Four national Indian organizations called on the Department of Justice to investigate the treatment of Indian children in the child welfare system across the nation.

The National Indian Child Welfare Association, the National Congress of American Indians, the Native American Rights Fund and the Association on American Affairs said the Indian Child Welfare Act was being ignored by states and private adoption agencies. They asked for an investigation into compliance and for greater federal oversight.

"When ICWA is not followed, the cultural bias and prejudice present in the child welfare system goes unchecked," the letter stated. "When ICWA is not followed, AI/AN children’s connection to their families, their communities, and their culture is severed. When ICWA is not followed, AI/AN children are subject to familial disruption, cultural discontinuity, and extreme post-traumatic stress that is unwarranted and avoidable. When ICWA is not followed, tribes lose citizens; and with them the ability to keep their traditions, practices, and culture alive."

"Without federal oversight, patterns of noncompliance and poor implementation will continue," the organizations said.

Get the Story:
Native American groups seek child welfare probe (AP 2/3)
Indian Groups Seek Investigation Into Adoption, Foster Placements (Oregon Public Broadcasting 2/3)
Indian Groups Question Public Child-Welfare Practices (The New York Times 2/4)