The People of the State of Colorado, Petitioner/cross-Respondent in the Interest of Minor Children: K.c. and L.c. V…

Summary

The court held that the Indian Child Welfare Act does not require a state court to conduct a best-interests enrollment hearing before terminating parental rights when the children are eligible for tribal citizenship but do not qualify as Indian children under the Act. It also held that neither federal nor Colorado law requires the Department to enroll or assist in enrolling eligible children, although such assistance may be a recommended practice. The court reversed the court of appeals and reinstated the district court's termination judgment.