Statutes | Klamath Juvenile Ordinance Title 2 Chapter 15 ยง15.01 | 2020
(a) The purposes of this Ordinance are to establish procedures to provide for the safety, care, and protection of all children within the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court and all Klamath children to secure for each such child nurturing, guidance, and supervision preferably in the childs own home to prevent the unwarranted breakup of Klamath families by establishing procedures recognizing the rights of the child and his or her family and ensuring that the permanent removal of a Klamath child from his or her parent or Indian custodian is the last resort and to promote the best interest and welfare of each such child giving full consideration to the traditional customs and unique values of the Klamath Tribes.
(b) It is the policy of the Klamath Tribes that:
(1) no resource is more essential and vital to the continued existence and integrity of the Klamath Tribes than their children, and the health and safety of such children shall be of paramount concern
(2) the unity, stability, and security of the relationship between Klamath children and their natural families must be promoted and strengthened and unwarranted removal of Klamath children from their homes shall be prevented
(3) where removal of a child from his or her family is necessary, primary placement considerations shall be given to insure that a Klamath child is raised within the Klamath tribal culture, that a Klamath child is raised within his or her extended family, and that a Klamath child is raised as an Indian
(4) where reunification of the immediate family is not possible, long term placement without termination of parental rights is the strongly preferred approach and permanent removal shall be the last resort
(5) cooperative intergovernmental relations are to be encouraged between the Klamath Tribes and the State of Oregon and other states and tribes in child welfare matters involving Klamath children and families, other Indian children, and non-Indian children
(6) supportive child welfare and family services, which are respectful of Klamath traditions and cultural values, shall be available to Klamath children and their families
(7) the right of a Klamath child to know and learn his or her culture and heritage by experiencing that culture on a daily basis shall be preserved and enhanced and
(8) the provisions of the Indian Child Welfare Act Agreement between the State of Oregon and the Klamath Tribes, as it now exists or is hereafter amended, shall be fully implemented.
(c) The Klamath Tribes hereby declare that this Ordinance is in the best interest of Klamath children.