Tribe: Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, Minnesota - Leech Lake Band
3-20.C Extended Family Conference.
The court shall have discretion in making a determination for placement of a child
to seek the advice and council of the extended family members of the child. If
the court uses this option it shall appoint a facilitator for an extended family
conference.
Notice of the conference shall be served by mail on known extended family
members of the child. The notice shall specify the purpose of the conference,
the date, time and place of the conference and the name of the fac-ilitator.
The extended family members attending the conference shall be informed of the
nature of the reasons for removal of the child and the expected length of time the
removal will be continued. The extended family members attending the
conference shall make recommendations to the court regarding an appropriate
placement for the child. The recommendations shall be reduced to writing by the
facilitator and submitted to the court. In making a placement determination the
court shall give substantial weight to the recommendations of the extended
family.