The state of Iowa announced a $75,000, seven-month pilot project in Woodbury County to reduce the number of Indian children in the child welfare system.

The county has a large Indian population because it is near four Indian communities in Nebraska. There are 123 Indian children in the child welfare system in the county. Statewide, Indian children are only 0.4 percent of the population but 2.1 percent of children in foster care.

The pilot project will hire a liaison between the state and tribes. The state will provide more support for families in abuse situations and recruit more Indian foster families.

Tribal advocates are holding the Memorial March Honoring Lost Children today to protest the treatment of Indian children in foster care.

Get the Story:
Foster care goal: Cut American Indian totals (The Des Moines Register 11/24)