ICWA in North Dakota
North Dakota Century Code Chapter 27-19.1 - Indian Child Welfare Act
North Dakota took a significant step in protecting Native American families and children by codifying the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) into state law, integrating its principles into the North Dakota Century Code. This landmark decision reinforces the state’s commitment to honoring Tribal sovereignty, preserving Native culture, and ensuring the well-being of Native American children. By embedding ICWA into state law, North Dakota strengthens its ability to collaborate with Tribal Nations, safeguard the placement preferences outlined in ICWA, and address the historical inequities faced by Native families within the child welfare system.
North Dakota Desk Bench Guide & Hard Card
The ND ICWA Desk Bench Guide and the ICWA Hard Card were designed to serve as a resource to assist with the completion of ICWA compliant findings and orders. The documents include required ICWA findings to ensure compliance in foster care placement and termination of parental rights proceedings.
This information was developed pursuant to the release of the BIA final ICWA rule (Rule) that was published in the Federal Register on June 14, 2016 (see 81 Fed.Reg. 38778). The Rule provides a uniform Federal standard for the procedural and substantive protections of the Act. The two-sided card and reference guide is designed for all persons who may have input into findings and orders, such as attorneys, social services and court staff.
The following links provide the reader with information and resources that are intended to assist in ICWA applicable court settings to assure the Indian Child Welfare Act is implemented constantly statewide.