The Indian Child Welfare Act Of 1978, 1977-11-04 - 1978-10-15

The Indian child welfare act of 1978 was enacted in response to the high number of Indian children being placed in foster care or adoptive homes. The act gives exclusive jurisdiction to tribal courts in child custody proceedings, and requires state courts to transfer cases involving Indian children to tribal courts unless there is good cause or the parents object. The act also requires that state courts notify the parents, Indian custodians, and tribes of their right to intervene in child custody proceedings.