In 2016, new regulations were published that, for the first time, required states to collect information on how American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children and families were doing in state child welfare systems. Over 30 new data elements are included that track the Indian Child Welfare Act's (ICWA) implementation with AI/AN children. Now, the federal Administration for Children and Families wants to revisit these data elements and is asking if they should be considered overly burdensome or valuable. NICWA is asking all tribes, tribal organizations, states, and friends of ICWA to submit comments. The timeline for comments is short ( June 13, 2018), but NICWA has provided a sample comments letter that you can use to develop your comments. 

If you have any questions, please contact David Simmons at [email protected].