25 U.S.C. § 3207 - Character investigations

Cite as25 U.S.C. § 3207

(a) By Secretary of the Interior and Secretary of Health and Human Services

The Secretary and the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall-

(1) compile a list of all authorized positions within their respective departments the duties and responsibilities of which involve regular contact with, or control over, Indian children,

(2) conduct an investigation of the character of each individual who is employed, or is being considered for employment, by the respective Secretary in a position listed pursuant to paragraph (1), and

(3) prescribe by regulations minimum standards of character that each of such individuals must meet to be appointed to such positions.

(b) Criminal records

The minimum standards of character that are to be prescribed under this section shall ensure that none of the individuals appointed to positions described in subsection (a) have been found guilty of, or entered a plea of nolo contendere or guilty to, any felonious offense, or any of two or more misdemeanor offenses, under Federal, State, or tribal law involving crimes of violence; sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, contact or prostitution; crimes against persons; or offenses committed against children.

(c) Investigations by Indian tribes and tribal organizations

Each Indian tribe or tribal organization that receives funds under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act [ 25 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.] or the Tribally Controlled Schools Act of 1988 [ 25 U.S.C. 2501 et seq.] shall-

(1) conduct an investigation of the character of each individual who is employed, or is being considered for employment, by such tribe or tribal organization in a position that involves regular contact with, or control over, Indian children, and

(2) employ individuals in those positions only if the individuals meet standards of character, no less stringent than those prescribed under subsection (a), as the Indian tribe or tribal organization shall establish.

(d) By tribal social services agency for foster care placements in tribal court proceedings

(1) Definitions

In this subsection:

(A) Covered individual

The term "covered individual" includes-

(i) any individual 18 years of age or older; and

(ii) any individual who the tribal social services agency determines is subject to a criminal records check under paragraph (2)(A).

(B) Foster care placement

The term "foster care placement" means any action removing an Indian child from a parent or Indian custodian for temporary placement in a foster home or institution or the home of a guardian or conservator if-

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT