Press Releases

Congresswoman Gwen Moore Applauds U.S. Supreme Court Decision Upholding the Indian Child Welfare Act

“The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) makes it clear that aiming to connect families with the resources they need to stay together and preserving cultural connections are essential to child welfare. It also reinforces tribal sovereignty, allowing tribes and parents to petition child welfare proceedings to be moved to a tribal court. That’s why I am so pleased the U.S. Supreme Court upheld this important legislation, which will protect the wellbeing of Native children and empower tribes.

ICWA was crafted to address the disturbingly high displacement of Native American children from their communities and into state systems or adoption agencies, despite there often being a network of family members and community members available to take care of the child.

We must continue building on ICWA, as Native American children are still overrepresented in the foster care system. Wisconsin ranks second nationwide in the disproportionate level of Native American children in foster care placement. As Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, I am committed to ensuring the child welfare system addresses the specific needs of Native American children and that tribal communities have the authority and resources to support every child’s growth, health, and development.”