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UW School of Social Work

Washington State Indian Child Welfare (WICW) Training

  • By Leah Rankin
  • Published: Apr 3, 2026
    • Credential For Completion

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Participants will understand the historical and legal context of colonization and its impact on Native American/Alaska Native families, including the evolution of laws and policies such as WICWA and ICWA that aim to protect Tribal culture and sovereignty.

  • Participants will demonstrate respect for Tribes as sovereign nations by recognizing how Tribal sovereignty influences child welfare practices, and by engaging families in culturally responsive ways that honor Tribal heritage and identity.

  • Participants will identify and address cultural biases in child welfare practice by acknowledging the importance of Tribal family structures and cultural practices, and by utilizing appropriate methods to inquire about Tribal ancestry and available community resources.

  • Participants will be introduced to core legal protections of ICWA and WICWA.

  • Participants will demonstrate a commitment to the importance of ICWA and WICWA by identifying the legal requirements and timelines for proper adherence in child welfare cases.

  • Participants will articulate key components of ICWA and WICWA, explain how ICW cases differ from non-ICW cases, and describe when and how to request court findings in ICWA cases in Washington State.

  • Participants will describe best practices for partnering with Tribes and Tribal organizations, locate Tribal contacts and cultural resources, and incorporate culturally responsive strategies when working with Native American/Alaska Native families.

This training is designed to deepen your understanding of the Indian Child Welfare Act’s legal foundations, its historical significance, and its vital role in ensuring that Native American/Alaska Native children remain connected to their Tribal communities. Learners will also explore Washington State’s Indian Child Welfare Act, in addition to DCYF's Indian Child Welfare policies and procedures. Through the use of case scenarios and videos, you will be provided with multiple opportunities for practical application of topics such as Reason to Know, Active Efforts and Tribal collaboration.

Participation in this course is worth 12 credit hours. If you do not see any upcoming offerings below, please make sure you are logged in and your profile is filled out all the way.

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