State Responsibility under the Indian Child Welfare Act: The People of the State of Colorado, in the Interest of K.C. and L.C., Children, and Concerning D.C. (2020)

Abstract

In The People of the State of Colorado, Appellee, In the Interest OF K.C. and L.C., Children, and Concerning D.C., Appellants (2020), the Colorado Court of Appeals issued a ruling to vacate and remand with directions a previous judgment that determined that children who are eligible to enroll in the Chickasaw Nation are not “Indian” pursuant to the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). As a termination of parental right case, the court elevates ICWA requirements of state responsibility from “reasonable efforts” to “active efforts” to ensure that enrollment-eligible children are assisted with the completion of Tribal citizenship and enrollment forms as well as the timely notification of Tribal interests to the courts.