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 will be placed on a statewide Tribally authorized QEW list. In the past, we have not had compliance with ICWA in the state regarding QEW’s, most cases proceed without them due to 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 Dereck Stonefish, Training Coordinator at derecks@nativeinstitute.org
This 3-day training course includes the following sessions:
- Role of a QEW
- ICWA Law
- Introduction to Juvenile Court Proceedings
- Tribal Customs and Practices
- Spirit of ICWA
- Testifying in the court room
Out of State – Qualified Expert Witness Training Development
Let us help you develop your own Tribal and State specific QEW Training. We will collaborate with you to create a three-day training course with Tribal and State collaboration. Two-thirds of the work is already done as our ICWA Law and Role of a QEW training is replicable state to state. Tribal Customs and Practices as well as Introduction to Juvenile Court sessions will be developed with your team. After consultation you will have your own training to use going forward to create your own Tribally Authorized QEW list.