In 1978 the Indian Child Welfare Act was passed which implemented new regulations regarding the removal of Indian children from their parents and their placement in residential and foster care or adoptive families or institutions. The 7-page information sheet provides guidelines in prevention of institutional child abuse and neglect of American Indian children. Five ways of assuring that Indian children do not continue to be victims of institutional abuse are offered: seeking sources of funding to develop programs and services to Indian families; tribal courts and children's codes reflecting handling child custody cases; communities recruiting and training Indian foster and adoptive families; boarding schools and residential institutions being closely monitored by parents and Indian leaders; and adequate follow-up and evaluation being done of foster and adoptive families. Examples of physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse and neglect are provided to serve as a guide as to what types of cases should be reported. (ERB)