What percentage of American Indian children were placed into non-Indian homes before the Indian Child Welfare Act?

The correct choice reflects the historical context of the placement of American Indian children in non-Indian homes before the enactment of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) in 1978. Research from that time shows that an overwhelming majority, estimated to be over 90%, of American Indian children were removed from their families and placed in non-Indian foster homes or adoptive situations. This practice was a result of policies that did not consider the cultural background of these children and led to a significant loss of cultural identity and connection to their heritage.

The implementation of the Indian Child Welfare Act aimed to address this issue by establishing standards to protect the rights of American Indian children and ensuring that they remain with their families or within their cultural communities whenever possible. The figure of over 90% underscores the gravity of the situation prior to the ICWA, highlighting the need for such protective legislation.