[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 54 (Friday, March 20, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 14880-14894]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-06371]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Indian Affairs

25 CFR 23

[K00103 12/13 A3A10; 134D0102DR-DS5A300000-DR.5A311.IA000113]
RIN 1076-AF25


Regulations for State Courts and Agencies in Indian Child Custody 
Proceedings

AGENCY: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: This proposed rule would add a new subpart to the Department 
of the Interior's (Department) regulations implementing the Indian 
Child Welfare Act (ICWA), to improve ICWA implementation by State 
courts and child welfare agencies. These regulations complement 
recently published Guidelines for State Courts and Agencies in Indian 
Child Custody Proceedings, reflect recommendations made by the Attorney 
General's Advisory Committee on American Indian/Alaska Native Children 
Exposed to Violence, and address significant developments in 
jurisprudence since ICWA's inception. This publication also announces 
the dates and locations for tribal consultation sessions and public 
meetings to receive comment on this proposed rule.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before May 19, 2015. Comments on 
the information collections contained in this proposed regulation are 
separate from those on the substance of the proposed rule. Comments on 
the information collection burden should be received by April 20, 2015 
to ensure consideration, but must be received no later than May 19, 
2015. See the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document for 
dates of public meetings and tribal consultation sessions.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods:

--Federal rulemaking portal: www.regulations.gov. The rule is listed 
under the agency name ``Bureau of Indian Affairs'' or ``BIA.'' The rule 
has been assigned Docket ID: BIA-2015-0001.
--Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8fece0e2e2eae1fbfccfede6eea1e8e0f9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e0838f8d8d858e9493a0828981ce878f96">[email protected]</span></a>. Include ``ICWA'' in the subject line of the 
message.
--Mail or hand-delivery: Ms. Elizabeth Appel, Office of Regulatory 
Affairs & Collaborative Action--Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the 
Interior, 1849 C Street NW., MS 3642, Washington, DC 20240, (202) 273-
4680.

    Comments on the Paperwork Reduction Act information collections 
contained in this rule are separate from comments on the substance of 
the rule. Submit comments on the information collection requirements in 
this rule to the Desk Officer for the Department of the Interior by 
email at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bbf4f2e9fae4e8ced9d6d2c8c8d2d4d5fbd4d6d995ded4cb95dcd4cd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="430c0a11021c1036212e2a30302a2c2d032c2e216d262c336d242c35">[email protected]</span></a> or by facsimile at (202) 395-5806. 
Please also send a copy of your comments to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0764686a6a6269737447656e6629606871"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="dab9b5b7b7bfb4aea99ab8b3bbf4bdb5ac">[email protected]</span></a>.
    See the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document for 
locations of public meetings and tribal consultation sessions.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Elizabeth Appel, Office of 
Regulatory Affairs & Collaborative Action--Indian Affairs, U.S. 
Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street NW., MS 3642, Washington, DC 
20240, (202) 273-4680; <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5d383134273c3f382935733c2d2d38311d3f343c733a322b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="72171e1b08131017061a5c130202171e32101b135c151d04">[email protected]</span></a>. You may review the 
information collection request online at http://www.reginfo.gov. Follow 
the instructions to review Department of the Interior collections under 
review by OMB.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Executive Summary

    Since ICWA was enacted by Congress in 1978, it has improved child 
welfare practices regarding Indian children. Commentators have 
asserted, however, that it has not reached its full potential due 
largely to ineffective or inconsistent implementation in some case. 
This proposed rule would establish a new subpart to regulations 
implementing ICWA at 25 CFR 23 to address Indian child welfare 
proceedings in State courts. This proposed rule is published in 
response to comments received during several listening sessions, 
written comments submitted throughout 2014, and recommendations that 
regulations are needed to fully implement ICWA. See, e.g., Attorney 
General's Advisory Committee on American Indian and Alaska Native 
Children Exposed to Violence: Ending Violence So Children Can Thrive 
(November 2014), p. 77. This proposed rule would also respond to 
significant developments in jurisprudence since

[[Page 14881]]

the regulations were established in 1979 and last substantively updated 
in 1994.
    This proposed rule would incorporate many of the changes made to 
the recently revised guidelines into regulations, establishing the 
Department's interpretation of ICWA as a binding interpretation to 
ensure consistency in implementation of ICWA across all States. This 
consistency is necessary to ensure that the goals of ICWA are carried 
out with each Indian child custody proceeding, regardless of the child 
welfare worker, judge, and State involved. The proposed rule would 
establish the following procedures to ensure compliance with ICWA: 
Determining whether ICWA applies to any child custody proceeding, 
providing notice to the parents or Indian custodian and Indian 
tribe(s), requesting and responding to requests to transfer proceedings 
to tribal court, adjudication of involuntary placements, adoptions, and 
terminations of parental rights, undertaking voluntary proceedings, 
identifying and applying placement preferences, and post-proceeding 
actions.
    The Department requests comment on this proposed rule.

II. Background

    Congress enacted ICWA in 1978 to address the Federal, State, and 
private agency policies and practices that resulted in the ``wholesale 
separation of Indian children from their families.'' H. Rep. 95-1386 
(July 24, 1978), at 9. Congress found ``that an alarmingly high 
percentage of Indian families are broken up by the removal, often 
unwarranted, of their children from them by nontribal public and 
private agencies and that an alarmingly high percentage of such 
children are placed in non-Indian foster and adoptive homes and 
institutions . . . .'' 25 U.S.C. 1901(4). Congress determined that 
cultural ignorance and biases within the child welfare system were 
significant causes of this problem and that state administrative and 
judicial bodies ``have often failed to recognize the essential tribal 
relations of Indian people and the cultural and social standards 
prevailing in Indian communities and families.'' 25 U.S.C. 1901(5); H. 
Rep. 95-1386, at 10. Congress enacted ICWA to ``protect the best 
interests of Indian children and to promote the stability and security 
of Indian tribes and families by establishing minimum Federal standards 
for the removal of Indian children from their families and the 
placement of such children in foster or adoptive homes or institutions 
which will reflect the unique values of Indian culture.'' H. Rep. 95-
1386, at 8. The ICWA thus articulates a strong ``federal policy that, 
where possible, an Indian child should remain in the Indian 
community.'' Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians v. Holyfield, 490 U.S. 
30, 37 (1989) (citing H. Rep. 95-1386 at 24).
    Following ICWA's enactment, in July 1979, the Department issued 
regulations addressing notice procedures for involuntary child custody 
proceedings involving Indian children, as well as governing the 
provision of funding for and administration of Indian child and family 
service programs as authorized by ICWA. See 25 CFR part 23. Those 
regulations did not address the specific requirements and standards 
that ICWA imposes upon State court child custody proceedings, beyond 
the requirements for contents of the notice. Also, in 1979, BIA 
published guidelines for State courts to use in interpreting many of 
ICWA's requirements in Indian child custody proceedings. 44 FR 67584 
(Nov. 26, 1979).
    In 2014, the Department invited comments to determine whether to 
update its guidelines and if so, what changes should be made. The 
Department held several listening sessions, including sessions with 
representatives of federally recognized Indian tribes, State court 
representatives (e.g., the National Council of Juvenile and Family 
Court Judges and the National Center for State Courts' Conference of 
Chief Justices Tribal Relations Committee), the National Indian Child 
Welfare Association, and the National Congress of American Indians. The 
Department received comments from those at the listening sessions and 
also received written comments, including comments from individuals and 
additional organizations. An overwhelming proportion of the commenters 
requested not only that the Department update its ICWA guidelines but 
that the Department also issue regulations addressing the requirements 
and standards that ICWA imposes upon State court child custody 
proceedings. The Department reviewed and considered each comment in 
developing this proposed rule.
    The Department has examined its authority to interpret and 
implement ICWA, including through a rulemaking, and has concluded that 
it possesses authority to implement the statute through rulemaking. 
ICWA instructs that ``[w]ithin [180] days after November 8, 1978, the 
Secretary shall promulgate such rules and regulations as may be 
necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.'' 25 U.S.C. 
1952. This is a broad grant of authority to the Secretary of the 
Interior (Secretary) to issue rules in order to ensure that the statute 
is fully and properly implemented. In addition to this express 
authority in ICWA, the Secretary is charged with ``the management of 
all Indian affairs and of all matters arising out of Indian 
relations,'' 25 U.S.C. 2, and may ``prescribe such regulations as [s]he 
may think fit for carrying into effect the various provisions of any 
act relating to Indian affairs.'' 25 U.S.C. 9. Finally, the United 
States has long been understood to have a special relationship with 
Indian nations, which includes the duty and power to protect them. 
Congress referred to this inherent authority in the opening language of 
ICWA, which explains that the ``United States has a direct interest, as 
trustee, in protecting Indian children.'' 25 U.S.C. 1901(3). These 
regulations, which are intended to improve the implementation of ICWA, 
uphold this Federal interest.
    The Department has concluded that these regulations are now 
necessary to effectively carry out the provisions of ICWA. In issuing 
the guidelines in 1979, the Department found that primary 
responsibility for interpreting many of ICWA's provisions rests with 
the State courts that decide Indian child custody cases. See, e.g., 44 
FR 67,584 (November 26, 1979). At the time, the Department opined that 
the promulgation of regulations was not necessary to carry out ICWA. 
Since that time, it has become clear that a uniform interpretation of 
key provisions is necessary to ensure compliance with ICWA. These 
regulations will provide a stronger measure of consistency in the 
implementation of ICWA, which has been interpreted in different, and 
sometimes conflicting, ways by various State courts and agencies and 
has resulted in different minimum standards being applied across the 
United States, contrary to Congress' intent. Moreover, conflicting 
interpretations can lead to arbitrary outcomes, and certain 
interpretations and applications threaten the rights that ICWA was 
intended to protect. See, e.g., Holyfield, 490 U.S. at 45-46 
(describing the need for uniformity in defining ``domicile'' under 
ICWA).

III. Overview of the Proposed Rule

    This proposed rule addresses ICWA implementation by State courts 
and child welfare agencies, including updating definitions, and 
replacing current notice provisions at 25 CFR 23.11 with a proposed new 
subpart I to 25 CFR part 23. The proposed new subpart also addresses 
other aspects of ICWA compliance by State courts and child welfare 
agencies including, but

[[Page 14882]]

not limited to, other pretrial requirements, procedures for requesting 
transfer of an Indian child custody proceeding to tribal court, 
adjudications of involuntary placements, adoptions, and termination of 
parental rights, voluntary proceedings, dispositions, and post-trial 
rights. For example, the proposed rule clarifies ICWA applicability and 
codifies that there is no ``Existing Indian Family Exception (EIF)'' to 
ICWA. Since first identification of the EIF in 1982, the majority of 
State appellate courts that have considered the EIF have rejected it as 
contrary to the plain language of ICWA. Some State legislatures have 
also explicitly rejected the EIF within their State ICWA statutes. When 
Congress enacted ICWA, it intended that an ``Indian child'' was the 
threshold for application of ICWA. The Department agrees with the 
States that have concluded that there is no existing Indian family 
exception to application of ICWA. The proposed rule also promotes the 
early identification of ICWA applicability. Such identifications will 
promote proper implementation of ICWA at an early stage, to prevent--as 
much as possible--delayed discoveries that ICWA applies.
    We welcome comments on all aspects of this rule. We are 
particularly interested in the use of ``should'' versus ``must.'' The 
proposed rule makes several of the provisions issued in the recently 
published Guidelines for State Courts and Agencies in Indian Child 
Custody Proceedings, 80 FR 10146 (February 25, 2015), binding as 
regulation. These proposed mandatory provisions (indicating an action 
``must'' be taken, for example) are authorized by ICWA. Some proposed 
provisions indicate that certain actions ``should'' be taken. We 
welcome comment on whether mandatory language is authorized by ICWA in 
those instances and any appropriate revisions to further promote 
compliance with ICWA.

IV. Public Meetings & Tribal Consultation Sessions

    The Department will host both public meetings and tribal 
consultation sessions on this proposed rule.

A. Public Meetings

    All are invited to the public meetings. Dates and locations for the 
public meetings are as follows:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Date                            Time                   Location                  Venue
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, April 22, 2015............  9 a.m.-noon Local Time.  Portland, Oregon.......  BIA Regional Office,
                                                                                          911 NE 11th Ave,
                                                                                          Portland, OR 97232*.
Thursday, April 23, 2015.............  1-4 p.m. Local Time....  Rapid City, South        Best Western Ramkota
                                                                 Dakota.                  Hotel, 2111 N Lacrosse
                                                                                          St., Rapid City, SD
                                                                                          57701.
Tuesday, May 5, 2015.................  1-4 p.m. Local Time....  Albuquerque, New Mexico  National Indian
                                                                                          Programs Training
                                                                                          Center, 1011 Indian
                                                                                          School Road NW., Suite
                                                                                          254 Albuquerque, NM
                                                                                          87104*.
Thursday, May 7, 2015................  1-4 p.m. Local Time....  Prior Lake, Minnesota..  Mystic Lake Casino
                                                                                          Hotel, 2400 Mystic
                                                                                          Lake Blvd., Prior
                                                                                          Lake, MN 55372.
Tuesday, May 12, 2015................  1 p.m.-4 p.m. Eastern    Via teleconference.....  888-730-9138, Passcode:
                                        Time.                                             INTERIOR.
Thursday, May 14, 2015...............  1-4 p.m. Local Time....  Tulsa, Oklahoma........  Tulsa Marriott Southern
                                                                                          Hills, 1902 East 71st,
                                                                                          Tulsa, OK 74136.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Please RSVP for the Portland and Albuquerque meetings to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#dcbfb3b2afa9b0a8bda8b5b3b29cbeb5bdf2bbb3aa"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e98a86879a9c859d889d808687a98b8088c78e869f">[email protected]</span></a>, bring photo identification, and
  arrive early to allow for time to get through security, as these are Federal buildings. No RSVP is necessary
  for the other locations.

B. Tribal Consultation Sessions

    Tribal consultation sessions are for representatives of currently 
federally recognized tribes only, to discuss the rule on a government-
to-government basis with the Department. These sessions may be closed 
to the public. The dates and locations for the tribal consultations are 
as follows:

 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Date                           Time                    Location                    Venue
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, April 20, 2015...........  3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Local  Portland, Oregon........  Hilton Portland &
                                    Time.                                                Executive Towers, 921
                                                                                         SW. Sixth Avenue,
                                                                                         Portland, OR 97204, (at
                                                                                         the same location as
                                                                                         NICWA conference).
Thursday, April 23, 2015.........  9 a.m.-12 p.m. Local Time  Rapid City, South Dakota  Best Western Ramkota
                                                                                         Hotel, 2111 N Lacrosse
                                                                                         St, Rapid City, SD
                                                                                         57701.
Tuesday, May 5, 2015.............  9 a.m.-12 p.m. Local Time  Albuquerque, New Mexico.  National Indian Programs
                                                                                         Training Center, 1011
                                                                                         Indian School Road,
                                                                                         NW., Suite 254,
                                                                                         Albuquerque, NM 87104*.
Thursday, May 7, 2015............  9 a.m.-12 p.m. Local Time  Prior Lake, Minnesota...  Mystic Lake Casino
                                                                                         Hotel, 2400 Mystic Lake
                                                                                         Blvd., Prior Lake, MN
                                                                                         55372.
Monday, May 11, 2015.............  1 p.m.-4 p.m. Eastern      Via teleconference......  Call-in number: 888-730-
                                    Time.                                                9138 Passcode: INTERIOR
                                                                                         =.

[[Page 14883]]

 
Thursday, May 14, 2015...........  9 a.m.-12 p.m. Local Time  Tulsa, Oklahoma.........  Tulsa Marriott Southern
                                                                                         Hills, 1902 East 71st,
                                                                                         Tulsa, OK 74136.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

V. Statutory Authority

    The Department is issuing this proposed rule pursuant to ICWA, 25 
U.S.C. 1901 et seq., and its authority over the management of all 
Indian affairs under 25 U.S.C. 2, 9.

VI. Procedural Requirements

1. Regulatory Planning and Review (E.O. 12866 and 13563)

    Executive Order (E.O.) 12866 provides that the Office of 
Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) at the Office of Management 
and Budget (OMB) will review all significant rules. OIRA has determined 
that this rule is not significant.
    E.O. 13563 reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866 while calling for 
improvements in the nation's regulatory system to promote 
predictability, to reduce uncertainty, and to use the best, most 
innovative, and least burdensome tools for achieving regulatory ends. 
The E.O. directs agencies to consider regulatory approaches that reduce 
burdens and maintain flexibility and freedom of choice for the public 
where these approaches are relevant, feasible, and consistent with 
regulatory objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes further that regulations 
must be based on the best available science and that the rulemaking 
process must allow for public participation and an open exchange of 
ideas. The Department has developed this rule in a manner consistent 
with these requirements.

2. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Department certifies that this rule will not have a significant 
economic effect on a substantial number of small entities under the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.).

3. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

    This rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small 
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. It will not result in the 
expenditure by State, local, or tribal governments, in the aggregate, 
or by the private sector of $100 million or more in any one year. The 
rule's requirements will not result in a major increase in costs or 
prices for consumers, individual industries, Federal, State, or local 
government agencies, or geographic regions. Nor will this rule have 
significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, 
productivity, innovation, or the ability of the U.S.-based enterprises 
to compete with foreign-based enterprises.

4. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    This rule does not impose an unfunded mandate on State, local, or 
tribal governments or the private sector of more than $100 million per 
year. The rule does not have a significant or unique effect on State, 
local, or tribal governments or the private sector. A statement 
containing the information required by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act 
(2 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) is not required.

5. Takings (E.O. 12630)

    Under the criteria in Executive Order 12630, this rule does not 
affect individual property rights protected by the Fifth Amendment nor 
does it involve a compensable ``taking.'' A takings implication 
assessment is therefore not required.

6. Federalism (E.O. 13132)

    Under the criteria in Executive Order 13132, this rule has no 
substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between 
the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power 
and responsibilities among the various levels of government. The 
Department has determined that this rule complies with the fundamental 
Federalism principles and policymaking criteria established in EO 
13132. Congress determined that the issue of Indian child welfare is 
sufficiently national in scope and significance to justify a statute 
that applies uniformly across States. This rule invokes the United 
States' special relationship with Indian tribes and children by 
establishing a regulatory baseline for implementation to further the 
goals of ICWA. Such goals include protecting the best interests of 
Indian children and promoting the stability and security of Indian 
tribes and families by establishing minimum Federal standards for the 
removal of Indian children from their families and the placement of 
such children in foster or adoptive homes that reflect the unique 
values of Indian culture. States are required to comply with ICWA even 
in the absence of this rule, and that requirement has existed since 
ICWA's passage in 1978. In the spirit of EO 13132, the Department 
specifically solicits comment on this proposed rule from State 
officials, including suggestions for how the rule could be made more 
flexible for State implementation.

7. Civil Justice Reform (E.O. 12988)

    This rule complies with the requirements of Executive Order 12988. 
Specifically, this rule has been reviewed to eliminate errors and 
ambiguity and written to minimize litigation; and is written in clear 
language and contains clear legal standards.

8. Consultation With Indian Tribes (E.O. 13175)

    In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994, 
``Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal 
Governments,'' Executive Order 13175 (59 FR 22951, November 6, 2000), 
and 512 DM 2, we have evaluated the potential effects on federally 
recognized Indian tribes and Indian trust assets. The Department hosted 
several listening sessions on the ICWA guidelines and notified each 
federally recognized tribal leader of the sessions. Several federally 
recognized Indian tribes submitted written comments and many suggested 
developing regulations. The Department considered each tribe's comments 
and concerns and have addressed them, where possible, in the proposed 
rule. The Department will be continuing to consult with tribes during 
the public comment period on this rule. The dates and locations of 
consultation sessions are listed in section IV, above.

9. Paperwork Reduction Act

    OMB Control Number: 1076-NEW
    Title: Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Proceedings in State Court
    Brief Description of Collection: This collection addresses the 
reporting, third-party disclosure, and recordkeeping requirements of 
ICWA, which requires State courts and agencies to provide notice to 
tribes and parents/custodians of any child custody proceeding that may 
involve an ``Indian child,'' and

[[Page 14884]]

requires State courts and agencies to document certain actions and 
maintain certain records regarding the removal and placement of an 
``Indian child.''
    Type of Review: Existing collection in use without OMB control 
number.
    Respondents: State governments and individuals.
    Number of Respondents: 5,500 on average (each year).
    Number of Responses: 116,100 on average (each year).*
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \*\ The following table shows estimates of the hour burden above 
what a State court or agency would do in a child custody proceeding 
that does not involve ICWA requirements:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Frequency of Response: On occasion.
    Estimated Time per Response: Ranges from 15 minutes to 12 hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Hour Burden: 277,276 hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Non-Hour Cost: $868,400.**
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \**\ In many cases, there are no start-up costs associated with 
these information collections because State courts are agencies are 
already implementing child custody actions. However, it is possible 
that some States may not yet have a single location, or electronic 
database accessible from anywhere, housing all placement records. 
For this reason, we are estimating a start-up cost of $487,500 (or 
just under $10,000 per state on average, with the understanding that 
there will be no start-up costs in some states and up to $20,000 or 
more in others). The annual cost burden to respondents associated 
with providing notice by registered mail is $11.95 and the cost of a 
return receipt green card is $2.70. For each Indian child custody 
proceeding, at least two notices must be sent--one to the parent and 
one to the tribe, totaling $29.30. At an annual estimated 13,000 
child welfare proceedings that may involve an ``Indian child,'' this 
totals: $380,900. Together with the start-up cost, the total non-
hour cost burden for all 50 States is $868,400.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          Annual  number                                    Completion
                  Sec.                        Information collection            of         Frequency of   Annual  number     time per      Total annual
                                                                            respondents      responses     of  responses     response      burden hours
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
23.107.................................  Obtain information on whether                50             260          13,000              12         156,000
                                          child is ``Indian child''.
23.109(c)(3)...........................  Notify of tribal membership                  50             130           6,500               1           6,500
                                          where more than 1 tribe.
23.111, 23.113.........................  Notify tribe, parents, Indian                50             260          13,000               6          78,000
                                          custodian of child custody
                                          proceeding.
23.113.................................  Document basis for emergency                 50             260          13,000             0.5           6,500
                                          removal/placement.
23.113.................................  Maintain records detailing                   50             260          13,000             0.5           6,500
                                          steps to provide notice.
23.113.................................  Petition for court order                     50             260          13,000             0.5           6,500
                                          authorizing emergency removal/
                                          placement (with required
                                          contents).
23.118.................................  Notify tribal court of                       50               5             250            0.25              63
                                          transfer, provide records.
23.120.................................  Document ``active efforts''....              50             130           6,500             0.5           3,250
23.125.................................  Parental consent to termination           5,000               1           5,000             0.5           2,500
                                          or adoption (with required
                                          contents).
23.126, 127............................  Notify placement of withdrawal               50               2             100            0.25              25
                                          of consent.
23.128.................................  Document each placement                      50             130           6,500             0.5           3,250
                                          (including required documents).
23.128.................................  Maintain records of placements.              50             130           6,500             0.5           3,250
23.132.................................  Notify of petition to vacate...              50               5             250            0.25              63
23.135.................................  Notify of change in status quo.              50             130           6,500            0.25           1,625
23.136.................................  Notify of final adoption decree/             50             130           6,500            0.25           1,625
                                          order.
23.137.................................  Maintain records in a single                 50             130           6,500            0.25           1,625
                                          location and respond to
                                          inquiries.
                                                                                                                 116,100            6.75         277,276
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10. National Environmental Policy Act

    This rule does not constitute a major Federal action significantly 
affecting the quality of the human environment because it is of an 
administrative, technical, and procedural nature. See, 43 CFR 
46.210(i). No extraordinary circumstances exist that would require 
greater review under the National Environmental Policy Act.

11. Effects on the Energy Supply (E.O. 13211)

    This rule is not a significant energy action under the definition 
in Executive Order 13211. A Statement of Energy Effects is not 
required.

12. Clarity of This Regulation

    We are required by Executive Orders 12866 and 12988 and by the 
Presidential Memorandum of June 1, 1998, to write all rules in plain 
language. This means that each rule we publish must:
    (a) Be logically organized;
    (b) Use the active voice to address readers directly;
    (c) Use clear language rather than jargon;
    (d) Be divided into short sections and sentences; and
    (e) Use lists and tables wherever possible.
    If you believe that we have not met these requirements, send us 
comments by one of the methods listed in the ``COMMENTS'' section. To 
better help revise the rule, your comments should be as specific as 
possible. For example, include the numbers of the sections or 
paragraphs that are unclearly written, which sections or sentences are 
too long, the sections where lists or tables would be useful, etc.

13. Public Availability of Comments

    Before including your address, phone number, email address, or 
other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be 
aware that your entire comment--including your personal identifying 
information--may be made publicly available at any time. While you can 
ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying

[[Page 14885]]

information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be 
able to do so.
    The Department cannot ensure that comments received after the close 
of the comment period (see DATES) will be included in the docket for 
this rulemaking and considered. Comments sent to an address other than 
those listed above will not be included in the docket for this 
rulemaking.

List of Subjects in 25 CFR Part 23

    Administrative practice and procedure, Child welfare, Indians, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    For the reasons stated in the preamble, the Department of the 
Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, proposes to amend part 23 in Title 
25 of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows:

PART 23--INDIAN CHILD WELFARE ACT

0
1. The authority citation for part 23 continues to read as follows:


    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 25 U.S.C. 2, 9, 1901-1952.

0
2. In Sec.  23.2:
0
a. Add a definition for ``active efforts'';
0
b. Revise the definition of ``child custody proceeding'';
0
c. Add definitions for ``continued custody'', ``custody'', and 
``domicile'';
0
d. Revise the definition of ``extended family member'';
0
e. Add a definition for ``imminent physical danger or harm'';
0
f. Revise the definition of ``Indian child's tribe'', ``Indian 
custodian'', ``parent'', ``reservation'', and ``Secretary'';
0
g. Add a definition for ``status offenses'';
0
h. Revise the definition of ``tribal court''; and
0
i. Add definitions for ``upon demand'' and ``voluntary placement''.
    The additions and revisions read as follows:
    Revise the following definitions to read as follows:


Sec.  23.2  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Active efforts means actions intended primarily to maintain and 
reunite an Indian child with his or her family or tribal community and 
constitute more than reasonable efforts as required by Title IV-E of 
the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 671(a)(15)). Active efforts include, 
for example:
    (1) Engaging the Indian child, the Indian child's parents, the 
Indian child's extended family members, and the Indian child's 
custodian(s);
    (2) Taking steps necessary to keep siblings together;
    (3) Identifying appropriate services and helping the parents to 
overcome barriers, including actively assisting the parents in 
obtaining such services;
    (4) Identifying, notifying, and inviting representatives of the 
Indian child's tribe to participate;
    (5) Conducting or causing to be conducted a diligent search for the 
Indian child's extended family members for assistance and possible 
placement;
    (6) Taking into account the Indian child's tribe's prevailing 
social and cultural conditions and way of life, and requesting the 
assistance of representatives designated by the Indian child's tribe 
with substantial knowledge of the prevailing social and cultural 
standards;
    (7) Offering and employing all available and culturally appropriate 
family preservation strategies;
    (8) Completing a comprehensive assessment of the circumstances of 
the Indian child's family, with a focus on safe reunification as the 
most desirable goal;
    (9) Notifying and consulting with extended family members of the 
Indian child to provide family structure and support for the Indian 
child, to assure cultural connections, and to serve as placement 
resources for the Indian child;
    (10) Making arrangements to provide family interaction in the most 
natural setting that can ensure the Indian child's safety during any 
necessary removal;
    (11) Identifying community resources including housing, financial, 
transportation, mental health, substance abuse, and peer support 
services and actively assisting the Indian child's parents or extended 
family in utilizing and accessing those resources;
    (12) Monitoring progress and participation in services;
    (13) Providing consideration of alternative ways of addressing the 
needs of the Indian child's parents and extended family, if services do 
not exist or if existing services are not available;
    (14) Supporting regular visits and trial home visits of the Indian 
child during any period of removal, consistent with the need to ensure 
the safety of the child; and
    (15) Providing post-reunification services and monitoring.
* * * * *
    Child custody proceeding means and includes any proceeding or 
action that involves:
    (1) Foster care placement, which is any action removing an Indian 
child from his or her parent or Indian custodian for temporary 
placement in a foster home or institution or the home of a guardian or 
conservator where the parent or Indian custodian cannot have the child 
returned upon demand, although parental rights have not been 
terminated;
    (2) Termination of parental rights, which is any action resulting 
in the termination of the parent-child relationship;
    (3) Preadoptive placement, which is the temporary placement of an 
Indian child in a foster home or institution after the termination of 
parental rights, but prior to or in lieu of adoptive placement; or
    (4) Adoptive placement, which is the permanent placement of an 
Indian child for adoption, including any action resulting in a final 
decree of adoption.
* * * * *
    Continued custody means physical and/or legal custody that a parent 
already has or had at any point in the past. The biological mother of a 
child has had custody of a child.
    Custody means physical and/or legal custody under any applicable 
tribal law or tribal custom or State law. A party may demonstrate the 
existence of custody by looking to tribal law or tribal custom or State 
law.
    Domicile means:
    (1) For a parent or any person over the age of eighteen, physical 
presence in a place and intent to remain there;
    (2) For an Indian child, the domicile of the Indian child's 
parents. In the case of an Indian child whose parents are not married 
to each other, the domicile of the Indian child's mother.
    Extended family member is defined by the law or custom of the 
Indian child's tribe or, in the absence of such law or custom, is a 
person who has reached the age of eighteen and who is the Indian 
child's grandparent, aunt or uncle, brother or sister, brother-in-law 
or sister-in-law, niece or nephew, first or second cousin, or 
stepparent.
* * * * *
    Imminent physical damage or harm means present or impending risk of 
serious bodily injury or death.
* * * * *
    Indian child's tribe means:
    (1) The Indian tribe in which an Indian child is a member or 
eligible for membership; or
    (2) In the case of an Indian child who is a member of or eligible 
for membership in more than one tribe, the Indian tribe with which the 
Indian child has more significant contacts.

[[Page 14886]]

    Indian custodian means any Indian person who has legal custody of 
an Indian child under tribal law or custom or under State law, or to 
whom temporary physical care, custody, and control has been transferred 
by the parent of such child. An Indian person may demonstrate that he 
or she is an Indian custodian by looking to tribal law or tribal custom 
or State law.
* * * * *
    Parent means any biological parent or parents of an Indian child or 
any Indian person who has lawfully adopted an Indian child, including 
adoptions under tribal law or custom. It does not include an unwed 
father where paternity has not been acknowledged or established.
    Reservation means Indian country as defined in 18 U.S.C. 1151, 
including any lands, title to which is held by the United States in 
trust for the benefit of any Indian tribe or individual or held by any 
Indian tribe or individual subject to a restriction by the United 
States against alienation.
    Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary's 
authorized representative acting under delegated authority.
* * * * *
    Status offenses mean offenses that would not be considered criminal 
if committed by an adult; they are acts prohibited only because of a 
person's status as a minor (e.g., truancy, incorrigibility).
* * * * *
    Tribal court means a court with jurisdiction over child custody 
proceedings, including a Court of Indian Offenses, a court established 
and operated under the code or custom of an Indian tribe, or any other 
administrative body of a tribe vested with authority over child custody 
proceedings.
* * * * *
    Upon demand means that the parent or Indian custodians can regain 
custody simply upon request, without any contingencies such as repaying 
the child's expenses.
* * * * *
    Voluntary placement means a placement that either parent has, of 
his or her free will, chosen for the Indian child, including private 
adoptions.
0
3. In Sec.  23.11, revise paragraph (d) and remove paragraphs (e), (f), 
and (g).
    The revision reads as follows:


Sec.  23.11  Notice.

* * * * *
    (d) Notice to the appropriate BIA Area Director pursuant to 
paragraph (b) of this section must be sent by registered mail with 
return receipt requested and must include the information required by 
Sec.  23.111 of these regulations.
* * * * *
0
4. Add subpart I to read as follows:

Subpart I--Indian Child Welfare Act Proceedings

General Provisions

Sec.
23.101 What is the purpose of this subpart?
23.102 What terms do I need to know?
23.103 When does ICWA apply?
23.104 How do I contact a tribe under the regulations in this 
subpart?
23.105 How does this subpart interact with State laws?

Pretrial Requirements

23.106 When does the requirement for active efforts begin?
23.107 What actions must an agency and State court undertake to 
determine whether a child is an Indian child?
23.108 Who makes the determination as to whether a child is a member 
of a tribe?
23.109 What is the procedure for determining an Indian child's tribe 
when the child is a member or eligible for membership in more than 
one tribe?
23.110 When must a State court dismiss an action?
23.111 What are the notice requirements for a child custody 
proceeding involving an Indian child?
23.112 What time limits and extensions apply?
23.113 What is the process for the emergency removal of an Indian 
child?
23.114 What are the procedures for determining improper removal?

Procedures for Making Requests for Transfer to Tribal Court

23.115 How are petitions for transfer of proceeding made?
23.116 What are the criteria and procedures for ruling on transfer 
petitions?
23.117 How is a determination of ``good cause'' not to transfer 
made?
23.118 What happens when a petition for transfer is made?

Adjudication of Involuntary Placements, Adoptions, or Terminations of 
Parental Rights

23.119 Who has access to reports or records?
23.120 What steps must a party take to petition a State court for 
certain actions involving an Indian child?
23.121 What are the applicable standards of evidence?
23.122 Who may serve as a qualified expert witness?

Voluntary Proceedings

23.123 What actions must an agency and State court undertake in 
voluntary proceedings?
23.124 How is consent obtained?
23.125 What information should the consent document contain?
23.126 How is withdrawal of consent achieved in a voluntary foster 
care placement?
23.127 How is withdrawal of consent to a voluntary adoption 
achieved?

Dispositions

23.128 When do the placement preferences apply?
23.129 What placement preferences apply in adoptive placements?
23.130 What placement preferences apply in foster care or 
preadoptive placements?
23.131 How is a determination for ``good cause'' to depart from the 
placement preferences made?

Post-Trial Rights & Recordkeeping

23.132 What is the procedure for petitioning to vacate an adoption?
23.133 Who can make a petition to invalidate an action?
23.134 What are the rights of adult adoptees?
23.135 When must notice of a change in child's status be given?
23.136 What information must States furnish to the Bureau of Indian 
Affairs?
23.137 How must the State maintain records?
23.138 How does the Paperwork Reduction Act affect this subpart?

General Provisions


Sec.  23.101  What is the purpose of this subpart?

    These regulations clarify the minimum Federal standards governing 
implementation of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) to ensure that 
ICWA is applied in all States consistent with the Act's express 
language, Congress' intent in enacting the statute, and the canon of 
construction that statutes enacted for the benefit of Indians are to be 
liberally construed to their benefit. In order to fully implement ICWA, 
these regulations apply in all proceedings and stages of a proceeding 
in which ICWA is or becomes applicable.


Sec.  23.102  What terms do I need to know?

    The following terms and their definitions apply to this subpart. 
All other terms have the meanings assigned in Sec.  23.2.
    Agency means a private State-licensed agency or public agency and 
their employees, agents or officials involved in and/or seeking to 
place a child in a child custody proceeding.
    Indian organization means any group, association, partnership, 
corporation, or other legal entity owned or controlled by Indians or a 
tribe, or a majority of whose members are Indians.


Sec.  23.103  When does ICWA apply?

    (a) ICWA applies whenever an Indian child is the subject of a State 
child custody proceeding as defined by the Act. ICWA also applies to 
proceedings involving status offenses or juvenile delinquency 
proceedings if any part of

[[Page 14887]]

those proceedings results in the need for placement of the child in a 
foster care, preadoptive or adoptive placement, or termination of 
parental rights.
    (b) There is no exception to application of ICWA based on the so-
called ``existing Indian family doctrine'' and, the following non-
exhaustive list of factors that have been used by courts in applying 
the existing Indian family doctrine may not be considered in 
determining whether ICWA is applicable:
    (1) The extent to which the parent or Indian child
    (i) Participates in or observes tribal customs,
    (ii) Votes in tribal elections or otherwise participates in tribal 
community affairs,
    (iii) Contributes to tribal or Indian charities, subscribes to 
tribal newsletters or other periodicals of special interest in Indians,
    (iv) Participates in Indian religious, social, cultural, or 
political events, or maintains social contacts with other members of 
the tribe;
    (2) The relationship between the Indian child and his/her Indian 
parents;
    (3) The extent of current ties either parent has to the tribe;
    (4) Whether the Indian parent ever had custody of the child;
    (5) The level of involvement of the tribe in the State court 
proceedings; and/or
    (6) Blood quantum.
    (c) Agencies and State courts, in every child custody proceeding, 
must ask whether the child is or could be an Indian child and conduct 
an investigation into whether the child is an Indian child.
    (d) If there is any reason to believe the child is an Indian child, 
the agency and State court must treat the child as an Indian child, 
unless and until it is determined that the child is not a member or is 
not eligible for membership in an Indian tribe.
    (e) ICWA and these regulations or any associated Federal guidelines 
do not apply to:
    (1) Tribal court proceedings;
    (2) Placements based upon an act by the Indian child which, if 
committed by an adult, would be deemed a criminal offense; or
    (3) An award, in a divorce proceeding, of custody of the Indian 
child to one of the parents.
    (f) Voluntary placements that do not operate to prohibit the 
child's parent or Indian custodian from regaining custody of the child 
upon demand are not covered by ICWA. Such placements should be made 
pursuant to a written agreement, and the agreement should state 
explicitly the right of the parent or Indian custodian to regain 
custody of the child upon demand.
    (g) Voluntary placements in which a parent consents to a foster 
care placement or seeks to permanently terminate his or her rights or 
to place the child in a preadoptive or adoptive placement are covered 
by ICWA.


Sec.  23.104  How do I contact a tribe under the regulations in this 
subpart?

    To contact a tribe to provide notice or obtain information or 
verification under these regulations, you should direct the notice or 
inquiry as follows:
    (a) Many tribes designate an agent for receipt of ICWA notices. The 
BIA publishes a list of tribes' designated tribal agents for service of 
ICWA notice in the Federal Register each year and makes the list 
available on its Web site at www.bia.gov.
    (b) For tribes without a designated tribal agent for service of 
ICWA notice, contact the tribe(s) to be directed to the appropriate 
individual or office.
    (c) If you do not have accurate contact information for the 
tribe(s) or the tribe(s) contacted fail(s) to respond to written 
inquiries, you may seek assistance in contacting the Indian tribe(s) 
from the BIA Regional Office and/or Central Office in Washington, DC 
(see www.bia.gov).


Sec.  23.105  How does this subpart interact with State laws?

    (a) These regulations provide minimum Federal standards to ensure 
compliance with ICWA and are applicable in all child custody 
proceedings in which ICWA applies.
    (b) In any child custody proceeding where applicable State or other 
Federal law provides a higher standard of protection to the rights of 
the parent or Indian custodian than the protection accorded under the 
Act, ICWA requires that the State court must apply the higher standard.

Pretrial Requirements


Sec.  23.106  When does the requirement for active efforts begin?

    (a) The requirement to engage in ``active efforts'' begins from the 
moment the possibility arises that an agency case or investigation may 
result in the need for the Indian child to be placed outside the 
custody of either parent or Indian custodian in order to prevent 
removal.
    (b) Active efforts to prevent removal of the child must be 
conducted while investigating whether the child is a member of the 
tribe, is eligible for membership in the tribe, or whether a biological 
parent of the child is or is not a member of a tribe.


Sec.  23.107  What actions must an agency and State court undertake in 
order to determine whether a child is an Indian child?

    (a) Agencies must ask whether there is reason to believe a child 
that is subject to a child custody proceeding is an Indian child. If 
there is reason to believe that the child is an Indian child, the 
agency must obtain verification, in writing, from all tribes in which 
it is believed that the child is a member or eligible for membership, 
as to whether the child is an Indian child.
    (b) State courts must ask, as a threshold question at the start of 
any State court child custody proceeding, whether there is reason to 
believe the child who is the subject of the proceeding is an Indian 
child by asking each party to the case, including the guardian ad litem 
and the agency representative, to certify on the record whether they 
have discovered or know of any information that suggests or indicates 
the child is an Indian child.
    (1) In requiring this certification, courts may wish to consider 
requiring the agency to provide:
    (i) Genograms or ancestry charts for both parents, including all 
names known (maiden, married and former names or aliases); current and 
former addresses of the child's parents, maternal and paternal 
grandparents and great grandparents or Indian custodians; birthdates; 
places of birth and death; tribal affiliation including all known 
Indian ancestry for individuals listed on the charts, and/or other 
identifying information; and/or
    (ii) The addresses for the domicile and residence of the child, his 
or her parents, or the Indian custodian and whether either parent or 
Indian custodian is domiciled on or a resident of an Indian reservation 
or in a predominantly Indian community.
    (2) If there is reason to believe the child is an Indian child, the 
court must confirm that the agency used active efforts to work with all 
tribes of which the child may be a member to verify whether the child 
is in fact a member or eligible for membership in any tribe, under 
paragraph (a) of this section.
    (c) An agency or court has reason to believe that a child involved 
in a child custody proceeding is an Indian child if:
    (1) Any party to the proceeding, Indian tribe, Indian organization 
or public or private agency informs the agency or court that the child 
is an Indian child;
    (2) Any agency involved in child protection services or family 
support has discovered information suggesting that the child is an 
Indian child;
    (3) The child who is the subject of the proceeding gives the agency 
or court

[[Page 14888]]

reason to believe he or she is an Indian child;
    (4) The domicile or residence of the child, parents, or the Indian 
custodian is known by the agency or court to be, or is shown to be, on 
an Indian reservation or in a predominantly Indian community; or
    (5) An employee of the agency or officer of the court involved in 
the proceeding has knowledge that the child may be an Indian child.
    (d) In seeking verification of the child's status, in a voluntary 
placement proceeding where a consenting parent evidences a desire for 
anonymity, the agency or court must keep relevant documents 
confidential and under seal. A request for anonymity does not relieve 
the obligation to obtain verification from the tribe(s) or to provide 
notice.


Sec.  23.108  Who makes the determination as to whether a child is a 
member of a tribe?

    (a) Only the Indian tribe(s) of which it is believed a biological 
parent or the child is a member or eligible for membership may make the 
determination whether the child is a member of the tribe(s), is 
eligible for membership in the tribe(s), or whether a biological parent 
of the child is a member of the tribe(s).
    (b) The determination by a tribe of whether a child is a member, is 
eligible for membership, or whether a biological parent is or is not a 
member, is solely within the jurisdiction and authority of the tribe.
    (c) No other entity or person may authoritatively make the 
determination of whether a child is a member of the tribe or is 
eligible for membership in the tribe.
    (d) The State court may not substitute its own determination 
regarding a child's membership or eligibility for membership in a tribe 
or tribes.


Sec.  23.109  What is the procedure for determining an Indian child's 
tribe when the child is a member or eligible for membership in more 
than one tribe?

    (a) Agencies must notify all tribes, of which the child may be a 
member or eligible for membership, that the child is involved in a 
child custody proceeding. The notice should specify the other tribe or 
tribes of which the child may be a member or eligible for membership.
    (b) If the Indian child is a member or eligible for membership in 
only one tribe, that tribe should be designated as the Indian child's 
tribe.
    (c) If an Indian child is a member or eligible for membership in 
more than one tribe, ICWA requires that the Indian tribe with which the 
Indian child has the more significant contacts be designated as the 
Indian child's tribe.
    (1) In determining significant contacts, the following may be 
considered:
    (i) Preference of the parents for membership of the child;
    (ii) Length of past domicile or residence on or near the 
reservation of each tribe;
    (iii) Tribal membership of custodial parent or Indian custodian; 
and
    (iv) Interest asserted by each tribe in response to the notice that 
the child is involved in a child custody proceeding;
    (2) When an Indian child is already a member of a tribe, but is 
also eligible for membership in another tribe, deference should be 
given to the tribe in which the Indian child is a member, unless 
otherwise agreed to by the tribes. However, if the Indian child is not 
a member of any tribe, an opportunity should be provided to allow the 
tribes to determine which of them should be designated as the Indian 
child's tribe.
    (i) If the tribes are able to reach an agreement, the agreed upon 
tribe should be designated as the Indian child's tribe.
    (ii) If the tribes do not agree, the following factors should be 
considered in designating the Indian child's tribe:
    (A) The preference of the parents or extended family members who 
are likely to become foster care or adoptive placements; and/or
    (B) Tribal membership of custodial parent or Indian custodian; and/
or
    (C) If applicable, length of past domicile or residence on or near 
the reservation of each tribe; and/or
    (D) Whether there has been a previous adjudication with respect to 
the child by a court of one of the tribes; and/or
    (E) Self-identification by the child; and/or
    (F) Availability of placements.
    (3) Once an Indian tribe is designated as the child's Indian tribe, 
all tribes which received notice of the child custody proceeding must 
be notified in writing of the determination and a copy of that document 
must be filed with the court and sent to each party to the proceeding 
and to each person or governmental agency that received notice of the 
proceeding.
    (4) A determination of the Indian child's tribe for purposes of 
ICWA and these regulations does not constitute a determination for any 
other purpose or situation.
    (d) The tribe designated as the Indian child's tribe may authorize 
another tribe to act as a representative for the tribe in a child 
custody case.


Sec.  23.110  When must a State court dismiss an action?

    Subject to Sec.  23.113 (emergency procedures), the following 
limitations on a State court's jurisdiction apply:
    (a) The court must dismiss any child custody proceeding as soon as 
the court determines that it lacks jurisdiction.
    (b) The court must make a determination of the residence and 
domicile of the Indian child. If either the residence or domicile is on 
a reservation where the tribe exercises exclusive jurisdiction over 
child custody proceedings, the State court must dismiss the State court 
proceedings, the agency must notify the tribe of the dismissal based on 
the tribe's exclusive jurisdiction, and the agency must transmit all 
available information regarding the Indian child custody proceeding to 
the tribal court.
    (c) If the Indian child has been domiciled or previously resided on 
an Indian reservation, the State court must contact the tribal court to 
determine whether the child is a ward of the tribal court. If the child 
is a ward of a tribal court, the State court must dismiss the State 
court proceedings, the agency must notify the tribe of the dismissal, 
and the agency must transmit all available information regarding the 
Indian child custody proceeding to the tribal court.


Sec.  23.111  What are the notice requirements for a child custody 
proceeding involving an Indian child?

    (a) When an agency or court knows or has reason to believe that the 
subject of a voluntary or involuntary child custody proceeding is an 
Indian child, the agency or court must send notice of each such 
proceeding (including but not limited to a temporary custody 
proceeding, any removal or foster care placement, any adoptive 
placement, or any termination of parental or custodial rights) by 
registered mail with return receipt requested to:
    (1) Each tribe where the child may be a member or eligible for 
membership;
    (2) The child's parents; and
    (3) If applicable, the Indian custodian.
    (b) Notice may be sent via personal service or electronically in 
addition to the methods required by ICWA, but such alternative methods 
do not replace the requirement for notice to be sent by registered mail 
with return receipt requested.
    (c) Notice must be in clear and understandable language and include 
the following:
    (1) Name of the child, the child's birthdate and birthplace;
    (2) Name of each Indian tribe(s) in which the child is a member or 
may be eligible for membership;

[[Page 14889]]

    (3) A copy of the petition, complaint or other document by which 
the proceeding was initiated;
    (4) Statements setting out:
    (i) The name of the petitioner and name and address of petitioner's 
attorney;
    (ii) The right of the parent or Indian custodian to intervene in 
the proceedings.
    (iii) The Indian tribe's right to intervene at any time in a State 
court proceeding for the foster care placement of or termination of a 
parental right.
    (iv) If the Indian parent(s) or, if applicable, Indian custodian(s) 
is unable to afford counsel based on a determination of indigency by 
the court, counsel will be appointed to represent the parent or Indian 
custodian where authorized by State law.
    (v) The right to be granted, upon request, a specific amount of 
additional time (up to 20 additional days) to prepare for the 
proceedings due to circumstances of the particular case.
    (vi) The right to petition the court for transfer of the proceeding 
to tribal court under 25 U.S.C. 1911, absent objection by either 
parent: Provided, that such transfer is subject to declination by the 
tribal court.
    (vii) The mailing addresses and telephone numbers of the court and 
information related to all parties to the proceeding and individuals 
notified under this section.
    (viii) The potential legal consequences of the proceedings on the 
future custodial and parental rights of the Indian parents or Indian 
custodians.
    (d) If the identity or location of the Indian parents, Indian 
custodians or tribes in which the Indian child is a member or eligible 
for membership cannot be ascertained, but there is reason to believe 
the child is an Indian child, notice of the child custody proceeding 
must be sent to the appropriate Bureau of Indian Affairs Regional 
Director (see www.bia.gov). To establish tribal identity, as much 
information as is known regarding the child's direct lineal ancestors 
should be provided (see Sec.  23.111 of this subpart regarding notice 
requirements). The Bureau of Indian Affairs will not make a 
determination of tribal membership, but may, in some instances, be able 
to identify tribes to contact.
    (e) The original or a copy of each notice sent under this section 
should be filed with the court together with any return receipts or 
other proof of service.
    (f) If a parent or Indian custodian appears in court without an 
attorney, the court must inform him or her of the right to appointed 
counsel, the right to request that the proceeding be transferred to 
tribal court, the right to object to such transfer, the right to 
request additional time to prepare for the proceeding and the right (if 
the parent or Indian custodian is not already a party) to intervene in 
the proceedings.
    (g) If the court or an agency has reason to believe that a parent 
or Indian custodian possesses limited English proficiency and is 
therefore not likely to understand the contents of the notice, the 
court or agency must, at no cost, provide a translated version of the 
notice or have the notice read and explained in a language that the 
parent or Indian custodian understands. To secure such translation or 
interpretation support, a court or agency should contact the Indian 
child's tribe or the local BIA agency for assistance in locating and 
obtaining the name of a qualified translator or interpreter.
    (h) No substantive proceedings, rulings or decisions on the merits 
related to the involuntary placement of the child or termination of 
parental rights may occur until the notice and waiting periods in this 
section have elapsed.
    (i) If the child is transferred interstate, regardless of whether 
the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) applies, 
both the originating State court and receiving State court must provide 
notice to the tribe(s) and seek to verify whether the child is an 
Indian child.


Sec.  23.112  What time limits and extensions apply?

    (a) No proceedings regarding decisions for the foster care or 
termination of parental rights may begin until the waiting periods to 
which the parents or Indian custodians and to which the Indian child's 
tribe are entitled have passed. Additional extensions of time may also 
be granted beyond the minimum required by ICWA.
    (b) A tribe, parent or Indian custodian entitled to notice of the 
pendency of a child custody proceeding has a right, upon request, to be 
granted an additional 20 days from the date upon which notice was 
received in accordance with 25 U.S.C. 1912(a) to prepare for 
participation in the proceeding.
    (c) The proceeding may not begin until all of the following dates 
have passed:
    (1) 10 days after each parent or Indian custodian (or Secretary 
where the parent or Indian custodian is unknown to the petitioner) has 
received notice in accordance with 25 U.S.C. 1912(a);
    (2) 10 days after the Indian child's tribe (or the Secretary if the 
Indian child's tribe is unknown to the party seeking placement) has 
received notice in accordance with 25 U.S.C. 1912(a);
    (3) 30 days after the parent or Indian custodian has received 
notice in accordance with 25 U.S.C. 1912(a), if the parent or Indian 
custodian has requested an additional 20 days to prepare for the 
proceeding; and
    (4) 30 days after the Indian child's tribe has received notice in 
accordance with 25 U.S.C. 1912(a), if the Indian child's tribe has 
requested an additional 20 days to prepare for the proceeding.
    (d) The court should allow, if it possesses the capability, 
alternative methods of participation in State court proceedings by 
family members and tribes, such as participation by telephone, 
videoconferencing, or other methods.


Sec.  23.113  What is the process for the emergency removal of an 
Indian child?

    (a) Any emergency removal or emergency placement of any Indian 
child under State law must be as short as possible. Each involved 
agency or court must:
    (1) Diligently investigate and document whether the removal or 
placement is proper and continues to be necessary to prevent imminent 
physical damage or harm to the child;
    (2) Promptly hold a hearing to hear evidence and evaluate whether 
the removal or placement continues to be necessary whenever new 
information is received or assertions are made that the emergency 
situation has ended; and
    (3) Immediately terminate the emergency removal or placement once 
the court possesses sufficient evidence to determine that the emergency 
has ended.
    (b) If the agency that conducts an emergency removal of a child 
whom the agency knows or has reason to believe is an Indian child, the 
agency must:
    (1) Treat the child as an Indian child until the court determines 
that the child is not an Indian child;
    (2) Conduct active efforts to prevent the breakup of the Indian 
family as early as possible, including, if possible, before removal of 
the child;
    (3) Immediately take and document all practical steps to confirm 
whether the child is an Indian child and to verify the Indian child's 
tribe;
    (4) Immediately notify the child's parents or Indian custodians and 
Indian tribe of the removal of the child;
    (5) Take all practical steps to notify the child's parents or 
Indian custodians and Indian tribe about any proceeding, or hearings 
within a proceeding,

[[Page 14890]]

regarding the emergency removal or emergency placement of the child; 
and
    (6) Maintain records that detail the steps taken to provide any 
required notifications under Sec.  23.111.
    (d) A petition for a court order authorizing emergency removal or 
continued emergency physical custody must be accompanied by an 
affidavit containing the following information:
    (1) The name, age and last known address of the Indian child;
    (2) The name and address of the child's parents and Indian 
custodians, if any;
    (3) If such persons are unknown, a detailed explanation of what 
efforts have been made to locate them, including notice to the 
appropriate BIA Regional Director (see www.bia.gov);
    (4) Facts necessary to determine the residence and the domicile of 
the Indian child;
    (5) If either the residence or domicile is believed to be on an 
Indian reservation, the name of the reservation;
    (6) The tribal affiliation of the child and of the parents and/or 
Indian custodians;
    (7) A specific and detailed account of the circumstances that led 
the agency responsible for the emergency removal of the child to take 
that action;
    (8) If the child is believed to reside or be domiciled on a 
reservation where the tribe exercises exclusive jurisdiction over child 
custody matters, a statement of efforts that have been made and are 
being made to transfer the child to the tribe's jurisdiction;
    (9) A statement of the specific active efforts that have been taken 
to assist the parents or Indian custodians so the child may safely be 
returned to their custody; and
    (10) A statement of the imminent physical damage or harm expected 
and any evidence that the removal or emergency custody continues to be 
necessary to prevent such imminent physical damage or harm to the 
child.
    (e) At any court hearing regarding the emergency removal or 
emergency placement of an Indian child, the court must determine 
whether the removal or placement is no longer necessary to prevent 
imminent physical damage or harm to the child.
    (f) Temporary emergency custody should not be continued for more 
than 30 days. Temporary emergency custody may be continued for more 
than 30 days only if:
    (1) A hearing, noticed in accordance with these regulations, is 
held and results in a determination by the court, supported by clear 
and convincing evidence and the testimony of at least one qualified 
expert witness, that custody of the child by the parent or Indian 
custodian is likely to result in imminent physical damage or harm to 
the child; or
    (2) Extraordinary circumstances exist.
    (g) The emergency removal or placement must terminate as soon as 
the imminent physical damage or harm to the child which resulted in the 
emergency removal or placement no longer exists, or, if applicable, as 
soon as the tribe exercises jurisdiction over the case, whichever is 
earlier.
    (h) Once an agency or court has terminated the emergency removal or 
placement, it must expeditiously:
    (1) Return the child to the parent or Indian custodian within one 
business day; or
    (2) Transfer the child to the jurisdiction of the appropriate 
Indian tribe if the child is a ward of a tribal court or a resident of 
or domiciled on a reservation; or
    (3) Initiate a child custody proceeding subject to the provisions 
of ICWA and these regulations.
    (i) The court should allow, if it possesses the capability, 
alternative methods of participation in State court proceedings by 
family members and tribes, such as participation by telephone, 
videoconferencing, or other methods.


Sec.  23.114  What are the procedures for determining improper removal?

    (a) If, in the course of any Indian child custody proceeding, any 
party asserts or the court has reason to believe that the Indian child 
may have been improperly removed from the custody of his or her parent 
or Indian custodian, or that the Indian child has been improperly 
retained, such as after a visit or other temporary relinquishment of 
custody, the court must immediately stay the proceeding until a 
determination can be made on the question of improper removal or 
retention, and such determination must be conducted expeditiously.
    (b) If the court finds that the Indian child was improperly removed 
or retained, the court must terminate the proceeding and the child must 
be returned immediately to his or her parents or Indian custodian, 
unless returning the child to his parent or custodian would subject the 
child to imminent physical damage or harm.

Procedures for Making Requests for Transfer to Tribal Court


Sec.  23.115  How are petitions for transfer of proceeding made?

    (a) Either parent, the Indian custodian, or the Indian child's 
tribe may request, orally on the record or in writing, that the State 
court transfer each distinct Indian child custody proceeding to the 
tribal court of the child's tribe.
    (b) The right to request a transfer occurs with each proceeding.
    (c) The right to request a transfer is available at any stage of an 
Indian child custody proceeding, including during any period of 
emergency removal.
    (d) The court should allow, if possible, alternative methods of 
participation in State court proceedings by family members and tribes, 
such as participation by telephone, videoconferencing, or other 
methods.


Sec.  23.116  What are the criteria and procedures for ruling on 
transfer petitions?

    (a) Upon receipt of a petition to transfer by a parent, Indian 
custodian or the Indian child's tribe, the State court must transfer 
the case unless any of the following criteria are met:
    (1) Either parent objects to such transfer;
    (2) The tribal court declines the transfer; or
    (3) The court determines that good cause exists for denying the 
transfer.
    (b) The court should expeditiously provide all records related to 
the proceeding to the tribal court.


Sec.  23.117  How is a determination of ``good cause'' not to transfer 
made?

    (a) If the State court believes, or any party asserts, that good 
cause not to transfer exists, the reasons for such belief or assertion 
must be stated on the record or in writing and made available to the 
parties who are petitioning for transfer.
    (b) Any party to the proceeding must have the opportunity to 
provide the court with views regarding whether good cause to deny 
transfer exists.
    (c) In determining whether good cause exists, the court may not 
consider whether the case is at an advanced stage or whether transfer 
would result in a change in the placement of the child.
    (d) In addition, in determining whether there is good cause to deny 
the transfer, the court may not consider:
    (1) The Indian child's contacts with the tribe or reservation;
    (2) Socio-economic conditions or any perceived inadequacy of tribal 
or BIA social services or judicial systems; or
    (3) The tribal court's prospective placement for the Indian child.
    (e) The burden of establishing good cause not to transfer is on the 
party opposing the transfer.


Sec.  23.118  What happens when a petition for transfer is made?

    (a) Upon receipt of a transfer petition the State court must 
promptly notify the

[[Page 14891]]

tribal court in writing of the transfer petition and request a response 
regarding whether the tribal court wishes to decline the transfer. The 
notice should specify how much time the tribal court has to make its 
decision; provided that the tribal court must be provided 20 days from 
the receipt of notice of a transfer petition to decide whether to 
accept or decline the transfer.
    (b) If the tribal court accepts the transfer, the State court 
should promptly provide the tribal court with all court records.

Adjudication of Involuntary Placements, Adoptions, or Terminations or 
Terminations of Parental Rights


Sec.  23.119  Who has access to reports or records?

    (a) The court must inform each party to a foster care placement or 
termination of parental rights proceeding under State law involving an 
Indian child of his or her right to timely examination of all reports 
or other documents filed with the court and all files upon which any 
decision with respect to such action may be based.
    (b) Decisions of the court may be based only upon reports, 
documents or testimony presented on the record.


Sec.  23.120  What steps must a party take to petition a State court 
for certain actions involving an Indian child?

    (a) Any party petitioning a State court for foster care placement 
or termination of parental rights to an Indian child must demonstrate 
to the court that prior to, and until the commencement of, the 
proceeding, active efforts have been made to avoid the need to remove 
the Indian child from his or her parents or Indian custodians and show 
that those efforts have been unsuccessful.
    (b) Active efforts must be documented in detail and, to the extent 
possible, should involve and use the available resources of the 
extended family, the child's Indian tribe, Indian social service 
agencies and individual Indian care givers.


Sec.  23.121  What are the applicable standards of evidence?

    (a) The court may not issue an order effecting a foster care 
placement of an Indian child unless clear and convincing evidence is 
presented, including the testimony of one or more qualified expert 
witnesses, demonstrating that the child's continued custody with the 
child's parents or Indian custodian is likely to result in serious 
physical damage or harm to the child.
    (b) The court may not order a termination of parental rights unless 
the court's order is supported by evidence beyond a reasonable doubt, 
supported by the testimony of one or more qualified expert witnesses, 
that continued custody of the child by the parent or Indian custodian 
is likely to result in serious physical damage or harm to the child.
    (c) Clear and convincing evidence must show a causal relationship 
between the existence of particular conditions in the home that are 
likely to result in serious emotional or physical damage to the 
particular child who is the subject of the proceeding.
    (d) Evidence that only shows the existence of community or family 
poverty, isolation, single parenthood, custodian age, crowded or 
inadequate housing, substance abuse, or nonconforming social behavior 
does not by itself constitute clear and convincing evidence that 
continued custody is likely to result in serious emotional or physical-
damage to the child.


Sec.  23.122  Who may serve as a qualified expert witness?

    (a) A qualified expert witness should have specific knowledge of 
the Indian tribe's culture and customs.
    (b) Persons with the following characteristics, in descending 
order, are presumed to meet the requirements for a qualified expert 
witness:
    (1) A member of the Indian child's tribe who is recognized by the 
tribal community as knowledgeable in tribal customs as they pertain to 
family organization and childrearing practices.
    (2) A member of another tribe who is recognized to be a qualified 
expert witness by the Indian child's tribe based on their knowledge of 
the delivery of child and family services to Indians and the Indian 
child's tribe.
    (3) A layperson who is recognized by the Indian child's tribe as 
having substantial experience in the delivery of child and family 
services to Indians, and knowledge of prevailing social and cultural 
standards and childrearing practices within the Indian child's tribe.
    (4) A professional person having substantial education and 
experience in the area of his or her specialty who can demonstrate 
knowledge of the prevailing social and cultural standards and 
childrearing practices within the Indian child's tribe.
    (c) The court or any party may request the assistance of the Indian 
child's tribe or the BIA agency serving the Indian child's tribe in 
locating persons qualified to serve as expert witnesses.

Voluntary Proceedings


Sec.  23.123  What actions must an agency and State court undertake in 
voluntary proceedings?

    (a) Agencies and State courts must ask whether a child is an Indian 
child in any voluntary proceeding under Sec.  23.107 of these 
regulations.
    (b) Agencies and State courts must provide the Indian tribe with 
notice of the voluntary child custody proceedings, including applicable 
pleadings or executed consents, and their right to intervene under 
Sec.  23.111 of this part.


Sec.  23.124  How is consent obtained?

    (a) A voluntary termination of parental rights, foster care 
placement or adoption must be executed in writing and recorded before a 
court of competent jurisdiction.
    (b) Prior to accepting the consent, the court must explain the 
consequences of the consent in detail, such as any conditions or timing 
limitations for withdrawal of consent and, if applicable, the point at 
which such consent is irrevocable.
    (c) A certificate of the court must accompany a written consent and 
must certify that the terms and consequences of the consent were 
explained in detail in the language of the parent or Indian custodian, 
if English is not the primary language, and were fully understood by 
the parent or Indian custodian.
    (d) Execution of consent need not be made in open court where 
confidentiality is requested or indicated.
    (e) A consent given prior to or within 10 days after birth of the 
Indian child is not valid.


Sec.  23.125  What information should a consent document contain?

    (a) The consent document must contain the name and birthdate of the 
Indian child, the name of the Indian child's tribe, identifying tribal 
enrollment number, if any, or other indication of the child's 
membership in the tribe, and the name and address of the consenting 
parent or Indian custodian. If there are any conditions to the consent, 
the consent document must clearly set out the conditions.
    (b) A consent to foster care placement should contain, in addition 
to the information specified in paragraph (a) of this section, the name 
and address of the person or entity by or through whom the placement 
was arranged, if any, or the name and address of the prospective foster 
parents, if known at the time.

[[Page 14892]]

Sec.  23.126  How is withdrawal of consent achieved in a voluntary 
foster care placement?

    (a) Withdrawal of consent must be filed in the same court where the 
consent document was executed.
    (b) When a parent or Indian custodian withdraws consent to foster 
care placement, the child must be returned to that parent or Indian 
custodian immediately.


Sec.  23.127  How is withdrawal of consent to a voluntary adoption 
achieved?

    (a) A consent to termination of parental rights or adoption may be 
withdrawn by the parent at any time prior to entry of a final decree of 
voluntary termination or adoption, whichever occurs later. To withdraw 
consent, the parent must file, in the court where the consent is filed, 
an instrument executed under oath asserting his or her intention to 
withdraw such consent.
    (b) The clerk of the court in which the withdrawal of consent is 
filed must promptly notify the party by or through whom any preadoptive 
or adoptive placement has been arranged of such filing and the child 
must be returned to the parent or Indian custodian as soon as 
practicable.

Dispositions


Sec.  23.128  When do the placement preferences apply?

    (a) In any preadoptive, adoptive or foster care placement of an 
Indian child, ICWA's placement preferences apply; except that, if the 
Indian child's tribe has established by resolution a different order of 
preference than that specified in ICWA, the agency or court effecting 
the placement must follow the tribe's placement preferences.
    (b) The agency seeking a preadoptive, adoptive or foster care 
placement of an Indian child must always follow the placement 
preferences. If the agency determines that any of the preferences 
cannot be met, the agency must demonstrate through clear and convincing 
evidence that a diligent search has been conducted to seek out and 
identify placement options that would satisfy the placement preferences 
specified in Sec. Sec.  23.129 and 23.130 of these regulations, and 
explain why the preferences could not be met. A search should include 
notification about the placement proceeding and an explanation of the 
actions that must be taken to propose an alternative placement to:
    (1) The Indian child's parents or Indian custodians;
    (2) All of the known, or reasonably identifiable, members of the 
Indian child's extended family members;
    (3) The Indian child's tribe;
    (4) In the case of a foster care or preadoptive placement:
    (i) All foster homes licensed, approved, or specified by the Indian 
child's tribe; and
    (ii) All Indian foster homes located in the Indian child's State of 
domicile that are licensed or approved by any authorized non-Indian 
licensing authority.
    (c) Where there is a request for anonymity, the court should 
consider whether additional confidentiality protections are warranted, 
but a request for anonymity does not relieve the agency or the court of 
the obligation to comply with the placement preferences.
    (d) Departure from the placement preferences may occur only after 
the court has made a determination that good cause exists to place the 
Indian child with someone who is not listed in the placement 
preferences.
    (e) Documentation of each preadoptive, adoptive or foster care 
placement of an Indian child under State law must be provided to the 
State for maintenance at the agency. Such documentation must include, 
at a minimum: The petition or complaint; all substantive orders entered 
in the proceeding; the complete record of, and basis for, the placement 
determination; and, if the placement deviates from the placement 
preferences, a detailed explanation of all efforts to comply with the 
placement preferences and the court order authorizing departure from 
the placement preferences.


Sec.  23.129  What placement preferences apply in adoptive placements?

    (a) In any adoptive placement of an Indian child under State law, 
preference must be given in descending order, as listed below, to 
placement of the child with:
    (1) A member of the child's extended family;
    (2) Other members of the Indian child's tribe; or
    (3) Other Indian families, including families of unwed individuals.
    (b) The court should, where appropriate, also consider the 
preference of the Indian child or parent.


Sec.  23.130  What placement preferences apply in foster care or 
preadoptive placements?

    In any foster care or preadoptive placement of an Indian child:
    (a) The child must be placed in the least restrictive setting that:
    (1) Most approximates a family;
    (2) Allows his or her special needs to be met; and
    (3) Is in reasonable proximity to his or her home, extended family, 
and/or siblings.
    (b) Preference must be given, in descending order as listed below, 
to placement of the child with:
    (1) A member of the Indian child's extended family;
    (2) A foster home, licensed, approved or specified by the Indian 
child's tribe, whether on or off the reservation;
    (3) An Indian foster home licensed or approved by an authorized 
non-Indian licensing authority; or
    (4) An institution for children approved by an Indian tribe or 
operated by an Indian organization which has a program suitable to meet 
the child's needs.


Sec.  23.131  How is a determination for ``good cause'' to depart from 
the placement preferences made?

    (a) If any party asserts that good cause not to follow the 
placement preferences exists, the reasons for such belief or assertion 
must be stated on the record or in writing and made available to the 
parties to the proceeding and the Indian child's tribe.
    (b) The party seeking departure from the preferences bears the 
burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence the existence of 
``good cause'' to deviate from the placement preferences.
    (c) A determination of good cause to depart from the placement 
preferences must be based on one or more of the following 
considerations:
    (1) The request of the parents, if both parents attest that they 
have reviewed the placement options that comply with the order of 
preference.
    (2) The request of the child, if the child is able to understand 
and comprehend the decision that is being made.
    (3) The extraordinary physical or emotional needs of the child, 
such as specialized treatment services that may be unavailable in the 
community where families who meet the criteria live, as established by 
testimony of a qualified expert witness; provided that extraordinary 
physical or emotional needs of the child does not include ordinary 
bonding or attachment that may have occurred as a result of a placement 
or the fact that the child has, for an extended amount of time, been in 
another placement that does not comply with ICWA.
    (4) The unavailability of a placement after a showing by the 
applicable agency in accordance with Sec.  23.128(b) of this subpart, 
and a determination by the

[[Page 14893]]

court that active efforts have been made to find placements meeting the 
preference criteria, but none have been located. For purposes of this 
analysis, a placement may not be considered unavailable if the 
placement conforms to the prevailing social and cultural standards of 
the Indian community in which the Indian child's parent or extended 
family resides or with which the Indian child's parent or extended 
family members maintain social and cultural ties.
    (d) The court should consider only whether a placement in 
accordance with the preferences meets the physical, mental and 
emotional needs of the child; and may not depart from the preferences 
based on the socio-economic status of any placement relative to another 
placement.

Post-Trial Rights


Sec.  23.132  What is the procedure for petitioning to vacate an 
adoption?

    (a) Within two years after a final decree of adoption of any Indian 
child by a State court, or within any longer period of time permitted 
by the law of the State, a parent who executed a consent to termination 
of paternal rights or adoption of that child may petition the court in 
which the final adoption decree was entered to vacate the decree and 
revoke the consent on the grounds that consent was obtained by fraud or 
duress, or that the proceeding failed to comply with ICWA.
    (b) Upon the filing of such petition, the court must give notice to 
all parties to the adoption proceedings and the Indian child's tribe.
    (c) The court must hold a hearing on the petition.
    (d) Where the court finds that the parent's consent was obtained 
through fraud or duress, the court must vacate the decree of adoption, 
order the consent revoked and order that the child be returned to the 
parent.


Sec.  23.133  Who can make a petition to invalidate an action?

    (a) Any of the following may petition any court of competent 
jurisdiction to invalidate an action for foster care placement or 
termination of parental rights where it is alleged that ICWA has been 
violated:
    (1) An Indian child who is the subject of any action for foster 
care placement or termination of parental rights;
    (2) A parent or Indian custodian from whose custody such child was 
removed; and
    (3) The Indian child's tribe.
    (b) Upon a showing that an action for foster care placement or 
termination of parental rights violated any provision of 25 U.S.C. 
1911, 1912, or 1913, the court must determine whether it is appropriate 
to invalidate the action.
    (c) There is no requirement that the particular party's rights 
under ICWA be violated to petition for invalidation; rather, any party 
may challenge the action based on violations in implementing ICWA 
during the course of the child custody proceeding.
    (d) The court should allow, if it possesses the capability, 
alternative methods of participation in State court proceedings by 
family members and tribes, such as participation by telephone, 
videoconferencing, or other methods.


Sec.  23.134  What are the rights of adult adoptees?

    (a) Upon application by an Indian individual who has reached age 18 
who was the subject of an adoptive placement, the court that entered 
the final decree must inform such individual of the tribal 
affiliations, if any, of the individual's biological parents and 
provide such other information necessary to protect any rights, which 
may include tribal membership, resulting from the individual's tribal 
relationship.
    (b) Where State law prohibits revelation of the identity of the 
biological parent, assistance of the BIA should be sought to help an 
adoptee who is eligible for membership in a tribe to become a tribal 
member without breaching the Privacy Act or confidentiality of the 
record.
    (c) In States where adoptions remain closed, the relevant agency 
should communicate directly with the tribe's enrollment office and 
provide the information necessary to facilitate the establishment of 
the adoptee's tribal membership.
    (d) Agencies should work with the tribe to identify at least one 
tribal designee familiar with 25 U.S.C. 1917 to assist adult adoptees 
statewide with the process of reconnecting with their tribes and to 
provide information to State judges about this provision on an annual 
basis.


Sec.  23.135  When must notice of a change in child's status be given?

    (a) Notice by the court, or an agency authorized by the court, must 
be given to the child's biological parents or prior Indian custodians 
and the Indian child's tribe whenever:
    (1) A final decree of adoption of an Indian child has been vacated 
or set aside; or
    (2) The adoptive parent has voluntarily consented to the 
termination of his or her parental rights to the child; or
    (3) Whenever an Indian child is removed from a foster care home or 
institution to another foster care placement, preadoptive placement, or 
adoptive placement.
    (b) The notice must inform the recipient of the right to petition 
for return of custody of the child.
    (c) A parent or Indian custodian may waive his or her right to such 
notice by executing a written waiver of notice filed with the court. 
The waiver may be revoked at any time by filing with the court a 
written notice of revocation. A revocation of the right to receive 
notice does not affect any proceeding which occurred before the filing 
of the notice of revocation.


Sec.  23.136  What information must States furnish to the Bureau of 
Indian Affairs?

    (a) Any state entering a final adoption decree or order must 
furnish a copy of the decree or order to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, 
Chief, Division of Human Services, 1849 C Street NW., Mail Stop 4513 
MIB, Washington, DC 20240, along with the following information:
    (1) Birth name of the child, tribal affiliation and name of the 
child after adoption;
    (2) Names and addresses of the biological parents;
    (3) Names and addresses of the adoptive parents;
    (4) Name and contact information for any agency having files or 
information relating to the adoption;
    (5) Any affidavit signed by the biological parent or parents asking 
that their identity remain confidential; and
    (6) Any information relating to tribal membership or eligibility 
for tribal membership of the adopted child.
    (b) Confidentiality of such information must be maintained and is 
not subject to the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552, as 
amended.


Sec.  23.137  How must the State maintain records?

    (a) The State must establish a single location where all records of 
every voluntary or involuntary foster care, preadoptive placement and 
adoptive placement of Indian children by courts of that State will be 
available within seven days of a request by an Indian child's tribe or 
the Secretary.
    (b) The records must contain, at a minimum, the petition or 
complaint, all substantive orders entered in the proceeding, and the 
complete record of the placement determination (including, but not 
limited to the findings in the court record and social worker's 
statement).

[[Page 14894]]

Sec.  23.138  How does the Paperwork Reduction Act affect this subpart?

    The collections of information contained in this part have been 
approved by the Office of Management and Budget under 44 U.S.C. 3501 et 
seq. and assigned OMB Control Number 1076-XXXX. Response is required to 
obtain a benefit. A Federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and you 
are not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the 
form or regulation requesting the information displays a currently 
valid OMB Control Number. Send comments regarding this collection of 
information, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to the 
Information Collection Clearance Officer--Indian Affairs, 1849 C Street 
NW., Washington, DC 20240.

    Dated: March 16, 2015.
Kevin K. Washburn,
Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2015-06371 Filed 3-18-15; 11:15 am]
 BILLING CODE 4310-6W-P


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