Indigenous Adoptees: #ICWA in the headlines

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Alaska Legislature Passes Foster Youth System Reform and Protection Bills
SitNews

“Expediting a child’s exit from the foster care system helps to reduce trauma to the child and ensure that family connections remain strong,” Governor Walker said. “Our hope is that this bill will increase the number of Alaska Native children finding permanent homes within their family, culture and traditions in a timely manner.”... but particularly those family members of a child covered under the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) who want to preserve and have the court apply ...

Minnesota Minority Child Heritage Protection Act
Minnesota State Legislature

They are covered by the federal Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 and the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act (Minnesota Statutes, sections ...
It should be noted that Native American children have a special placement status since they are members of tribal nations with rights established through treaties with the United States. They are covered by the federal Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 and the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act (Minnesota Statutes, sections 260.751 - 260.835) which seek to preserve Native American families. The initial Minnesota law was passed in 1985 (Laws of Minnesota 1985, chapter 111). That same year Minnesota also created the Minnesota Family Preservation Act (Laws of Minnesota 1985 1st Special Session, chapter 9, article 2, sections 69-75). It was repealed in 2003.