Tribal Engagement and ICWA

Passed in 1978, the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) is a landmark federal law that established essential protections and accountability in how systems engage with American Indian and Alaska Native children, families and Tribes. ICWA was enacted in response to historical injustices that led to the widespread and disproportionate removal of Indian children from their families and communities.

ICWA seeks to prevent the breakup of Indian families, maintain the citizenry of Tribal Nations and safeguard the best interests of Indian children and Tribes. Often described as the “gold standard” of child welfare practice, ICWA establishes minimum legal standards for cases involving American Indian and Alaska Native children. Best practice goes beyond these minimum requirements through meaningful collaboration and engagement with Tribes. Beyond its legal mandates lies the spirit of ICWA: a call to honor Tribal sovereignty, respect cultural identity and uphold the inherent rights of Tribal Nations to protect their children.

For Tribes, children carry forward the traditions, languages, and cultures of their people. The future of Tribal Nations depends on their children being raised within their tribal communities. Ensuring this future is a shared responsibility, calling for meaningful partnership, relationship-building, and engagement with Tribes that moves beyond compliance.