CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS: ADVOCATING FOR NATIVE CHILDREN
According to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the purpose of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) is "...to protect the best interest of Indian Children and to promote the stability and security of Indian tribes and families by the establishment of minimum Federal standards for the removal of Indian children and placement of such children in homes which will reflect the unique values of Indian culture..." (25 U.S. C. 1902). ICWA provides guidance to states regarding the handling of child abuse and neglect and adoption cases involving Native children and sets minimum standards for the handling of these cases.
By being grounded in foundational knowledge on the law, CASAs can be a powerful voice in ICWA cases.
As part of their ongoing commitment to equip staff and volunteer advocates with the skills and knowledge to work with children and families from many cultures and experiences, the National CASA/GAL Association for Children hosted a webinar on ICWA and the role CASA staff and volunteer advocates can have in advocating for Indian children.
Topics covered in the webinar include:
- What makes ICWA so important to CASA best interest advocacy efforts
- Historical perspective of Indian policy decisions
- A discussion of ICWA and the role CASA can play in increasing compliance
By participating in this training, attendees will:
- Become more familiar with ICWA through a historical lens: what is it and why does it exist
- Learn about the Indian Child Welfare Act Proceedings; Final Rule (2016) and its impact on Indian children involved in the child welfare system
- Develop knowledge around what is different in advocating for an Indian child
- Gain an understanding of the role CASAs can have in increasing state compliance with ICWA
Watch the Advocating for Native Children webinar here.
Once you have completed the webinar please complete the in-service continuing education training form or email jenny@casaok.org so that you may receive training credit towards your annual in-service training requirement.
CASA for Children is committed to our goal of ensuring the highest quality advocacy possible for all children in the child protection system, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, expression, or disability status – that’s why we are now highlighting resources to support the CASA network’s journey to becoming more inclusive, welcoming, affirming and culturally considerate. Explore more Cultural Considerations articles.