Santa Clarita Family To Lose Custody Of Foster Daughter Over Indian Child Welfare Act

SANTA CLARITA (CBSLA.com) — A Santa Clarita family Monday will lose custody of their 6-year-old foster child because of a federal law.

For the past four years, Lexi, who is part Choctaw, has been living with her foster parents in Santa Clarita. Her foster dad, Rusty Page, says he and his wife have tried to adopt Lexi for the past three years.

However, the couple lost their fight against the Indian Child Welfare Act, which was created to keep Native American children with Native American families.

Officials from the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services will pick Lexi up at some point today and bring her to live with extended family in Utah.

According to Page, the family she is supposed to live with is only related to her by marriage. They are not Native American.

CBS2's Jasmine Viel reported Page has agreed to comply with the county's orders.

Meanwhile, residents have flocked to Page's home to show their support.

The activists say they plan to stay outside the home and will videotape the removal of Lexi.