Acting Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Lawrence S. Roberts announced final, updated measures to protect the rights of Indian children, their parents and their tribes in state child welfare proceedings. The measures will support the stability and security of Indian families and tribes by providing a more consistent interpretation of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (ICWA), regardless of the child welfare worker, judge or state involved.
The final rule will become effective 180 days after its publication in the Federal Register. Within that time, the Bureau will publish revised guidelines to replace the February 24, 2015 Guidelines for State Courts and Agencies in Indian Child Custody Proceedings.
- Final ICWA Regulations, 25 CFR 23 (June 8, 2016)
- Frequently Asked Questions, Final Rule: Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Proceedings, Bureau of Indian Affairs (June 8, 2016)
- News Release: Acting Assistant Secretary Roberts Issues Final Regulations to Strengthen Implementation of the Indian Child Welfare Act, Focusing on Family Unification, June 8, 2016