The Navajo Nation says the Mormon Church placed a Navajo child up for adoption in violation of the Indian Child Welfare Act.

The law was designed to ensure tribes have a role in the placement of tribal children. But LDS Family Services never notified the tribe, or the Navajo father, of the custodial rights of a 20-month-old girl, according to a lawsuit in federal court.

A state court has ruled that the Navajo man failed to establish his rights before the baby was placed up for adoption. But he says he didn't learn about his child until after the mother, who is non-Indian, started proceedings.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints says it complied with state and federal laws. The child was placed in a home that was chosen by the non-Indian mother.

Get the Story:
Navajos fighting for custodial rights (The Deseret Morning News 10/30) $ad1 Relevant Links:
National Indian Child Welfare Association - http://www.nicwa.org

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