"ICWA" stands for the Indian Child Welfare Act, which is a federal law passed in 1978. ICWA was passed 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. Iowa entacted Iowa ICWA in 1978 that expanded upon the protections of the federal ICWA act.
Links:
- ICWA Meskwaki 2011DocumentICWA Meskwaki 2011.pdf (968.86 KB)
- Federal Register 2012DocumentFederal Register 2012.pdf (849.44 KB)
- www.nicwa.org