Qualified Expert Witness Training
This training is aimed at helping Tribally Affiliated individuals become Qualified Expert Witnesses in Indian Child Welfare cases. According to the Indian Child Welfare Act:
G.2 Qualified expert witness
Regulation:
§ 23.122 Who may serve as a qualified expert witness?
- A qualified expert witness must be qualified to testify regarding whether the child’s continued custody by the parent or Indian custodian is likely to result in serious emotional or physical damage to the child and should be qualified to testify as to the prevailing social and cultural standards of the Indian child’s Tribe. A person may be designated by the Indian child’s Tribe as being qualified to testify to the prevailing social and cultural standards of the Indian child’s Tribe.
Once you complete the training you would be placed on a statewide Tribally authorized QEW list. We have not had compliance with ICWA in the state regarding QEW’s, most cases proceed without them due lack of understanding regarding the law. We are seeking to have Tribal representation in all ICWA cases regarding removal of a child. Individuals that have questions or want to register can contact Jessi Leneaugh, ICWA Partnership Trainer/Coordinator at jessil@nativeinstitute.org
This training is a two- day session. Features of this training include:
- Role of a QEW
- ICWA Law
- Introduction to Juvenile Court Proceedings
- Tribal Customs and Practices
- Testifying in the court room