CASCW podcast

Energy exchange is happening all the time, all around us. Your own personal, emotional space that you carry with you wherever you go accumulates finished and unfinished interactions, and these can sit in your space and create discomfort. In this episode of The Practice Space, experience a guided meditation and clearing practice where you can dive deeper and learn ways to find more room for yourself and discern what belongs to you and what you need to let go.

In this episode of The Practice Space, we discuss grief. Our own grief, plus that of others. We all carry unprocessed, unassimilated experiences that we hold within our own energetic space. These experiences can be triggered by others, and they can really rattle us and we don’t always know why. If something hasn’t been assimilated within us, it lights up! When things light up for us, it can be uncomfortable. But, it’s important to remember that it is not a failure, but an opportunity to process and build more space for yourself. The more you allow your grief, the more you are able to take part in joy and life.

In this final episode of a Guide through ICWA & MIFPA, the hosts discuss placement preference and considerations that child welfare workers must make according to state law. The order of preference is discussed as follows: 1) A member of an Indian child's extended family 2) A foster home or license approved or specified by an Indian child's tribe 3) Indian Foster home licensed, approved by a authorized non-Indian license authority and 4) an institution for children approved by an Indian tribe, or operated by the Indian organization with a program suitable to meet the Indian child's needs. Hosts respond to FAQs and best practices as well.

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In this episode, you will learn the laws that qualified expert witness (QEW) covers in both ICWA and MIFPA. The episode also shares best practices, frequently asked questions and a story from an ICWA Compliance Consultant.

This episode discusses how Active Efforts is covered under both ICWA Act and also under MIFPA. Active Efforts under ICWA deals with remedial service and rehabilitative programs or preventive measures. Under MIFPA, active efforts includes acknowledging traditional helping and healing systems of an Indian child's tribe and using these systems as core to help and heal the Indian child and family. The episode will also address frequently asked questions regarding Active Efforts.

This episode addresses the types of proceedings and who should receive the ICWA Notice. The hosts review frequently asked questions regarding ICWA Notice.

This episode outlines the purpose of the MIFPA Notice, which is intended to involve the Indian child's tribe at the earliest point possible. Early engagement and collaboration between the child welfare agency and tribes and the establishment of a good working relationship can lead to better outcomes for Indian children and their families. The episode also addresses frequently asked questions regarding MIFPA Notice and best practices.

This episode describes the process of Inquiry and how it is considered an active effort. Local social service agencies and private licensed child placement agencies are responsible for finding out if a child has Indian heritage. This episode will also answer frequently asked questions and share best practices regarding Inquiry.

This episode outlines the federal ICWA requirements that apply to all state child custody proceedings involving native children. The hosts will also provide the background of MIFPA and its amendments that strengthen and expand parts of ICWA.

Dr. Toft introduces new thinking on what professional discretion in social work is. She interviews social workers from child protection, housing, and mental health about their professional discretion struggles and successes in the current practice landscape

RESOURCES, and Transcript available at:

https://cascw.umn.edu/portfolio-items/theoretical-underpinnings-in-child-welfare-podcast-series/