Federal judge to issue new rules for local courts on ICWA cases

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA TV) - U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey Viken expressed dismay Wednesday that he has received no help from Pennington County officials drafting a court order to address shortcomings he identified in certain proceedings involving Native American children.

Seventeen months ago Judge Viken found that Indians were denied protections guaranteed under the constitution -- and the Indian Child Welfare Act – in certain hearings.

The proceedings, known as "48 hour hearings" are held to determine if the state has the right to temporary child custody.

http://www.kotatv.com/content/news/Federal-judge-to-issue-new-rules-for-local-courts-on-ICWA-cases-390513121.html