Panel to discuss ‘Indian Child Welfare Act Courts’

The National Center for State Courts will present the webinar “Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Courts: What We Know & What We Can Learn from Them” on Thursday, October 30, from 2 to 3 p.m.

This webinar will explore how Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) courts are transforming child protection for American Indian and Alaska Native families.

Panelists will share insights to help participants understand:

• Core principles that guide ICWA courts
• Real-world impacts on tribal children and families
• Jurisdictional highlights from Yellowstone County, Montana
• How ICWA courts foster collaboration between state and tribal partners

This session is designed for child welfare professionals, tribal leaders, judges, state court professionals, legal advocates, and anyone committed to honoring the spirit and promise of ICWA.

Speaking on the panel will be:

• Judge Rod Souza, Thirteenth Judicial District, Yellowstone County, Montana

• Sheldon Spotted Elk, senior director of judicial and national engagement, Casey Family Programs

• Heather Webster, deputy chief county attorney, Yellowstone County (Montana) Attorney's Office

• Moderator Abby Kuschel, principal court management consultant, NCSC

To register for the webinar, visit www.ncsc.org and click on “Education & events.”