Supporting Indigenous youth, their parents, and communities continues to challenge school districts and the school psychologists who serve them. In this article, the authors suggest that understanding Indigenous sovereignty and identity will contribute to enhancing that interface, and to advocating on behalf of those students and their…

In 1978 Congress passed an astonishing piece of legislation that gave Native American tribes a considerable amount of jurisdiction over matters of child custody and the adoption of their children. In 1976, the Association of American Indian Affairs gathered statistics relevant to the adoption of Indian children that Congress found "shocking…

Tribal sovereignty is a theory that has gained credibility over the past few decades, but one that the child welfare field has still not fully embraced. A mainstream reluctance to understand or accept customary adoption, unique to tribal culture, illustrates the lack of credibility given to tribal child welfare beliefs and practices. Roger Paul, a…

Reviews the emergence of the field of contemporary Native American child welfare. Assesses the consequences of the field's devotion to child protection and placement, and examines a number of family preservation-oriented Native American child welfare programs. Considers the implications of family preservation for Native American and Alaskan Native…

Since 1982, the Indian Family Exception Doctrine has been circumventing the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978. Although not clearly defined, the doctrine has been pivotal in several American Indian child welfare cases in the United States. Over time, the doctrine continues to evolve and self-define. Several phrases have become part of the…

This report is an extensive review of the topic of child abuse as it pertains to American Indians, with particular reference to resources available from the Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information. Chapter I offers historical background on the effects of governmental policies upon Indian communities. Chapter II reviews tribal court…

Describes a collaboration among a university, a state child welfare agency, and a Native American community organization to develop a culturally driven practice model for urban, Native American child welfare. Identifies challenges and opportunities in addressing the needs of urban Native American communities. Concludes with principles for…

Describes a culturally sensitive program developed by the University of Washington School of Social Work, the Washington Department of Social and Health Services, and 26 Indian tribes in Washington State that trained 34 child welfare personnel to better implement the intent of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978. Contains program evaluation…

The Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (I.C.W.A.) is federal legislation which preempts state law whenever Indian children may be removed from their families. The I.C.W.A. permits Indian tribal courts to decide the future of Indian children, establishes minimum federal standards for removal of Indian children from their families, requires that…

Due to the rural environment in which most Indian tribal human service personnel work, paraprofessional staff rarely have access to professional education programs that will enable them to expand their theoretical knowledge, enhance their practical skills, and advance their careers. Indian child welfare workers encounter complex tasks daily, which…

The rural environment in which most Indian tribal human service personnel work impedes the access of paraprofessional staff to professional education programs that will enable them to expand their theoretical knowledge, enhance their practical skills, and advance their careers. Each day, child welfare workers encounter complex tasks that require…

The annotated sourcebook provides 51 journals and publication citations for individuals seeking to learn or to teach others about cultural issues in social work practice with American Indians and about the Indian Child Welfare Act. The citations, which date from 1969-1984, are divided into four sections pertaining to family/cultural issues in…

Contends that efforts to promote cultural diversity in higher education have brought students and teachers of diverse cultures into K-12 schools. Maintains that Native Americans seek tolerance and understanding of their cultural values. Discusses federal legislation related to Native Americans. (CFR)

Indian Child Welfare Act became federal law in order to prevent abuses of power by state agencies, courts, and church groups which disrupt Indian families by placing American Indian children in foster care in non-American Indian households. This article studies the impact of the law and discusses a case study of three American Indian children. (FC)

The House Select Committee met to receive testimony from representatives of Northwest tribes about conditions affecting Native American children and their families. Eloise King of Colville Confederated Tribes (Washington) summarizes a wide range of human needs and recommends that Congress make funding available directly to tribes. John Navarro and…