SCAO Training on ICWA Qualified Expert Witnesses

The information is here.

Purpose: This training will help child welfare professionals understand the role of the QEW and will provide practice tips on how to effectively present QEW testimony. This will include testimony on tribal history, tribal perspective on children and childhood, cultural expectations, specific tribal family history, and the unique needs of the Indian child. In addition to improving foundational knowledge on the role of the QEW, the training will also help judges to evaluate the quality of the testimony as well as further aid attorneys in conducting direct and cross examination of the QEW. The morning session will feature a presentation on the role of the QEW in ICWA cases. The afternoon session will offer hands-on exercises demonstrating QEW testimony in an ICWA case.

Target audience: Judges (state and tribal); referees; other court staff; attorneys; DHS caseworkers; other DHS child welfare personnel; and private agency caseworkers.