ICWA/WICWA Esssentials for Child Welfare and the Courts
DCYF’s Office of Tribal Relations (OTR) plays a critical role in supporting American Indian and Alaska Native children involved in the state child welfare system by promoting quality practice of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and the Washington Indian Child Welfare Act (WICWA). As part of this role, OTR connects families and Tribal partners to services that are culturally appropriate and high-quality and promote the preservation of Tribal, cultural and familial connections.
This presentation will provide an overview of OTR’s role in Indian Child Welfare practice, including:
1. The role of OTR in ICWA and WICWA implementation
2. Tribal prevention services
3. The Local Indian Child Welfare Advisory Committee
4. ICWA case compliance and consultation
5. Qualified Expert Witnesses (QEW)