ODW2556 – ICWA in Practice: Navigating Child Custody, Foster Care, and Adoption
This session provides an overview of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), including key legal requirements, placement preferences, and recent updates to help family law paralegals ensure compliance.
Course Category: On-Demand Webinars
Course Level: Intermediate
CLE Credit: Substantive
CLE Hours: 1.5
Fees: FREE for Members and $25 for Nonmembers
Course Materials: Recording and PDF of the power point slides.
Description: This session is a comprehensive overview of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). Participants will explore the historical context and legal framework of ICWA, including its definitions, jurisdictional rules, and procedural requirements for state court child custody proceedings. The presentation will cover the duties of inquiry and notice, heightened evidentiary standards, placement preferences, and recent legal developments. The goal is to provide paralegals working in family law with insights into ensuring compliance with ICWA.
Presenter Biography: Deana M. Waters, ACP, brings a blend of legal and educational expertise to her work. She holds undergraduate degrees from the University of Montana and a Master of Education from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). For 15 years, she worked as a paralegal specializing in civil litigation, family law, and workers’ compensation. Deana earned her Certified Paralegal (CP®) designation in 2005 and her Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP®) credential in Discovery in 2007. She began teaching at UAF in 2006 and has led the Paralegal Studies Program since 2015.
Course Year: 2025