Social & Human Services
It is the BIA’s policy to protect the best interest of Indian children and to promote the stability and security of Indian tribes and Indian families, to prevent the arbitrary removal of Indian children from their families and tribes. (CFR 25, §23.3)
Social and Human Services
The BSR Social Services program has a mission dedicated to meeting the needs of the tribal community and each of its members. We do this by offering family engagement, community outreach, emergency food and baby supplies, victim assistance services including advocacy, and Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) services.
Indian Child Welfare Act
The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) is a federal law that prevents the arbitrary removal of Indian children from their homes by public and private agencies.
Congress passed the ICWA in 1978 in response to the alarmingly high rate of Native children being separated from their parents, extended families, and tribal communities.
Designed 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), the ICWA directs state courts to follow a set of standards and guidelines when an Indian child is involved in a child custody proceeding.
CILS represents tribes in state court where ICWA is applicable.
For more information, visit www.calindian.org/icwa.htm.
For any ICWA matters contact:
Shaniah Samaniego
Tribal ICWA Representative
(559) 374-0066 ext. 215