Working With American Indian Families

Issues relevant to working with American Indian families, including State and local examples.

Adapting Evidence-Based Treatments for Use with American Indian and Native Alaskan Children and Youth (PDF - 486 KB)
BigFoot & Braden
Focal Point, 21(1), 2007
Describes the adaptation of several evidence-based treatments for child traumatic stress for use in Native American communities.

The Charter of the Collaborative Circle (Word – 93 KB)
United for Families: The Collaborative Circle for the Well-Being of South Dakota's Native Children (2006)
Summarizes all the decisions made to create and implement the Collaborative Circle.

The Context and Meaning of Family Strengthening in Indian America (PDF – 1718 KB)
Annie E. Casey Foundation, Malcolm Wiener Center for Social Policy, & Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development (2004)
Identifies programs that are effectively addressing the needs of Indian families and provides a framework for understanding family strengthening in Native American communities.

Domestic Violence and Child Maltreatment in Native Communities
Goodmark
ABA Child Law Practice, 24(1), 2005
View Abstract
Discussion of child maltreatment and domestic violence in American Indian communities.

Ensuring the Seventh Generation: A Youth Suicide Prevention Toolkit for Tribal Child Welfare Programs (PDF - 3113 KB)
Cross, Morton, Clyde, Alberty, & Home (2009)
Describes the warning signs of suicide and outlines intervention methods and suicide prevention to Tribal child welfare workers.

Five Steps to Community Assessment: For American Indian/Alaska Native Head Start Programs
Academy for Educational Development, Center for Early Care and Education, & American Indian Technical Assistance Network (2006)
View Abstract
Presents a community assessment tool for conducting meaningful assessment and developing corresponding goals and objectives that correspond to the individual needs, strengths, and resources of the community.

Gaps and Strategies for Improving AI/AN/NA Data: Final Report
Westat (2007)
Reviews the availability and adequacy of Federal and other data sets on the health and well-being of American Indians, Alaska Natives, and other Native Americans, identifies current initiatives to reduce gaps in the data, and presents strategies that may improve data quality.

Guidelines for Child Advocacy Centers in Indian Country (PDF - 131 KB)
Native American Children's Alliance (2004)
Guidelines for the development of child advocacy centers on American Indian reservations, addressing the unique challenges and strengths of tribal communities, culturally appropriate practices, and jurisdictional issues.

Indian Child Welfare Act; Receipt of Designated Tribal Agents for Service of Notice (PDF - 270 KB)
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior (2009)
Presents a Federal Register notice listing the Designated Tribal Agents for service of notice under the Indian Child Welfare Act, 25 CFR 23.12.

Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Online Training Course
National Indian Child Welfare Association (2008)
Explains ICWA in easy-to-understand language and recommends effective child welfare practices when working with an ICWA case. A registration fee is required.

Key Factors in Forensic Interviews With Native American Children (PDF - 109 KB)
Blahauvietz
APRI Update, 18(6), 2005
Discusses the key factors to consider when interviewing children of Native American or Alaskan Indian descent with regard to sexual abuse allegations.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to Parents of Children Involved With Child Welfare: A Study of Racial and Ethnic Differences for American Indian Parents
Libby, Orton, Barth, Webb, Burns, Wood, et al
Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 32(2), 2007
View Abstract
Presents analysis of data from the National Study of Child and Adolescent Well-Being. Research indicated significant disparities in the likelihood of American Indian parents receiving mental health, but not substance abuse, services.

A Victim-Centered Approach to Crimes Against American Indian and Alaska Native Children: Resource Guide and Workbook for Drafting New or Amended Tribal Laws on Crimes Against Children
Tribal Law and Policy Institute (2008)
Provides illustrative examples, narrative, and discussion questions to help Tribes develop and/or update their laws to address victimization of Tribal children.

Working With American Indian Families
North Carolina Division of Social Services and the Family and Children's Resource Program
Children's Services Practice Notes, 11(2), 2006
A brief overview of events that have affected American Indian families, a discussion of Indian culture, suggestions for complying with the Indian Child Welfare Act, and additional information about working with American Indian families.

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State and local examples

Indian Child Welfare Act Compliance Desk Aid for New York State Child Welfare Workers (PDF - 285 KB)
New York State Office of Children and Family Services (2006)
Explains how to remain in compliance with the requirements of the Indian Child Welfare Act when a child of American Indian heritage enters the child welfare system.

Preserving Native American Families in New Mexico: The Indian Child Welfare Act and the Adoption and Safe Families Act: A Resource for Judges, Attorneys, Social Workers, Child Advocates, and Others Who Work With Children and Families (PDF - 140 KB)
Shaening and Associates, Inc., New Mexico Tribal-State Judicial Consortium, & New Mexico Court Improvement Project (2005)
Provides an overview of the terms of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), the relationship of ICWA to the Adoption and Safe Families Act, and other information about serving Indian children in New Mexico. Includes a discussion of Tribal sovereignty.

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