Course Details

Description:

The Legislature recently passed Wisconsin's codification of the federal Indian Child Welfare Act. In addition to the basic federal requirements, the bill includes Wisconsin-specific policies and procedures that individuals in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems will need to follow. Some of the areas include identification of children as Indian children, notification of tribes or the Bureau of Indian Affairs, transfer of jurisdiction to tribal court, active efforts, qualified expert witnesses, withdrawal of voluntary consent to a termination of parental rights, and a number of other topics. The information session will provide an introduction to the many changes to Chs. 48 and 938 that will be in effect beginning on or about December 1, 2009 and will provide a first opportunity to respond to questions individuals may have. This information session will be followed-up over the next six months or so with more detailed training. This information session will be designed to assist County Human and Social Services managers and staff (both child welfare and juvenile justice), Juvenile Court Intake Workers, DOC/Division of Juvenile Services staff, District Attorneys, Corporation Counsel, Judges and Court Commissioners, Court Clerks, and other individuals to understand their responsibilities which are effective immediately.