Purpose

The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), 25 U.S.C. sections 1901 to 1963, establishes minimum federal standards for the removal of Indian children from their families and the placement of Indian children in foster or adoptive homes. The Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act (MIFPA), Minnesota Statutes, sections 260.751 to 260.835, provides state standards to protect the long-term best interests of Indian children, their families, and the child's tribe. This section of these rules provides procedures for the application of ICWA and MIFPA in juvenile protection matters concerning an Indian child.