[Smugs]

Does anyone know much about ICWA? We are currently fostering a 4 month old girl. She is 1/8th Native, and now they are thinking of placing her with grandma.

The thing about this is.... they are doing a background check on grandma. That is fine, she will come back clear. BUT... her husband will NOT. But they aren't doing a background check on him. My husband and I think that the reason they AREN'T doing the check on him is because he is a drug dealer, etc.... He has so many negatives against him. When I asked the SW why they aren't checking him, she said, "Because he won't be a "primary caregiver" WTF???? Are you serious?!?!?!

Needless to say, my husband and I are NOT happy with this social worker. I understand that ICWA laws are very strict with keeping Native's together, but give me a break. These people are NOT capable of raising this baby.

What experiences have you all had with ICWA?

TIA!

[MBelt8402]

Does the Grandfather live with the Grandmother? If so in our state all persons in home over 18 would have to have check, but different states have different laws. I am not famillier with the laws regarding I.C.W.A........

[Smugs]

Yes, they do live together. And bio mom lives right across the street from them, so she will have constant access to this baby.

I just don't understand how they think that this will be a loving and stable home for this child.

[LadyBugz]

MBelt brings up a good point. See if your state requires a background check on all people in the home. If so, you can try to twist the SW's arm with the legalities. Safety must come before genetics, ethnicity, and culture. If grandfather can't pass, then there is a problem that needs to be addressed.

[cheyenne1]

If grandmother is the native american blood line, then the tribe will place with her, if she passes.