Advanced ICWA Training Program

About the Course

The Advanced ICWA Training Program is delivered by the UC Davis Human Services Resource Center for Family-Focused Practice (RCFFP) in partnership with the California Tribal Families Coalition (CTFC) and with support from the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). Developed by CTFC, the curriculum is rooted in Tribal perspectives and lived expertise, providing participants with opportunities to learn directly from Tribal representatives and Tribal social service agencies from across California. 

Like any specialized area of practice, ICWA requires advanced knowledge and specialized skills to support meaningful implementation and compliance. While many professionals receive foundational ICWA education, applying ICWA confidently and collaboratively in everyday practice requires deeper learning and continued skill development. The Advanced ICWA Training was created to build that capacity, preparing participants to serve as ICWA champions and mentors within their organization.  

At its core, this training is about building a workforce equipped to strengthen partnerships with Tribes and improve outcomes for American Indian and Alaska Native children, youth, families, and Tribal communities through meaningful, collaborative, and effective practice. 

Who Should Attend

This training is intended for professionals who:  

• Work primarily in child welfare, have a foundational understanding of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), and are looking to deepen their knowledge and strengthen their practice.  
• Work for a Tribe or Tribal organization 
• Work in a partner system and collaborate with Tribes, or support American Indian and Alaska Native children, youth, and families involved with the child welfare system 
• Are interested in learning as part of a multidisciplinary cohort, where participants learn with and from professionals representing diverse roles, experiences, and perspectives. 

Approximately 30 participants will be selected to create a collaborative learning community that reflects diverse professional roles, experiences, and perspectives.

Delivery

The Advanced ICWA Training is delivered online through an interactive cohort model that combines instruction, experiential learning, small-group discussion, reflective practice activities and practical application. 

Throughout the training participants build knowledge, skills, and relationships needed to strengthen ICWA practice within their organizations and communities. 

Because the curriculum emphasizes dialogue, reflection, and application, participants should expect to actively engage throughout the six training days. 

Requirements

Participants selected for the cohort should expect to: 

• Attend all six training days. Make up sessions are not available. 
• Actively participate throughout the training. This is an interactive learning experience that includes facilitated discussions, reflective activities, and opportunities to learn with and from tribal reps and cohort peers. 
• Contribute to a respectful learning environment. 
• Complete approximately 90 minutes of pre-course learning prior to the first training session. 
• Complete a post-course final assessment and pass with 85% or higher to successfully complete the program. 

Learning Outcomes

A summary of learning outcomes is below, for a full list of learning objectives, click here.   

By the end of the training program participants will:  

• Respect tribal sovereignty, and the significance of cultural, extended family, and tribal community connections for Indian children.  
• Uphold the higher standards and best practices of ICWA and understand the historical impacts on Indian families and communities. 
• Understand ICWA placement preferences, necessary contacts for inquiry and noticing, and the differences between various home approvals and adoptions. 
• Describe evidentiary standards for cases involving Indian children and distinguish between “reason to believe” and “reason to know” a child is an Indian child.  
• Develop skills to conduct and document proper ICWA inquiry and notice. 
• Understand how to engage in collaborative assessments and case planning with tribal partners.  

Application & Enrollment

Enrollment in the Advanced ICWA Training requires submission of an application and selection into the cohort. Interested participants must submit a completed application for review; admission is not guaranteed. Applications close on August 11, 2026, and all applicants will be notified of their application status by August 21, 2026. 

Participants selected for the cohort will complete a pre-course evaluation and approximately 60 minutes of pre-course learning before the first day of training.