The Impact Of The Indian Child Welfare Act On Washington Adoptions
At Christina T. Sherman, PLLC, we handle all kinds of adoptions, including those involving the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). Our firm’s founding attorney, Christina T. Sherman, has dedicated her legal practice and career entirely to helping Washington families grow through surrogacy and adoption. If you are fostering a child or considering an adoption that requires ICWA compliance, our adoption attorney has more than 20 years of experience in Pierce County and the surrounding Washington communities.
What Is The Indian Child Welfare Act?
The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) is a federal law that was enacted in 1978. Its purpose is to protect the best interests of Native American children. The ICWA also recognizes the unique relationship between the U.S. government and Native American tribes by setting forth federal standards for the removal and placement of Native American children in foster or adoptive homes, prioritizing placement with the child’s extended family or tribal members.
This law seeks to preserve Native American culture and ensure that tribal governments have a voice in child custody proceedings for tribe members. Overall, the ICWA seeks to uphold and encourage stability for Native American tribe members and their families.
How Does The ICWA Affect Washington Foster Care Placements Or Adoptions?
In Washington, the ICWA plays a significant role in foster care and adoption processes involving Native American children. If you are considering adopting a Native American child, you need a lawyer familiar with ICWA to address ICWA’s numerous requirements in adoption.
Our adoption attorney understands the intricacies of the ICWA and how this federal act applies to Washington foster care placements and adoptions. As an experienced adoption lawyer, she can evaluate ICWA compliance, work with child protection and ensure that adoption proceedings conform to the ICWA requirements that are designed to protect the child’s cultural heritage and legal rights. Working closely with tribal authorities and tribal courts, we strive to honor the principles of the ICWA while simultaneously supporting your goal to expand your family, all while advocating for what is in the best interests of the child.
Most family law attorneys simply do not have the background to understand how to navigate an ICWA adoption, which can result in the adoption process getting held up or even blocked. As a credentialed member of the AAAA, our adoption attorney has more than 20 years of experience and has dedicated her legal practice to adoption. She has guided countless families through the adoption process, including numerous ICWA adoptions, since founding her practice. Ms. Sherman takes pride in resolving legal situations for adoptive families with dedication and professionalism.
Consult A Washington ICWA Lawyer
If you have questions about the Indian Child Welfare Act or need guidance on adoption in Washington, we are here to help. Contact us today to speak with an adoption lawyer who is committed to supporting you through every step of the process. Call us at 253-466-2775 or send an inquiry through our website to begin your journey with confidence.