Judge's Page Newsletter

The Judges' Page newsletter is published by the National CASA Association and the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. 
 

Summer 2015

Tribal Issues in Dependency Courts

J. Dean Lewis, Judge (retired)
Former Member, National CASA Association Board of Trustees and Past President, National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges
 

The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) and the National CASA Association are partners in publishing The Judges’ Page. Both organizations are deeply committed to effective court advocacy for American Indian and Alaska Native children and families involved in dependency court proceedings. This issue of The Judges’ Page addresses the importance of compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (ICWA) from the legal as well as the cultural perspective. The issue provides effective educational tools for ICWA implementation and offers examples of collaborations between state and tribal courts.

Readers should be aware that the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) issued updated Guidelines for State Courts and Agencies in Indian Child Custody Proceeding effective February 25, 2015. The updated Guidelines are intended to promote compliance with ICWA’s stated goals and to provide best practices for ICWA compliance by state courts and child welfare agencies. In addition, on March 20, 2015, the Bureau of Indian Affairs proposed Regulations for State Courts and Agencies in Indian Child Custody Proceedings. Recently, Congress passed two bills to help protect Native American Children: The Native American Children’s Safety Act and the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children Act. The Executive branch and the Congress are to be commended for their efforts to clarify the original intent of the ICWA, and to promote the health, safety, and well-being of Native Children.

More here.