New Page 1

Children's Services

In our Indian Child Welfare capacity, we try to keep Tribal matters "tribal." When the State does step in, we are there to make sure our Tribal children are getting the best of care and that our Tribal families are being given the help they need. In the event that a child must be withdrawn from the home to safe and nurturing environment, The Indian Child Welfare Act makes it a law that Tribal children are to be placed within the family, within the Tribe or in a Native home. We are here to make sure that happens. Only when there is no appropriate Tribal or Native home available do we allow the State to place a child in a non-Native home. We also help arrange and provide supervised visits between parent and child, as well as home visits and home studies to make sure the needs of children in care are met. Perhaps most importantly, we provide State and Tribal court representation and advocacy for our children.

Foster Care Licensing

Tribal members or their families wanting to become licensed for Tribal Foster Care can contact us for applications, information and support to carry you through the whole licensing process and beyond. There are many types of foster care to choose from, for example: short-term, long-term, emergency or respite.

Independent Living Skills

This program provides Tribal youth between the ages of 15 and 20, skills for surviving in the adult world. It teaches skills for finding a job, home, etc., as well as some traditional tribal skills.

The Trail to the Tribe-Strengthening Families Program

We are almost ready to launch this new program which is dedicated to assisting families and developing and sustaining healthy communities. It's primary purpose is to decrease problem behaviors in children 10 to 14, and increase positive interaction and relationships between parents and children. Parents and youth will team side-by-side. It has been designed and successfully used to culturally support Native families and their extended families who are isolated due to lack of transportation to services, meetings, training, appointments and connections to school. We are very excited about this community benefit to Tribal families of school age children.