Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)

The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), enacted in 1978, is a federal law designed to protect the best interests of Native American children and uphold Native American families and cultural heritage. It prioritizes placing Native children in foster or adoptive homes that are with their tribal members or in culturally appropriate environments, rather than solely considering non-Native placements. ICWA aims to prevent the unnecessary removal of Native children from their families and tribes, ensuring that their cultural connections and identity are preserved throughout child welfare proceedings.