The Indian Child Welfare Act is a federal law that was enacted in 1978 to prevent the breakup of Native families when children are taken into state custody.  The ICWA program protects the rights of Alaska Native children, their families and tribal members and serves to protect their interests in state court child protection cases.

 NVU has a Tribal Family Coordinator that assists when this happens. 

 

The Tribal Family Coordinator services include:

-Intervention and attending court hearing, case staffing and planning meetings

-Identifying potential relative placements

-Family preservation needs

-Assistance with applying for General Assistance needs

-This office also assists with customary Tribal Adoption cases for Native families and children. 

 

PLEASE REMEMBER:  The ICWA does not provide assistance in cases of child custody disputes during divorce or between parents that are in a custody dispute.

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Please contact the Tribal Family Coordinator, Christy Schuneman, at (907) 624-3622 ext. 27 or via cell phone 907-625-1633 if you need further information on this program or a referral to other services such as Alaska Legal Services, Public Assistance, General Assistance or another office that might be able to assist you.

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If you suspect harm to a child, please contact the Office of Children's Services directly at 1-800-478-4444.