Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Compliance
The National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) provides technical assistance and training to help child welfare agencies comply with the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (ICWA).
What is the ICWA?
ICWA is a federal law that seeks to keep American Indian children with American Indian families. Congress passed ICWA in 1978 in response to the alarmingly high number of Indian children being removed from their homes by both public and private agencies. The intent of Congress under ICWA was to "protect the best interests of Indian children and to promote the stability and security of Indian tribes and families" (25 U.S.C. § 1902). ICWA sets federal requirements that apply to state child custody proceedings involving an Indian child who is a member of or eligible for membership in a federally recognized tribe.
Frequently Asked Questions and History of ICWA
Resources for Family Members
- Questions about ICWA? If you have questions regarding an ICWA case or other Indian child welfare issues, please review the following online resources and the Frequently Asked Questions before contacting the NICWA office. Please be aware that NICWA cannot provide any legal advice. Also note that NICWA is not a direct service provider; we do not provide case management. If you contact us, our staff will do our best to answer your questions within a reasonable timeframe and direct you toward helpful resources.
- The Indian Child Welfare Act: A Family's Guide PDF
- ICWA glossary and flow-chart PDF
- Family Guide to the Child Welfare System PDF
ICWA Technical Assistance and Training
ICWA Reports and Documents
- Full Text of the Indian Child Welfare Act PDF
- ICWA Amendments of 2003
- Administrative Regulations and Guidelines
- 2005 Government Accountability Office (GAO) Study
- Bureau of Indian Affairs List of Designated Tribal Agents PDF
- A "Mission Not Impossible" Understanding and Reducing Disparities and Disproportionality (PDF)
Tools for ICWA Compliance