Indian Child Welfare Act
Program Purpose
ICWA protects
and maintains the integrity and rights of Native children, their
families and tribes. The program's mission is to ensure that the
tribe's interest in children is protected if removal of a child
from the home becomes necessary. This is accomplished by providing
services to children, parents, and guardians when involuntary custody
hearings will lead to placement of a child into a new family environment.
Program
Description
ICWA case services have been provided by
Human Services social work staff located in Craig, Haines, Hydaburg,
Juneau, Klawock, Petersburg, Saxman, and Wrangell. Case services
include attending court hearings; case staffing and planning meetings;
providing direct services to families, such as counseling; assistance
with securing needed services; performing home studies; identifying
potential relative placements; and other services necessary to
help families through the Court hearing process. To be eligible
for ICWA services, a child must be an enrolled tribal member or
eligible for membership. ICWA does not apply to child custody
disputes.
Goals
The program will work to maintain a high
level of involvement in cases ensuring State compliance with the
minimum standards established by the Indian Child Welfare Act.
In addition, the ICWA will assist, when possible, with providing
extended family choices for placement of children when removal
is necessary.
Key Dates
Funding for the ICWA Program is included
under the Self-Governance
Compact. Program dates are from January 1 through December 31.
Funding
Agency
The Office of Self-Governance provides
the ICWA Program.
|
