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…

With their traditional tribal and kinship ties, Native Americans had lived for centuries without the concept of an unwanted child. But besieged by reservation life and boarding school acculturation, many tribes, with the encouragement of whites, came to accept the need for orphanages. This book tells the story of Indian orphanages within the…

Explores two historical periods that preceded the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978: the boarding and mission school era (1880s-1950s) and the Indian adoption era (1950s-70s). The assimilationist social welfare policy of those two eras led to the eventual need for special legislation that protects tribal self-determination, heritage, and family…

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)