• Motion to Intervene Packet (AK Tribes)

    The “Motion to Intervene Packet (AK Tribes).pdf,” issued by the Alaska Court System in October 2023, provides forms and instructions for Alaska Native tribes to intervene in state court cases involving Indian children under the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). The packet includes forms for notifying the court of tribal intervention, designating a tribal representative (who may be a non-attorney), and certifying service of documents to all parties. It outlines the legal basis for tribal intervention, details the rights and responsibilities of tribes and their representatives, and stresses the importance of maintaining current contact information. The packet is designed to ensure compliance with ICWA and Alaska court rules, supporting tribal participation and the protection of Indian children in state custody proceedings.

  • Notice of Parents’ Indian Custodian’s Position Regarding Proposed Transfer (AK Tribes) 

    This document is a standardized notice form used in Alaska Superior Court child welfare cases involving the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). It enables a parent or Indian custodian to formally state their agreement or objection to the proposed transfer of a child welfare case from state court to a designated tribal court. The form includes sections for indicating the parent or custodian’s position, providing a signature and date, and certifying that notice has been distributed to all relevant parties, including attorneys, the Office of Children’s Services, the tribe, and the guardian ad litem. It references legal authorities such as CINA Rule 23(f) and specific sections of the ICWA (25 U.S.C. §§ 1903, 1911(b)).

  • Tribal Court Order Re: Jurisdiction Over Indian Child Welfare Case (AK Tribes)

    This document is a standardized order form used by Alaska Native tribal courts to determine jurisdiction over Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) cases involving children in need of aid. It enables the Tribal Court to formally accept or decline jurisdiction over cases transferred from state court, in accordance with CINA Rule 23 and federal law (25 U.S.C. § 1911(b)). The order specifies the effective date of jurisdiction transfer, typically set for 10 days after the state court issues the transfer order unless otherwise noted, and includes sections for case information, judicial signatures, and certification of distribution to all relevant parties, such as attorneys, parents, the tribe, and the Indian custodian.

  • Petition to Transfer ICWA CINA Case to Tribal Court (AK Tribes) 

    This document is a standardized petition form used in Alaska to request the transfer of a Child in Need of Aid (CINA) case involving an Indian child from state court to tribal court under the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and CINA Rule 23. It can be filed by a tribe, tribal court, parent, or Indian custodian, and requires providing contact information for all parties, indicating their agreement to the transfer, and confirming the tribal court’s willingness to accept jurisdiction. The form outlines the process for serving all parties, the necessity of parental agreement unless rights have been terminated, and the circumstances under which a transfer may be granted or denied. It also includes instructions for responding to the petition, details about the end of state court appointments if the case is transferred, and a certificate of service section to document notification of parties, along with references to relevant laws and additional forms.

  • Final Foster Care Standards 2014

    The “Final Foster Care Standards 2014” document outlines the policies and procedures for foster care within a tribal community, emphasizing child safety, well-being, and cultural continuity. It prioritizes placement with extended or tribally approved families and supports reunification with biological families when appropriate. The standards define types of foster care, detail licensure and evaluation processes for foster parents—including background checks, health screenings, home inspections, and annual reviews—and specify safety and health requirements for foster homes. Foster parents must demonstrate good character, complete required training, and adhere to confidentiality, discipline, and permanency planning guidelines. The document also covers license revocation procedures, the right to administrative hearings, and the comprehensive application process to ensure the suitability of foster care providers.

  • Tribal Foster Care Licensing Bay Mills

    The Bay Mills Indian Community’s Tribal Foster Care Licensing Ordinance No. 4 sets forth the requirements for licensing foster care providers for minors under Tribal Court jurisdiction. All foster homes or institutions must be licensed by the Child Welfare Committee, another tribe, or a state agency, with certain exceptions for relatives and emergency placements. A home study is required within 30 days of application, and licenses are initially provisional for six months before annual renewal, contingent on compliance with established standards. The ordinance allows for license revocation or termination due to noncompliance, abuse, or household changes, and provides a right to appeal such decisions. It also mandates reporting of significant household changes, outlines standards for home environment and care, emphasizes confidentiality of records with specific exceptions, and imposes penalties for unauthorized disclosure.

  • Substitute Provider Plan for Foster Care Leech Lake

    The Leech Lake Child Welfare Substitute Provider Plan for Foster Care is a form used by foster parents to designate preferred substitute babysitters, child care, and respite care providers for foster children. It specifies requirements for temporary care (less than 24 hours), child care during work or educational activities, and respite care (overnight or up to 72 hours in another licensed foster home). The form mandates that all designated providers, whether licensed or unlicensed, must pass background checks and that foster parents must inform their assigned Child Welfare Foster Care Specialist of any changes. The document highlights the importance of maintaining the child’s sense of family and tribal belonging and includes sections for provider information, licensing status, and foster parent signatures. Dated July 2013, the form ensures compliance with safety and cultural considerations in foster care arrangements.

  • Standards for Approving Tribal Foster Homes Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of TX

    The document details the standards and procedures for approving foster homes within the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas. It defines key terms and outlines the process for obtaining a foster care certificate from the Kickapoo Family Court, specifying requirements such as the maximum number of children allowed and certificate validity for one year, with provisional certificates available in certain cases. Certificates may be canceled if the foster parent moves or if disqualifying changes occur. Foster parents must provide a stable, healthy, and culturally respectful environment, demonstrate sound child-rearing practices, have sufficient income, and comply with court directives. Foster homes must ensure proper supervision, nutrition, safety, and prohibit corporal punishment. The approval process includes a written application, personal references, a home study with interviews and inspections, and may involve additional health and safety checks. These standards were enacted on October 27, 2009.