The Local Indian Child Welfare Advisory Committee (LICWAC) started in the early 1970s. Tribes and community members created it because they were worried that too many Native children were being taken away from their families and Tribes.
The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is grateful to the Tribes for leading this work. The state and Tribes worked together to create LICWAC teams. This work helps make sure Native children stay connected to their families, culture, and communities.
LICWAC teams only exist in Washington state. The rules for these teams became law in 1976, even before the federal Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) was passed.
Mission
LICWAC works to protect the culture and well-being of Native children by:
- Preventing children from being unfairly removed from their families
- Helping children return home when possible
- Placing children with relatives when they cannot return home
- Making sure children are placed in the least restrictive setting
- Making sure DCYF and agencies follow all laws for Native children and families
Purpose
Per Chapter 110-110 WAC, LICWAC works to:
- Support planning for services for Native children
- Protect and honor each child’s family, Tribe, culture, and identity
- Help Tribes and Native organizations take part in planning for children served by DCYF
