ND ICWA Partnership

We're honored to see the ICWA Family Preservationist (IFP) Program featured in this story highlighting the impact of Tribal-State partnership and family-centered practice in North Dakota.

Since 2020, Grand Forks County has seen a significant decrease in both its overall foster care population and the disproportionate representation of Native American children in care. These outcomes reflect the dedication of Tribal partners, Human Service Zones, Native American Training Institute staff, state leaders, families, and communities working together to keep children safely connected to their families, cultures, and Tribes whenever possible.

This work belongs to all of us, and we're grateful for everyone who helped make it possible.

Grand Forks County sees nearly 70% decrease in Native American foster care population Those who implemented the Indian Child Welfare Act family preservationist program, now active throughout the state, hope other counties — and eventually, the nation — follow the trend.

Today we share with sadness the passing of Dr. Melanie Sage whose early leadership and contributions helped shape much of the ICWA partnership work that continues across North Dakota today.

Dr. Sage played a central role in the original ICWA audit work through the North Dakota Supreme Court’s Court Improvement Program and helped bring partners together to develop the first ICWA Tribal and State Partnership Grant awarded by the Administration for Children and Families - Children's Bureau in 2016. Her work helped lay important groundwork for the collaborative efforts that continue to support Native children, families, Tribal Nations, and systems partners today.

Over the years, she remained engaged in this work through consultation, innovation, program development, and ongoing support, even as the work evolved and grew in complexity.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to her husband Todd, her son Kris, her family, friends, colleagues, students, and all who knew and cared for her. Her passing is a profound loss.

For those who may wish to support her family during this time, a GoFundMe link has been included. There is absolutely no expectation to contribute, but we wanted to provide the opportunity for those who feel moved to do so.

We hold deep gratitude for her contributions and the role she played in helping begin and continue this work.

With Gratitude,
The UND Grant Team

Donate to In Loving Memory of Dr. Melanie Sage, organized by Laurel Hitchcock From Melanie's husband, Todd Sage: On May 15, 2026, my wife Melanie passed … Laurel Hitchcock needs your support for In Loving Memory of Dr. Melanie Sage

We’re sharing a recent federal memo focused on making it easier to place children with relatives and kin, and recognizing family connections—including those defined by Tribal custom.

As we take a look at this guidance, we’re pausing to reflect:

👉 How are we doing here in North Dakota?

What feels aligned—and where are there opportunities to continue strengthening this work?

We welcome your thoughts and perspectives!

Updated National Model Foster Family Home Licensing Standards, Kin-Specific Foster Family Home Licensing Standards, and Updates to the Responsibilities and Recommendations for Licensing Agencies The purpose of this Information Memorandum (IM) is to update the National Model Foster Family Home Licensing Standards to reduce unnecessary administrative burden and clarify how the standards apply to non-kinship foster families as title IV-E agencies adopt kin-specific licensing standards.

Today, we honor and remember the lives of Indigenous people who are missing or have been taken too soon. We stand with families, communities, and Tribal Nations who continue to carry this grief while calling for awareness, accountability, and change.

Native children are significantly overrepresented in foster care systems. At the same time, youth in foster care are known to face higher risks of going missing or experiencing exploitation. When these realities intersect with the broader Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples crisis, it highlights a deeper truth—our systems must do better to protect, support, and keep children connected.

The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) exists to uphold those connections—ensuring Native children remain connected to their families, cultures, and Tribal Nations.

Today, and every day, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening those connections, honoring Tribal sovereignty, and working together to keep children safe.

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Training opportunity for Tribal partners! Become an ICWA QEW!!

Relatives!

Our upcoming ICWA Qualified Expert Witness Training creates space for people to learn how ICWA shapes the lives of Native children and their families. Over three days, participants settle into conversations that move at a comfortable pace and help them see how their voice can support a child in moments that matter.
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The sessions are patient and simple by design. People learn how to listen closely, how to understand what a court needs to hear, and how cultural knowledge can help guide decisions toward care and connection. The room stays open for questions, reflection, and steady learning.
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By the end, participants carry a clearer sense of how to show up for families with respect. The training helps people feel ready to step into this work with a calm understanding of what the role asks and why it is important.
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Sign up for the QEW Training:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/icwa-qualified-expert-witness-training-tickets-1985733813290
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What the QEW training includes:
https://nativeinstitute.org/qew_may2026/

We were honored to present at the Child Welfare League of America's Annual Conference today! We had a small but engaged audience and did a little sharing and learning!! Great job ladies!!