US Indian Child Welfare Act under attack
Federal law aims to keep Native American children and families together, but for whose sake?
On Wednesday, April 6 at 19:30 GMT:
Dramatic images of social workers taking a six-year-old citizen of the Choctaw Indian tribe from her white foster family are going viral in the United States, reigniting debate over child welfare and tribal identity. The girl, 1/64 Native American, was sent to live with extended family under federal law formed to keep Indian families together. The foster parents’ supporters say race is trumping the child’s well being, but Native American advocates say the girl and others like her are better off growing up in a tribal culture.
Joining this conversation:
Adam Pertman @adampertman
President, National Center on Adoption and Permanency
nationalcenteronadoptionandpermanency.net
Lori Alvino McGill
Pages’ Lawyer
wilkinsonwalsh.com
Chrissi Nimmo @mizhardcase
Assistant Attorney General, Cherokee Nation
How important are race and culture in determining where a foster child should live? Share your thoughts below.