American Bar Association

Protecting Native American Children

In ‘Brackeen v. Bernhardt’, decided on Aug. 9, 2019, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit held that the Indian Child Welfare Act was constitutional. We applaud the Fifth Circuit for upholding this federal law that is vital to safeguarding the welfare of Indian children.

Read the full article at the New York Law Journal website.

ABA Conferences to Address Child Welfare Developments (Virginia)

WASHINGTON, April 13, 2017 — Lawyers, judges, social workers and advocates will explore developments in the children’s law field during four conferences sponsored by the American Bar Association Center on Children and the Law the week of April 24. Among the topics covered will be immigration, psychotropic medications, the Indian Child Welfare Act, child sex trafficking, a national legislative agenda and shaken baby syndrome.

What:
Preconference on the Indian Child Welfare Act, April 24
5th National Parent Attorney Conference: Valuing Dignity
and Respect for all Families
, April 25-26

Congress Should Bolster Jurisdiction of Tribal Courts Over Violence Against Children, ABA Urges

The [American Bar Association] ABA is urging Congress to follow the recommendations of recent reports by the U.S. Justice Department and the Indian Law and Order Commission that call for giving American Indian and Alaska Native tribes more authority to exercise criminal jurisdiction and apply their own remedies in cases that occur on tribal lands, especially when they involve children

Read the full article at the ABA Journal website.

ABA House of Delegates Urges Quick Implementation of Recommendations of Attorney General Taskforce

On August 4, 2015, the American Bar Association House of Delegates unanimously adopted Resolution 113, which adopts and urges prompt implementation by the Administration, Congress, and state and tribal governments of specific recommendations contained in the November 2014 report of the U.S. Attorney General’s Advisory Committee on American Indian/Alaska Native Children Exposed to Violence…

Read more and find the resolution at the Turtle Talk blog.

Representing Victims of Domestic & Sexual Violence from Tribal Communities (MN)

ABA-Commission on Domestic and Sexual ViolenceThe American Bar Association Commission on Domestic & Sexual Violence, in collaboration with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), Office on Violence Against Women, is pleased to present a two-day training, The Fundamentals of Representation of Victims of Domestic & Sexual Violence from Tribal Communities, on May 15-16, 2014 in Minneapolis, MN.

This interactive, 2-day training will provide litigation skills for practicing attorneys and advocacy skills for legal advocates that will enable them to more effectively, ethically, and holistically represent victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking from Tribal nations and communities. Through a variety of learning activities including small group exercises, demonstrations, role-plays, and facilitated discussions, participants will be better able to safely and effectively represent victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking  from Tribal nations and communities.

This training is interactive.  Participants will be working with other participants and faculty to generate ideas and facilitate effective learning

To sign up please click: REGISTER HERE

 REGISTRATION CLOSES ON APRIL 11, 2014

Registration:  Online registration is required to attend the training. Licensed attorneys will be given priority.Registration is limited to 40 participants. Priority will be given to licensed attorneys. If accepted, participants will receive a confirmation e-mail that will include information about accommodations and training logistics. Please allow at least 3 business days before contacting the CDSV about the status of your registration.

Date and Location: The training will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2014 from 8:30am – 5:00pm, and Friday May 16, 2013, from 9:30am – 4:30pm at The Commons Hotel, located at 615 Washington Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN, in the Pinnacle Ballroom.

Accommodations:   For your convenience a room block has been booked at the The Commons Hotel.

Fees:   There are no registration fees for this Training.

Contact:   If you need assistance with completing your registration or have any questions, please visit the ABA Commission on Domestic & Sexual Violence website.

 

ABA Approves Resolution on Indian Child Welfare Act

On August 12, 2013, the American Bar Association House of Delegates approved a resolution supporting full implementation of, and compliance with, the Indian Child Welfare Act. There was not dissenting report or speaker.

You can see the resolution and the accompanying report at the ABA Now website.