ICWA/MIFPA Summer Miniseries

Register once to attend the entire series

Presented by: State Court Administrative Office - Child Welfare Services & The Michigan Judicial Institute

2021 Summer Series Dates:

• June 22 - Cultural Competency
• July 20 - Heart of ICWA
• August 17 - Notice Requirements
• September 8 - Indian Child Removal Standards
• September 21 - Case Law Update

Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Audience:

These trainings are intended for jurists, referees, prosecutors, attorneys, Lawyer-Guardians Ad Litem, and juvenile court staff.

Program Description:

This 5-part miniseries on Indian Child Welfare Law will progressively cover topics to increase both awareness of, and compliance with, the federal Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and the Michigan Indian Family Preservation Act (MIFPA). The first two programs, will provide a broad understanding of the difference in tribal cultures, customs, and requirements for membership, as well as the key legal components of ICWA and why heightened legal standards exist for Indian children. The next two programs will address how to properly effectuate ICWA/MIFPA notice and review Indian Child removal standards, including “Active Efforts” and the role of the Qualified Expert Witness. The final program will be a case law update illustrating the consequences of failing to comply with the statutory procedures.

Guest Speakers:

Cultural Competency (June 22)

• Hon. Melissa Pope, Chief Judge, Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Tribal Court
• Jason Cross, MSW, State Manager for ICWA Compliance and Race Equity, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

Heart of ICWA (July 20)

• Hon. Allie Greenleaf Maldonado, Chief Judge, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians

Notice Requirements (August 17)

• Hon. Timothy P. Connors, Judge, Washtenaw County Peacemaking Court
• Karen Field, First Assistant Prosecutor, Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office

Indian Child Removal Standards (September 8)

• Ref. Jolene A. Clearwater, Attorney Referee, 48th Circuit Court Family Division (Allegan County)

Case Law Update (September 21)

• Professor Kathryn Fort, JD, MSU Law, Indigenous Law & Policy Center

Is Registration required?

Yes. Registration is required to participate in this webinar series.

Do I need to register for each session?

No. Register once to attend the entire series.

Can I update my registration information?

Yes. You can update your information (name, email, answers, etc.). Click on the following link for a step by step tutorial: http://help.eventbrite.com/customer/en_us/portal/articles/430100-how-to-update-your-ticket-registration-information

Who should I contact with questions?

For general assistance, please contact Kate McPherson at McphersonK@courts.mi.gov or 517-373-5322. For questions regarding the training content, please contact Casey Anbender at AnbenderC@courts.mi.gov.