The Guide for Drafting or Revising Tribal Civil Dependency and Related Laws is designed to assist Native nations in drafting or revising their civil dependency laws as part of the development or reform of their child welfare system. Topics covered range from incorporating custom and tradition, to child-in-need-of-assistance proceedings to foster care in Native nations. This publication includes 14 chapters that focus on substantive areas crucial to any tribal child welfare system including: Jurisdiction, ICWA Transfers, and Interventions, Definitions of Child Maltreatment, Evidence Rules, Reporting and Investigation, Preventing Physical Removal of Children from Their Homes, Permanency Planning, Placement and Visitation, Modification of Parental Rights, and Customary Adoption and Guardianship. This publication also contains guidance on federal legal issues that Native nations must keep in mind; including issues related to Title IV-E and IV-B of the Social Security Act.
