Child Welfare

The Child Welfare program provides case management to tribal citizens and their families who are involved with or at risk of being involved with the child welfare system. The goal for families being served is to achieve safety and maintain connections to their family, community, and culture. Family Caseworkers strive to enhance the quality of life and well-being of tribal families through services established by tribal values and strengths-based practices. Family Caseworkers provide support and outreach through collaboration, service delivery, and advocacy to protect and maintain the integrity and rights of tribal children and families.

The program’s mission is to ensure that the best interests of Tribal children are protected if removal of a Tribal child from their home by the state child protective service agency occurs. State courts are required to comply with the minimum federal standards established by the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). ICWA is a federal law that applies when a child is a member of a federally recognized Tribe, is under the age of 18, and is the subject of an involuntary custody proceeding. ICWA does not apply to custody disputes between parents.

The Child Welfare program provides case management services to children and parents or guardians in communities served. Case management services include but are not limited to:

Intervening and attending court hearings, case staffings and meetings.
Conducting supervised visitations and home visits.
Scheduling family meetings when necessary.
Conducting family searches and identifying potential relative placements.
Case-specific Native foster care recruitment, and assisting in providing direct services to families such as counseling and children’s program components.
Making referrals to other support services that will further enhance the quality of lives of our children and families.

The Child Welfare program carries a caseload of ICWA cases that originate in any state involving tribal citizens. The goal is to provide support and advocacy to tribal citizens wherever they are residing.

Compact tribes with an agreement specifying Tlingit & Haida will intervene on their behalf include:

Angoon
Craig
Haines
Hydaburg
Kasaan
Klawock
Saxman
Wrangell

Eligibility Requirement

Enrolled or eligible for enrollment with Tlingit & Haida.
State has filed and/or has custody of a tribal citizen child.

Application Process

ICWA notifications are sent from child welfare agencies if the child is identified as an enrolled tribal citizen or eligible for enrollment with Tlingit & Haida.