The ICWA Department at the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is looking for individuals who would like to train to become Qualified Expert Witnesses (QEW’s).

A QEW is a person who, by the ICWA law, will attend State Court Hearings in cases where a tribal child is removed from their parents or guardians by the Department of Children and Families because of an allegation of physical abuse or neglect.

The QEW must be able to speak to the culture and traditions of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, including child-rearing practices. You will be expected to have background knowledge or have worked as a social worker, legal services, teaching professional and/or child care.

If you agree to serve as a QEW, you will be given the case that is going to State Court to review. At the State Court Hearing, you may be asked your opinion as to whether or not a child should be returned to a parent or guardian. If you feel at that time, the child should not be returned, you may be asked to speak to your concerns.

The ICWA Department is working with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families to make a stipend available to individuals who attend State Court Hearings as QEW’s.

A criminal background records check may be required.

If interested, please contact the following individuals: Maria Turner, ICWA Manager-508-477-0208, x144 or Yvonne Avant, ICWA Liaison-774-238-8388.