B.  Department Checklist Before Shelter Hearing




  • Ask whether the parent or parents have any Indian heritage.
  • If either parent or both parents answers affirmatively, send notice to all the relevant tribes as identified by the parent or parents or to the Bureau of Indian Affairs if the parent cannot identify any tribal affiliation, but identifies Indian heritage.
  • If the parent identifies the child as an Indian child:
    • Disclose that information in the petition;
    • Attach the return receipt cards (or a copy thereof) to the petition, if possible.
  • If not possible, file the return receipt cards (or a copy thereof) as soon as they are returned.
  • File the notices (or a copy thereof) with the court.
  • If the parent or parents are unsure, disclose in the petition what efforts are being made to identify the child as an Indian child.
  • If the parent or parents believe they have Indian heritage, but are unsure about the details, provide the parent with a form to fill out to disclose that heritage.