Florida court rejects Seminole Tribe in ICWA case

Thursday, May 31, 2007  

A Florida appeals court on Wednesday refused to grant jurisdiction to the Seminole Tribe in an Indian Child Welfare Act case.

The Fourth District Court of Appeal said the best interests of a 4-year-old Seminole boy outweigh the rights of the tribe. The court noted the boy's extreme medical needs -- he tested positive for cocaine when he was born and has long-term health problems [Seminole Tribe v. Department of Children and Families].

The tribe sought jurisdiction with the hopes of placing the boy in an Indian home. The court said he will remain with a non-Indian family that has cared for him in a medical foster home.

A lawyer for the tribe said an appeal to the Florida Supreme Court is being considered.

Get the Story:
Court rejects Seminoles' effort to raise boy (The Miami Herald 5/31)
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Relevant Links:
National Indian Child Welfare Association - http://www.nicwa.org

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