From the early 1800s through the 1970s, assimilation policies led to the forcible removal of Native children from their homes and communities. Subsequent policies, like the Indian Adoption Project of the 1950s and the widespread removal of children from their families in state custody proceedings led to the 1978 enactment of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). ICWA, and similar state laws, increase tribal authority over tribal child welfare. We have litigated high-profile ICWA cases and are a respected resource on child welfare issues.
