Purpose
To protect the children of our Tribe as well as preserve and strengthen our native families. We exercise our sovereign authority in child custody proceedings to protect the continued existence of our culture.
Function
Ensure that Indian children are removed only when the law allows and are appropriately placed, the Indian custodian of the child and /or the Indian child’s Tribe have the right to intervene at any point in the custody proceeding.
What is ICWA?
“ICWA” stands for the Indian Child Welfare Act, which is a federal law passed in 1978. ICWA was passed in response to the alarmingly high number of Indian children being removed from their homes by both public and private agencies. The intent of Congress under ICWA was 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). ICWA sets federal requirements that apply to state child custody proceedings involving an Indian child who is a member of or eligible for membership in a federally recognized tribe.
Contact
North Fork Rancheria Indian Child Welfare Representative
P.O. Box 929
North Fork, California, CA 93643
(559)877-5555
icwa@nfr-nsn.gov