How does the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) protect Native American children in South Dakota?

When ICWA applies to a South Dakota child’s case, the child’s tribe and family will have an opportunity to be involved in decisions affecting services for the Indian child.  A tribe or a parent can also petition to transfer jurisdiction of the case to their own tribal court. ICWA sets out federal requirements regarding removal and placement of Indian children in foster or adoptive homes and allows the child’s tribe to intervene in the case.

Brooke Swier Schloss
Connect with me
Family Law and Estate Planning attorney helping families across South Dakota plan and protect their loved ones