32A-28-23: Adoptive and guardianship placements; maintenance of culture; cultural compacts.

To ensure that the Indian Family Protection Act is fully implemented and that all Indian children have the opportunity to maintain strong connections to their culture, if the household into which an Indian child is placed for adoption or guardianship does not include a parent who is a member of the Indian child's tribe, the court shall require the parties to the adoption to enter a cultural compact, at the discretion of the Indian child's tribe, that documents the parties' agreement regarding how the Indian child will continue to actively participate in the Indian child's cultural learning and activities and engagement with family members. Each cultural compact shall be specific to the Indian child and shall articulate the Indian child's understanding as the Indian child grows and matures. The cultural compact shall become part of the court record, shall be enforced by the court and shall be included in the adoption decree.