To focus on the developmental uniquenesses of the American Indian child and its implications for supportive care, custody, placement and adoption was one of the major goals of this conference. Attendees addressed the growing concern among Indian communities over the loss of their children and the lack of child welfare services which would preserve Indian families and afford them culturally sensitive prevention and treatment attention. Two general sessions targeted on topics related to supportive care to the "at risk" child, placement issues, special settings for children, and review of the custody process. Nine small group workshops followed the general sessions simultaneously to examine the issues in greater detail. The conferees concurred that: (1) service network development, active involvement of tribal council and mobilization of community support were vital to the success of welfare services; (2) the conference theme was the call for affirmation of tribal heritage and the retention of cultural ties; (3) there was need for a comprehensive information clearinghouse relating to all aspects of Indian Social Services; (4) tribal control was a necessity to develop and maintain continuity of programs. (NLY)