The Voice of the Indian Child: Enhancing the Indian Child Welfare Act Through Children's Participation

29 Pages Posted: 30 Nov 2007

See all articles by Barbara Ann Atwood

Barbara Ann Atwood

University of Arizona - James E. Rogers College of Law

Abstract

This essay explores the promise and challenge of giving more prominence to the child's voice in ICWA proceedings in state courts. I identify legal sources of the child's right of participation in statutory provisions, constitutional law, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and tribal law. The Essay also explores the considerable challenges facing representatives for children who are the subect of ICWA proceedings. Using selected cases for illustration, I argue that incorporating children's views in the ICWA calculus would move ICWA litigation toward a culture of respect for the dignity of each child and would enrich the decision-making of state court judges.

Keywords: Indian Child Welfare Act, child's voice, foster care, cultural understanding

Suggested Citation

Atwood, Barbara Ann, The Voice of the Indian Child: Enhancing the Indian Child Welfare Act Through Children's Participation. Arizona Law Review, Vol. 50, 2008, Arizona Legal Studies Discussion Paper No. 07-27, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1034304

Barbara Ann Atwood (Contact Author)

University of Arizona - James E. Rogers College of Law ( email )

P.O. Box 210176
Tucson, AZ 85721-0176
United States

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