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August 13, 2003 Contact: Patricia Feeny (503) 945-6955 State hires manager to oversee Indian Child Welfare Act program The Oregon Department of Human Services has hired Mary Mc Nevins as manager of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) program. Mc Nevins previously held this position in 1999 and will be returning on Monday, Aug. 18. For the past three years, Mc Nevins was the National Indian Child Welfare Association's director of community development. She will report directly to Ramona Foley, DHS assistant director and head of Oregon's child welfare system. Foley said Mc Nevins is a well-respected tribal liaison and child welfare advocate with more than 24 years of experience in child protective services. "Mary brings a broad range and extraordinary amount of experience to this role," said Foley. "Because of her relationships with our tribal partners, her extensive experience in child welfare, and her commitment to the families and children in Oregon, she has become an invaluable asset to our state and our department." DHS meets quarterly with the Indian tribes of Oregon to assess their child welfare needs and to work on areas of common interest. Oregon has nine federally recognized Indian tribes within its boundaries, with a population of about 40,000. About 400 Indian children are in state substitute care at any given time. Oregon has operated an ICWA program since the law was passed in 1978. ICWA is a federal statute that governs the placement of Indian children while in voluntary or involuntary out-of-home placement. ICWA is a preemptory law; when the ICWA and state law are in conflict, ICWA takes precedent over state law. "There is no resource more vital to preserving the integrity of Indian tribes than their children," said Mc Nevins. "DHS must work closely with tribal partners to strengthen and stabilize families through appropriate services, but still recognize the cultural and social standards of the Indian people." |
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