Title IV-E ICWA Modules

The California Social Work Education Center (CalSWEC) Title IV-E ICWA Modules have been developed to provide a foundation for all BASW and MSW students in the Title IV-E Program about California Indian History, Tribal Sovereignty and the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). These modules are meant to provide a cultural, historical and political context to working with tribal communities and applying the Indian Child Welfare Act, the golden standard in social work practice.  In providing this foundation, we hope students arrive at a deeper understanding of the history of Native American communities and how this history has shaped their experience with governmental agencies, laws, policies and practices, including child welfare agencies and workers.  With this new acquired understanding, our intention is that graduates of the Title IV-E Program will engage Native American families, children, and Tribal partners in a way that is culturally responsive and respectful.  Finally, the ultimate goal of these modules is to increase ICWA application and compliance, and improve outcomes for Native American children and families.  

If you and your students have any questions about this topic that come out of your classes, please contact the Title IV-E Program at CalSWEC (calswec_iv-e@berkeley.edu). Since you as an instructor may encounter questions or misconceptions about ICWA that you may not be able to answer, we will help you follow up on an appropriate answer for your students.

Modules

Module 1: California Indian History

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  • CalSWEC Title IV-E ICWA Module 1 Lesson Plan: Access Form

Topics 

  • Native Societies in California (Pre-Colonization)
  • First European Explorer Contacts
  • The Mission System
  • The Mexican-American War leading to California becoming a U.S. State
  • The Gold Rush
  • Indian Boarding Schools
  • Federal Indian Laws & Policies
  • American Indian Civil Rights Era - Self Determination Era

Module 2: Tribal Sovereignty

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  • CalSWEC Title IV-E ICWA Module 2 Lesson Plan: Access Form

Topics 

  • Foundational knowledge
  • Understanding tribal government structure - past and current
  • Treaties and supreme court decisions
  • Understanding jurisdiction
  • Explaining federal recognition
  • Contemporary tribal governments

Module 3: Working with Tribal Communities

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  • CalSWEC Title IV-E ICWA Module 3 Lesson Plan: Access Form

Topics 

  • Assessing your Lens: Looking at the World from Multiple Perspectives
  • Looking at the World from Indigenous Perspectives
  • The Importance of Spirituality in Indigenous Communities
  • Tribal Perspective to Mental Illness
  • Current Concerns - Violence Against Native Americans
  • Current Concerns - Education, Substance Abuse and Suicide
  • Moving Beyond Family Engagement

Module 4: ICWA Practical Guide

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  • CalSWEC Title IV-E ICWA Module 4 Lesson Plan: Access Form

Topics 

  • What is ICWA?
  • Inquiry
  • Noticing
  • Qualified Expert Witness
  • Placement
  • Active Efforts