Chester County Department of Social Services v. Coleman

This case involves the application of the Indian Child Welfare Act. The sole issue is whether the family court erred in transferring jurisdiction of the case to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (Tribe), in South Dakota. We reverse the order of the family court.

I. FACTS

This case involves the application of the Indian Child Welfare Act to proceedings in Chester County regarding the removal of four Indian children from their parents. The proceedings in this case are complicated and have been protracted. However, a brief summary of pertinent portions of the proceedings is necessary. The children…