Salem, OR – Marion County, Oregon, is taking significant steps to address the needs of Native American families within the child welfare system through a newly established court program. The initiative, known as the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Court, seeks to ensure that Native children are kept within their communities and culture during proceedings that involve their custody.
The ICWA is a federal law designed to keep Native American children connected to their heritage and prevent their separation from Native families due to adoption or foster care placement. Marion County’s new program is one of the first of its kind in Oregon, with only one other court in the state currently offering such a specialized approach.
At the core of this court program is the goal of reuniting Native children with their families, and it does so by tailoring the judicial process to meet the cultural and legal needs of these families. In doing so, the court aims to preserve cultural ties while also ensuring that the best interests of the children are met in accordance with both tribal and state laws.
Judge Manuel Perez of the Marion County Circuit Court has been at the forefront of the initiative. He emphasized the importance of culturally appropriate interventions in the child welfare process. “This program is designed not only to meet the legal requirements but also to respect and honor the traditions and values of Native American families,” Perez said.
The program is part of a larger statewide movement to better serve Native families in the child welfare system. Oregon’s ICWA courts aim to enhance communication and collaboration between tribal communities, families, and state agencies, ensuring that decisions about Native children reflect their cultural heritage and support family reunification when possible.
Local tribes, child welfare professionals, and advocates for Native American rights have long called for more effective implementation of the ICWA. By creating this specialized court docket, Marion County is setting a precedent for other jurisdictions to follow in ensuring the fair treatment of Native families.
With the program now in full swing, supporters hope the ICWA Court will serve as a model for other counties, helping to safeguard the future of Native children and families across Oregon.
