Native Americans

Native Americans and Child Welfare
Native-American children like African-American children are about three times more likely to be in the child welfare system than non-Hispanic whites. In states with large Native-American populations, native children are disproportionately represented comprising 15%-65% of the foster care population.

Source: Unequal Opportunity Within the Child Welfare System, Annie E. Casey Foundation, Fact Sheet.

Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (ICWA)
Indian Child Welfare Act is a federal law that seeks to keep American Indian children with American Indian families. Congress passed ICWA in 1978 in response to the alarmingly high number of Indian children being removed from their homes by both public and private agencies. The intent of Congress under ICWA was to "protect the best interests of Indian children and to promote the stability and security of Indian tribes and families" (25 U.S.C. § 1902). ICWA sets federal requirements that apply to state child custody proceedings involving an Indian child who is a member of or eligible for membership in a federally recognized tribe.

"Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Compliance - National Indian Child Welfare Association." National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) - Protecting our Children. Preserving our Culture. Web. 03 Aug. 2009. .