Scotts Valley administers an Indian Child Welfare act (ICWA) program to provide assistance to tribal members and children who are eligible for Tribal membership. Prior to the passage of the ICWA, a large percentage of Indian children were taken from their families and tribes and placed in non-Indian foster care. Many Indian children were adopted by non-Indian families without consent of their tribe. The law now requires that tribes be notified prior to court action to remove an Indian child from their family and/or tribe. Scotts Valley has a qualified ICWA worker to assist families as well as intervene in custody cases on behalf of the Tribe. Scotts Valley works with Child Protection Services to ensure that custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child.