Active Efforts are more than a legal requirement — they are a promise to do everything possible to keep Native families together. Under ICWA, agencies must act early, thoroughly, and in partnership with tribes and families. This guide breaks down what Active Efforts really mean in practice, and how systems can move from compliance toward true community healing.

Cultural identity is not an optional part of child welfare — it is essential to a child's safety, wellbeing, and future. True family preservation means protecting not just the child’s body, but their spirit, their traditions, and their community ties. Healing systems requires seeing cultural identity as a sacred need, and honoring it at every stage of practice.