Affected by ICWA

The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) gives Native American/Alaska Native individuals and tribes particular rights in child welfare cases. ICWA applies to Indian children who are involved in a state child custody preceding. To qualify, the child must be under 18, unmarried, and either a tribal member or eligible for tribal membership in a federally recognized tribe.

If you’re involved in an ICWA case or think your case may qualify, the resources below will help you understand your rights. If you are fostering a child involved in an ICWA case, these resources will help you understand why ICWA is important.

National Indian Child Welfare Association

This website has resources for tribes on ICWA, COVID-19, and more. 

ICWA Guide for Tribal Governments and Leaders

This guide provides a nice summary of ICWA regulations and definitions.

 

ICWA Talking Points Guide Guide for congressional members and staffers, judges and clerks, and general media about ICWA.

Indian Child Welfare Glossary and Flowchart Guide that includes a flowchart of how ICWA case progress in Child Protective Services.

Guide to ICWA Compliance Guide for agencies about how to achieve compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act. 

Effective Leadership for Tribal Child Welfare Information about how agencies can promote child welfare among tribal families. 

Fact Sheet

Top 10 ICWA Myths Fact Sheet Dispelling myths about ICWA. 

Setting the Record Straight Fact Sheet: This factsheet overviews a brief history of ICWA and how it works. 

Books

Native American Children's Literature: First Nations Development Institute's list of book recommendations for children and young adults, categorized by age group.

Native families love our children deeply and want them to grow up safe, happy and connected to their cultural roots. ICWA protects Native children by keeping families together.

This video explains the purpose of ICWA. 

Electronic Resources

National Indian Child Welfare Association

This website has resources for tribes on ICWA, COVID-19, and more. 

ICWA Guide for Tribal Governments and Leaders

This guide provides a nice summary of ICWA regulations and definitions.

 

ICWA Talking Points Guide Guide for congressional members and staffers, judges and clerks, and general media about ICWA.

Indian Child Welfare Glossary and Flowchart Guide that includes a flowchart of how ICWA case progress in Child Protective Services.

Guide to ICWA Compliance Guide for agencies about how to achieve compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act. 

Effective Leadership for Tribal Child Welfare Information about how agencies can promote child welfare among tribal families. 

Fact Sheet

Top 10 ICWA Myths Fact Sheet Dispelling myths about ICWA. 

Setting the Record Straight Fact Sheet: This factsheet overviews a brief history of ICWA and how it works. 

Books

Native American Children's Literature: First Nations Development Institute's list of book recommendations for children and young adults, categorized by age group.

Native families love our children deeply and want them to grow up safe, happy and connected to their cultural roots. ICWA protects Native children by keeping families together.

This video explains the purpose of ICWA.