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Legislation/Policy/Procedure

Title: Washington State Indian Child Welfare Act
Parties: Washington State and Washington Tribes
Date enacted/published: 2011

Description:

The Washington Indian Child Welfare Act (WSICWA) was passed in 2011 and is intended as a step in clarifying existing laws and codifying existing policies and practices. The WSICWA seeks to clarify vague sections of the federal ICWA and to explicitly give preference to WSICWA where other state law previously conflicted.  WSICWA specifically defines “best interests of the Indian child” and further clarifies “qualified expert witness.”  The WSICWA also clarifies “active efforts.”  Wash. Rev Code § 13.38 (2013).  See: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=13.38&full=true

For additional information contact:
Juliette Knight
ICW Program Manager
Te Hika O Papauma (Registered member)
Ngati Kahungunu & Rangitane Heritage
Ph: 360-902-7578
Email: juliette.knight@dshs.wa.gov
Bob Smith
ICW Program Supervisor
Member of the Skokomish Tribe
Ph: 360-902-0298
Email: smithrc@dshs.wa.gov

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