Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 [ICWA]

ICWA applies when an Indian child is involved in child custody proceeding.  The act states that this law “is the policy of this nation 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 from their families and the placement of such children in foster or adoptive home which will reflect the unique values of Indian culture, and by providing for assistance to Indian tribes in the operation of child and family service programs.  Indian Child Welfare Act of 1970