People ex rel. South Dakota Department of Social Services

[¶ 1.] The Oglala Sioux Tribe appeals the circuit court’s judgment finding that good cause existed for placement of D.W. (Child) in an adoptive home outside the placement preferences of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA).

Facts and Procedural Background

[¶2.] On August 22, 2006, the State filed a petition in Jones County alleging that Child and his half-brother (Brother), then ages six and four months, respectively, were abused and neglected. At the time, Child was living with Mother and T.M., who is Brother’s father. Child and Brother were taken into protective custody on December 1, 2006.…