The information sheet, consisting of four pages, looks at the implementation of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 by presenting goals of welfare agencies working with Indian families, provisions of the Act, reasons for reluctancy of states to accept tribal jurisdiction of child welfare cases, and criteria for evaluating petitions for reassumptions of jurisdiction. Four major policy goals that federal, tribal, state, and private welfare agencies should consider are: increased involvement by tribal governments and other Indian organizations; recognition of inconsistencies between Indian tribal cultures and current child welfare services techniques, standards, and goals; placement of Indian children in Indian adoptive and foster homes; and unmet needs of Indian families and children. Provisions of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 include: placement of an Indian child residing on an Indian reservation shall be valid only by appropriate tribal court; Indian families will be accorded a full and fair hearing; due process rights of Indian families shall be respected; foster care placement may not be ordered unless evidence demonstrates it is for the child's benefit; priorities in placement of Indian children will be established; and the Secretary of Interior shall assist Indian tribes in the establishment and operation of Indian family development programs. (ERB)