Tribal Customary Adoption

Level: Advanced Practice – Lineworker, Supervisor, Manager

Credits: 3

Intended Audience: This course is intended for child welfare staff who work with Native American children and families subject to the Indian Child Welfare Act

Description of Course: Through lecture, video, group discussion, and case scenarios this half-day course will provide a brief review of the ICWA, an introduction to the Tribal Customary Adoption law and its incorporation into social work practice. The long-term impact of transracial adoption for Native American children, adults, and tribes will be examined. Child welfare worker’s role and responsibilities related to the implementation of TCA will be reviewed.

Intended Objectives:

• Review the basic ICWA requirements
• Explore the long term impact of loss of culture, language, and spirituality on Native American adoptees and tribes
• Identify the need for TCA in California law
• Identify the steps for addressing TCA in an ICWA case
• Create a plan for implementing TCA in casework

Topics Include:

• Review of the ICWA
• Impact of transracial adoption on Native American adoptees and tribes
• Introduction to and definition of TCA
• Implementation of TCA into social work practice
• TCA process