Indian Child Welfare Act-Michigan Indian Family Preservation Act

MILS will provide legal assistance to individuals and organizations on matters which serve the underlying purposes of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and the Michigan Indian Family Preservation Act (MIFPA). This includes assisting in the prevention of the breakup of Native American families as well as other matters. MILS will provide education to individuals, families, tribes, attorneys, judges, social workers and others about ICWA and MIFPA.

• We represent parents and may serve as the guardian ad litem for children in child welfare cases in the tribal court in Michigan.

• We represent parents in ICWA-MIFPA appellate cases in the Michigan court system.

• We represent parents in ICWA & MIFPA cases if the state court refuses to appoint counsel.

• We help family members serve as the placement or adoptive home for children in foster care.

• We have served as amicus attorneys for the Indian Law Section for the State Bar of Michigan in several key ICWA appellate cases.