes missing from foster care, systems are called to act - quickly, thoughtfully, and in coordination with others responsible for the youth’s safety and well-being. These moments require clear communication, shared responsibility, and timely action to ensure youth are located and supported.
In California, child welfare agencies must act immediately when a youth is missing, following established protocols and coordinating with key partners, including law enforcement and, when applicable, the child’s Tribe. Counties are also responsible for maintaining formal protocols to guide these efforts. Yet in practice, this guidance is spread across multiple laws and policies, which can make it difficult for counties and partners to know exactly what to do, and how to work together, in real time.
American Indian and Alaska Native youth are disproportionately represented in child welfare systems and experience additional disparities in how cases involving missing and exploited youth are reported, tracked, and responded to. These realities underscore the importance of a coordinated and culturally responsive approach when a Native youth goes missing.
At the same time, this work exists within the broader Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) crisis, where Indigenous communities experience disproportionate rates of violence and disappearance, and cases are often underreported or lack coordinated response across jurisdictions. While California provides guidance on missing youth protocols and ICWA requirements, implementation across Tribal, county, and law enforcement systems can be complex and inconsistent.
This three-part ECHO series brings together Tribal, county, and system partner perspectives to explore how to effectively and respectfully engage with Tribes when a youth goes missing. Participants will examine legal frameworks, partnership strategies, and real-world practice considerations to strengthen coordination and improve response efforts.
Session 1: Legal Foundations & Required Responsibilities
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify key federal and state requirements that apply when a youth goes missing
- Describe expectations for Tribal notification and engagement under ICWA and California law
- Recognize common challenges in implementing required response protocols in real time
Session 2: Tribal & Systems Partner Perspectives
Learning Outcomes:
- Describe the role of Tribal programs and community-based supports in response efforts
- Identify opportunities for collaboration between Tribal and county partners
- Explore approaches for strengthening communication and coordination across systems
Session 3: County Practice and Implementation
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify key components of county-level response and coordination
- Describe strategies for engaging Tribes in a timely and meaningful way
- Reflect on implementation challenges and opportunities for strengthening practice
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.