who we are
About NICWA
NICWA is the only national membership organization that works to support the safety, health, and spiritual strength of American Indian and Alaska Native children along the broad continuum of their lives. We support tribes in building the capacity to prevent child abuse and neglect through positive systems change at the state, federal, and tribal levels.
News from NICWA
NICWA News Winter 2023
Quarterly Newsletter 2023 Winter NICWA News "Standing Together for Native Children." NICWA News is the quarterly...
2023 Policy Priorities
First published online: February 20, 2023NICWA 2023 Policy Priorities Each year the National Indian Child Welfare...
State of American Indian and Alaska Native Children and Families Report
First published online: November 22, 2022 Edits made to Parts 5 and Parts 6: May 23, 2023State of American Indian and...
who we are
Heart of ICWA
The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) protects American Indian and Alaska Native kids in child welfare proceedings by keeping them in the care of extended families or tribes whenever possible. ICWA protects identity, familial network, and sense of belonging-things that all children need. In this multi-part digital storytelling series, The Heart of ICWA, families convey firsthand what happens when the basic protections of ICWA are followed and the devastating consequences when families and children are deprived of these basic rights.