Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

An Empirical Examination Of The Indian Child Welfare Act And Its Impact On Cultural And Familial Preservation For American Indian Children, Gordon E. Limb, Toni Chance, Eddie F. Brown

Faculty Publications

Cultural and familial ties are crucial for the overall well-being of children. Extant research and permanency planning practices support the reunification of children with their families when possible. In 1978, the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) was enacted to promote cultural and familial preservation for Indian children, but sparse empirical research has examined the implementation and outcomes associated with this landmark legislation. This article examines the relationship between compliance with ICWA in one Southwestern state and the rate of reunification of Indian children with family or tribal members following out-of-home placement.