232B.2 - PURPOSE -- POLICY OF STATE.

        232B.2  PURPOSE -- POLICY OF STATE.
         The purpose of the Iowa Indian child welfare Act is to clarify
      state policies and procedures regarding implementation of the federal
      Indian Child Welfare Act, Pub. L. No. 95-608, as codified in 25
      U.S.C. ch. 21.  It is the policy of the state to cooperate fully with
      Indian tribes and tribal citizens in Iowa in order to ensure that the
      intent and provisions of the federal Indian Child Welfare Act are
      enforced.  This cooperation includes recognition by the state that
      Indian tribes have a continuing and compelling governmental interest
      in an Indian child whether or not the child is in the physical or
      legal custody of an Indian parent, Indian custodian, or an Indian
      extended family member at the commencement of a child custody
      proceeding or the child has resided or domiciled on an Indian
      reservation.  The state is committed to protecting the essential
      tribal relations and best interest of an Indian child by promoting
      practices, in accordance with the federal Indian Child Welfare Act
      and other applicable law, designed to prevent the child's voluntary
      or involuntary out-of-home placement and, whenever such placement is
      necessary or ordered, by placing the child, whenever possible, in a
      foster home, adoptive home, or other type of custodial placement that
      reflects the unique values of the child's tribal culture and is best
      able to assist the child in establishing, developing, and maintaining
      a political, cultural, and social relationship with the child's tribe
      and tribal community.  
         Section History: Recent Form
         2003 Acts, ch 153, §3