Scenario: A 13-year-old American Indian girl, Leena, has bee…
Scenario: A 13-year-old American Indian girl, Leena, has been temporarily removed from her home due to allegations of neglect. Her extended family is concerned, noting that historically, many Native children were placed in non-Native foster homes, resulting in loss of tribal connection, cultural practices, and family bonds. Leena reports feeling anxious, isolated, and unsure of her identity. The counselor is aware that the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) was enacted to prioritize placement of Native children with relatives, tribal members, or within their communities, aiming to reduce cultural disruption and emotional trauma. Question: Which counselor response BEST reflects a multicultural, social justice-informed approach that considers how ICWA impacts mental health?