Episode 5: Professional Discretion: New Ideas and Stories from the Field

In this final episode of a Guide through ICWA & MIFPA, the hosts discuss placement preference and considerations that child welfare workers must make according to state law. The order of preference is discussed as follows: 1) A member of an Indian child's extended family 2) A foster home or license approved or specified by an Indian child's tribe 3) Indian Foster home licensed, approved by a authorized non-Indian license authority and 4) an institution for children approved by an Indian tribe, or operated by the Indian organization with a program suitable to meet the Indian child's needs. Hosts respond to FAQs and best practices as well. We hope you have enjoyed this podcast series! Please share widely!

In this episode, you will learn the laws that qualified expert witness (QEW) covers in both ICWA and MIFPA. The episode also shares best practices, frequently asked questions and a story from an ICWA Compliance Consultant.

This episode discusses how Active Efforts is covered under both ICWA Act and also under MIFPA. Active Efforts under ICWA deals with remedial service and rehabilitative programs or preventive measures. Under MIFPA, active efforts includes acknowledging traditional helping and healing systems of an Indian child's tribe and using these systems as core to help and heal the Indian child and family. The episode will also address frequently asked questions regarding Active Efforts.

This episode addresses the types of proceedings and who should receive the ICWA Notice. The hosts review frequently asked questions regarding ICWA Notice.

This episode outlines the purpose of the MIFPA Notice, which is intended to involve the Indian child's tribe at the earliest point possible. Early engagement and collaboration between the child welfare agency and tribes and the establishment of a good working relationship can lead to better outcomes for Indian children and their families. The episode also addresses frequently asked questions regarding MIFPA Notice and best practices.

This episode describes the process of Inquiry and how it is considered an active effort. Local social service agencies and private licensed child placement agencies are responsible for finding out if a child has Indian heritage. This episode will also answer frequently asked questions and share best practices regarding Inquiry.

This episode outlines the federal ICWA requirements that apply to all state child custody proceedings involving native children. The hosts will also provide the background of MIFPA and its amendments that strengthen and expand parts of ICWA.

Dr. Toft introduces new thinking on what professional discretion in social work is. She interviews social workers from child protection, housing, and mental health about their professional discretion struggles and successes in the current practice landscape RESOURCES, and Transcript available at: https://cascw.umn.edu/portfolio-items/theoretical-underpinnings-in-child-welfare-podcast-series/

Dr. Toft introduces new thinking on social work resistance to business managerialism. She interviews social workers from child protection, housing, and mental health about their resistance efforts in the current practice landscape. Resources and transcript available at: https://cascw.umn.edu/portfolio-items/theoretical-underpinnings-in-child-welfare-podcast-series/

In this episode Marjorie Aunos and Dr. Traci LaLiberte reflect on the Parenting Done Differently Podcast. In this series Marjorie interviewed over 20 scholars and researchers in the field along with parents with disabilities and the children of parents with disabilities. Marjorie and Traci speak about the importance of providing tools for professionals who work in child welfare and looking for answers where we least expect them. SHOWNOTES, RESOURCES, and Transcript available at: z.umn.edu/parenting-done-differently