Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Law Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Family Law

University of Colorado Law School

University of Colorado Law Review

2010

Articles 1 - 1 of 1

Full-Text Articles in Law

Finding The Indian Child Welfare Act In Unexpected Places: Applicability In Private Non-Parent Custody Actions, Jill E. Tompkins Jan 2010

Finding The Indian Child Welfare Act In Unexpected Places: Applicability In Private Non-Parent Custody Actions, Jill E. Tompkins

University of Colorado Law Review

In recent years, as an increasing number of Indian parents struggle with substance abuse and addiction, the number of abused and neglected Indian children is on the rise. Consequently, state child welfare agencies are overwhelmed, and caseworkers are only able to intervene in the most egregious situations. This understaffing of state agencies forces other family members and non-relatives to step in and care for these children. The federal Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 ("ICWA") was enacted by the United States Congress to stem the removal, often unwarranted, of an alarmingly high percentage of Indian children from their families through …