Indian Child Welfare

Services are provided to Native American children following the rules in the federal and Washington State Indian Child Welfare Acts (ICWA). These laws apply to areas like child protection, foster care, guardianship, adoption, and when parental rights are ended.

Besides the services DCYF gives directly, more help is offered through contracts with federally recognized Tribes and other Native organizations in Washington. This lets Tribes and groups provide care to their own members and Native people living off reservations.

DCYF also checks that its staff, Tribes, and partner agencies follow all state and federal laws about caring for Native American children. It gives guidance and support when needed.

Indian Child Welfare (ICW) Case Reviews

The purpose of the ICW Case Records Review is to understand DCYF’s current ICW practice. It checks if DCYF is following federal and state laws, its own policies, and agreements with Tribes.  

The review process follows the rules standards in RCW 13.38.190.

How Often Reviews Happen 

Reviews take place every two years in each of DCYF’s six regions.

Why the Process Was Updated 

The review process was updated to match DCYF’s updated ICW policies and procedures that started on July 1, 2024.

Main Areas Reviewed 

Areas were chosen through a collaborative effort by Tribes and DCYF. The review focuses on five key areas:

  • Inquiry of Indian status
  • Active Efforts/Tribal Collaboration  
  • Culturally Competent Case Management
  • Court Requirements
  • Placement Preferences

Who Is on the Review Teams 

Review teams may include:

  • DCYF staff from different roles and programs
  • Tribal partners in Washington state
  • Recognized American Indian Organizations (RAIOs)
  • University of Washington Alliance for Professional Development, Training, and Caregiver Excellence

Requirements for Reviewers 

All reviewers must:

  • Complete ICW Case Records Reviewer training
  • Fill out a Conflict of Interest form
  • (For external partners) sign a Confidentiality form
  • Be available for the full review week with no scheduling conflicts

How Tribal Reviewers Access Case Information 

Tribal reviewers can use DCYF’s FamLink system to see case information. If they cannot access everything they need, the Quality Assurance team creates a secure Managed File Transfer (MFT) account to help them.

How Cases Are Chosen for Review 

DCYF’s Office of Innovation, Alignment and Accountability (OIAA) uses FamLink to create a list of cases. These include children identified as American Indian or Alaska Native, or cases where there is reason to know. The cases must also involve an intake or a child being removed from home during a set time period.

Why Cases Are Randomized 

The cases are chosen at random to make sure the review fairly represents ICW cases across the state.

What Information Is Used in the Review 

Only information recorded in FamLink is used during the review.

Ongoing Support  

The Office of Tribal Relations (OTR) Quality Assurance team can help with extra reviews if needed. They can support regional leaders, local offices, and program units like Child Protective Services (CPS), Family Assessment Response (FAR), and Child and Family Welfare Services (CFWS).

For help, email dcyfdlotrqualityassurance@dcyf.wa.gov.   

2025 ICW Case Reviews

Reviewer Materials

Important Documents

Contacts

DCYF contacts:

Washington State Tribes:

Policy Memos