In an effort to ensure proper inquiry and noticing and to reduce the number of ICWA-related appeals in child welfare cases, this handout is intended to help social workers and others respond when they encounter children and families that report American Indian or Alaska Native ancestry yet find they are not from a federally recognized tribe. What is good social work practice in these cases, and how can courts support culturally centered practice that results in positive outcomes?

Author: Judicial Council of California, Center for Families, Children and the Courts
Date: 2010