Grand Forks County sees nearly 70% decrease in Native American foster care population

Grand Forks County sees nearly 70% decrease in Native American foster care population

GRAND FORKS — For the last six years, Grand Forks County's foster care population has decreased significantly and, alongside it, the disproportionate rate of Native American children in care has fallen, too. Harmony Bercier, North Dakota's Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) partnership grant manager, feels the trend can't be attributed to any single factor. Instead, she believes it's the result of yearslong efforts, including relationship building,…