Application

This chapter addressing the Indian Child Welfare Act (25 U.S.C. § 1901 et seq.) as codified in various sections of the Family Code, Probate Code, and Welfare and Institutions Codes, applies to most proceedings involving Indian children that may result in an involuntary foster care placement; guardianship or conservatorship placement; custody placement under Family Code section 3041; declaration freeing a child from the custody and control of one or both parents; termination of parental rights; preadoptive placement; or adoptive placement. This chapter applies to:

(1) Proceedings under Welfare and Institutions Code section 300 et seq.;

(2) Proceedings under Welfare and Institutions Code sections 601 and 602 et seq., whenever the child is either in foster care or at risk of entering foster care. In these proceedings, inquiry is required in accordance with rule 5.481(a). The other requirements of this chapter contained in rules 5.481 through 5.487 apply only if:

(A) The court's jurisdiction is based on conduct that would not be criminal if the child were 18 years of age or over;

(B) The court has found that placement outside the home of the parent or legal guardian is based entirely on harmful conditions within the child's home. Without a specific finding, it is presumed that placement outside the home is based at least in part on the child's criminal conduct, and this chapter shall not apply; or

(C) The court is setting a hearing to terminate parental rights of the child's parents.

(3) Proceedings under Family Code section 3041;

(4) Proceedings under the Family Code resulting in adoption or termination of parental rights; and

(5) Proceedings listed in Probate Code section 1459.5 and rule 7.1015.

This chapter does not apply to voluntary foster care and guardianship placements where the child can be returned to the parent or Indian custodian on demand.

Rule 5.480 amended effective January 1, 2020; adopted effective January 1, 2008; previously amended effective January 1, 2013, and July 1, 2003.