Comprehensive Qualified Expert Witness Training
This training is intended to give you the information you need to provide Qualified Expert Witness (QEW) testimony in Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) Indian Child Welfare cases. This training provides an overview of background information on the history and impacts of colonization on Native American and Alaska Native children and families that led to the passage of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, an introductory level overview of the Indian Child Welfare Act and Washington Indian Child Welfare Act, an overview of DCYF Dependency Cases, and a detailed look at QEW purpose, qualifications, and procedures. You will review two precedent-setting cases for Washington state and understand how QEW testimony can impact court cases. You will also have an opportunity to practice the knowledge and skills presented in this training. This training is composed of 9.5 hours of group learning, including 3.5 hours of in-person simulation for court testimony.
Target Audience
DCYF Social Workers (case carrying)
DCYF Social Workers (not case carrying)
DCYF Supervisors (case carrying)
DCYF Supervisors (not case carrying)
Tribal Workers
Learning Objectives
By the end of the session/course, you will
Values:
V1: Recognize and be able to discuss the impacts of ongoing disenfranchisement of Native Peoples and the detrimental impacts of removing children from tribal communities, thereby affecting the health, wellness, and viability of Native American families and Tribe(s).
V2: Demonstrate commitment to the belief that Native American/Alaska Native children in the Child Welfare system have a right to equal consideration under the law and deserve ardent advocacy.
V3: Demonstrate understanding of and commitment to the importance of ensuring proper and timely adherence to the law (25 USC Ch. 21: INDIAN CHILD WELFARE) in ICWA cases.
V4: Recognize the importance of and model providing honest, quality testimony to help the court make their determination.
Knowledge:
K1: Develop a working understanding of the history behind and requirements of the Indian Child Welfare Act, Washington State Indian Child Welfare Act, and will learn the purpose of a Qualified Expert Witness in ICWA cases. (DCYF staff will review the QEW Policy: policy 2.40.60).
K2: Learn DCYF dependency timelines, when QEWs are required, and what is or may be required of the QEW in ICWA cases.
K3: Develop an understanding of, or review, basic DCYF child welfare proceedings, from removal to permanency and how to review a dependency case file.
K4: Learn what it means to assess whether custody of the child by the parent or Indian custodian is likely to result in serious emotional or physical damage to the child.
K5: Learn court preparation, and what steps they can take to ensure they are providing comprehensive testimony in ICWA cases. This will include Active efforts, placement preference, and case planning.
Skills:
S1: Be able to articulate the Federal and state definition of a QEW and be able to identify the importance of the QEW’s knowledge of Tribal customs as it pertains to family organization, prevailing social and cultural standards, child rearing practices, roles of relatives in caregiving, and importance of Tribal (group) identity. (DCYF staff will review the QEW Matrix and QEW policy and procedures.)
S2: Know timelines in ICWA cases with DCYF, specific to the QEW role, and be able to gather relevant information to properly assess when ICWA is being followed.
S3: Be able to locate and utilize resources relevant to the cases they are contracted to provide QEW services on.
S4: Learn court expectations and gain experience providing testimony and cross-examination in a simulated ICWA court hearing and will be able to provide accurate and pertinent information.
S5: Be able to describe the impact on children and families when Native American children are placed in non-Native homes, how it may have lifelong impacts on the child.
Available Credit
- 9.50 ParticipationParticipants should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
To register for this class, please go to the Washington State Learning Center. If you do not have access to WSLC and would still like to take this class, you can submit an External Registration Request form here. Please allow 1-3 business days for your request to be processed.
Title | Date | Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
DCYF Alliance Comprehensive Qualified Expert Witness Training | 10/23 & 10/24 | 9am-4pm & 9am-12:30pm | Spokane Training HUB |