Iowa Code

Iowa Code § 232B.2 (2026)

Purpose — policy of state

✓ current as of July 2026
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The purpose of the Iowa Indian child welfare Act is to clarify state policies and procedures regarding implementation of the federal Indian Child Welfare Act, Pub. L. No. 95-608, as codified in 25 U.S.C. ch. 21. It is the policy of the state to cooperate fully with Indian tribes and tribal citizens in Iowa in order to ensure that the intent and provisions of the federal Indian Child Welfare Act are enforced. This cooperation includes recognition by the state that Indian tribes have a continuing and compelling governmental interest in an Indian child whether or not the child is in the physical or legal custody of an Indian parent, Indian custodian, or an Indian extended family member at the commencement of a child custody proceeding or the child has resided or domiciled on an Indian reservation. The state is committed to protecting the essential tribal relations and best interest of an Indian child by promoting practices, in accordance with the federal Indian Child Welfare Act and other applicable law, designed to prevent the child’s voluntary or involuntary out-of-home placement and, whenever such placement is necessary or ordered, by placing the child, whenever possible, in a foster home, adoptive home, or other type of custodial placement that reflects the unique values of the child’s tribal culture and is best able to assist the child in establishing, developing, and maintaining a political, cultural, and social relationship with the child’s tribe and tribal community. 2003 Acts, ch 153, §3

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Notes of Decisions
Cited in 15 cases (6 in the last 5 years), 2007–2026 · leading case: In The Interest Of A.w. & S.w., Minor Child., Woodbury Cnty. Attorney & A.w. & S.w., Minor Child. Vs. Iowa, 741 N.W.2d 793 (Iowa 2007).
In The Interest Of A.w. & S.w., Minor Child., Woodbury Cnty. Attorney & A.w. & S.w., Minor Child. Vs. Iowa, 741 N.W.2d 793 (Iowa 2007). · cites it 8× “Iowa Code § 232B.2 (2007). 3 The Iowa ICWA and the federal ICWA are not completely coterminous, however, as the Iowa ICWA provides for several areas of greater protection to Indian families and tribes.”
In the Interest of J.L., 779 N.W.2d 481 (Iowa Ct. App. 2009). · cites it 4× “” Iowa Code § 232B.2 (2009); N.N.E., 752 N.”
In Re Aw, 741 N.W.2d 793 (Iowa 2007). · cites it 8× “Iowa Code § 232B.2 (2007). [3] The Iowa ICWA and the federal ICWA are not completely coterminous, however, as the Iowa ICWA provides for several areas of greater protection to Indian families and tribes.”
In The Interest Of N.v. & P.v., Minor Child., State Of Iowa, 744 N.W.2d 634 (Iowa 2008). “§ 232B.2. The transfer statute specifically provides: [T]he court shall reject any objection that is inconsistent with the purposes of this chapter, including but not limited to any objection that would prevent maintaining the vital relationship between Indian tribes and the…”
In Re Nv, 744 N.W.2d 634 (Iowa 2008). “§ 232B.2. The transfer statute specifically provides: [T]he court shall reject any objection that is inconsistent with the purposes of this chapter, including but not limited to any objection that would prevent maintaining the vital relationship between Indian tribes and the…”
In Re Jl, 779 N.W.2d 481 (Iowa Ct. App. 2009). · cites it 4× “" Iowa Code § 232B.2 (2009); N.N.E., 752 N.”
In the Interest of T.F & T.F., Minor Child. (Iowa 2022). · cites it 6× “Iowa Code § 232B.2. Section 232B.2 further states: It is the policy of the state to cooperate fully with Indian tribes and tribal citizens in Iowa in order to ensure that the intent and provisions of the federal Indian Child Welfare Act are enforced.”
In the Interest of T.F & T.F., Minor Child. (Iowa 2022). · cites it 6× “Iowa Code § 232B.2. Section 232B.2 further states: It is the policy of the state to cooperate fully with Indian tribes and tribal citizens in Iowa in order to ensure that the intent and provisions of the federal Indian Child Welfare Act are enforced.”
In re the Interest of Z.K., Minor Child (Iowa Ct. App. 2021). · cites it 4× “”); Iowa Code § 232B.2 (2020) (“It is the policy of the state to cooperate fully with Indian tribes and tribal citizens in Iowa in order to ensure that the intent and provisions of the federal Indian Child Welfare Act are enforced.”
In The Interest Of N.n.e., Minor Child, Tyme Madiu Tribe Of The Berry Creek Racheria, 752 N.W.2d 1 (Iowa 2008). “§ 232B.2. The Iowa ICWA also extends additional rights to tribes.”
In the Interest of T.B., Minor Child (Iowa Ct. App. 2018). · cites it 2× “See Iowa Code § 232B.2; see also In re D.S., 806 N.”
In the Interest of W.H. & G.H., Minor Child. (Iowa Ct. App. 2019). · cites it 2× “” See Iowa Code § 232B.2. 3 The father also suggests this court should “consider the children’s continued contact with their racial and ethnic heritage in assigning placement.”
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