Indian child-welfare lawsuit filed against South Dakota

by Tom Crann, Minnesota Public Radio

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The ACLU is joining two Indian tribes and three parents in class-action lawsuit against South Dakota.

The lawsuit claims the Department of Social Services and other agencies have violated parents' rights when it comes to the Indian Child Welfare Act. This is the latest development in an ongoing series of claims that Native American children have been consistently removed from their families over the years, and placed in white homes.

NPR's Laura Sullivan, who has covered the story for several years, speaks with MPR News.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, 03/22/2013, 5:24 p.m.