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New guidelines for implementing the Indian Child Welfare Act aim to clarify regulations and provide examples of best practices. Bureau of Indian Affairs officials say the guidelines will help families, tribes and courts navigate the sometimes inconsistent interpretations of ICWA by different state courts and agencies over the law’s 38 years in existence. The original law intended to keep children with families and tribal members. It’s a landmark of Indian law, but remains controversial among some adoption advocates. We’ll sift through the new guidelines and get an update on some current ICWA cases.
Guests:
Sarah Walters (Cheyenne River Sioux) – Chief of Staff to the Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs in the U.S. Department of the Interior
David Simmons – director of government affairs and advocacy for the National Indian Child Welfare Association
Shanna Knight – ICWA specialist for the National Indian Child Welfare Association
Break music: Prayer Loop (song) Supaman (artist)
