From the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare:
It is apparent that the BIA guidelines on Indian child welfare proceedings overlap with current legislation in Minnesota, showing that efforts by the BIA and other advocates have likely been considered. The modifications to MIFPA and changes to out-of-home placement provisions are sensitive to tribal involvement, and the importance of heritage and culture in the lives of Indian children and families is clearly defined in the proposed purpose of MIFPA and other aspects of the new legislation. The bills fill gaps previously left unclear or undefined.
While the bills show much progress for Indian child welfare in Minnesota, there is one thing to consider. In terms of court placement of an Indian child outside of the placement preferences, both bills allow social services agencies to provide testimony that they have performed diligent efforts to follow the ICWA placement preferences. What is unclear is how the courts plan to measure the level of diligence and whether or not DHS would provide guidance over this.
Turtle Talk 