Indian Child Welfare Act

Congress enacted the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) nearly 45 years ago to combat a widespread and destructive practice of separating Native American children from their families and placing them with non-Native parents.

The law is now being questioned by the U.S. Supreme Court and oral arguments are set for the coming months. This fact sheet provides more information on the ICWA, the recent lawsuit Brackeen v. Haaland making its way to the US Supreme Court, and what this means for Native American children and families.