Index

Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)

Summary

Federal law that governs jurisdiction over the removal of Native American children from their families in foster care and adoption cases.

Rights & Rules

  • 01.
    Right of tribal courts to handle cases involving children living on a reservation.
  • 02.
    Right of the child's tribe to intervene in state court proceedings.
  • 03.
    Preference for child placement with extended family or other tribal members.

Penalties

  • 01.
    Invalidation of adoption or foster care placements made in violation of the act.
  • 02.
    Court orders requiring the return of the child to the tribe or family.

Verified Citations

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