What does the Ombudsperson for AMERICAN INDIAN Families do?

The Ombudsperson for American Indian Families investigates complaints for non-compliance of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act (MIFPA), Tribal State Agreement, Minnesota Statutes, Court Rules and DHS Policies that involve child protection cases, including placement, public education and housing issues related to child protection that impact American Indian children and families.

The Ombudsperson also collaborates with tribes, agencies, counties, community organizations, courts, schools, other organization and stakeholders to develop policies, rules and laws to improve outcomes for American Indian Families involved in the child protection system, as well as collaborating on prevention programs. The Ombudsperson is advised and reports to the American Indian Community-Specific Board, who are all appointed by the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council.

Statute

Minn. Stat. §3.9215 OMBUDSPERSON FOR AMERICAN INDIAN FAMILIES

In recognition of the sovereign status of Indian Tribes and the unique laws and standards involved in protecting Indian children, this section creates the Office of the Ombudsperson for AMERICAN INDIAN Families and gives the ombudsperson the powers and duties necessary to effectively carry out the functions of the office.

Read the Statutory Language on the Office of the Revisor of Statutes website.