OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- Last year more than 1,160 American Indian children were placed in Native American foster care or adoptive homes through the Oklahoma Indian Child Welfare Act. And while this trend is down, great effort and energy have been put into finding homes for difficult to place children.

The Oklahoma Indian Child Welfare Act of 1982 was intended to stop the destabilizing effects on tribal culture caused by the removal of Indian children from their families and tribal communities. By asking tribes to establish their own child placement criteria, the OICWA protects the interests of these children, while promoting the stability and security of Native American families and tribes.

"The provisions of the OICWA ensure that Native American children retain their tribal and cultural identity," said Ann Davis, Programs Field Representative. "The act provides additional protections and assurances so that Native American children stay connected to their families and their tribes."

The Department of Human Services has established tribal state agreements with 30 of Oklahoma’s Indian tribes. Through these agreements, tribes establish criteria for adoption and foster care placement that gives preference to the child’s extended family, members of the child’s tribe and other Indian families. This criterion is based on the cultural standards of the tribe and provided to OKDHS. In turn, OKDHS is legally bound to follow these criteria. The OICWA also allows OKDHS to coordinate its investigations with the tribe.

"These agreements allow the state and tribes to work together to provide services to Native American children and families," said Davis. "Recruitment of Native American foster and adoptive homes is a priority for both tribal and state child welfare programs as well."

If you would like to know more about becoming a tribal foster or adoptive parent, contact your local county Department of Human Services or your tribal government offices.

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