Prevention of child maltreatment is linked to strengthening protective factors for families and communities so that children can remain safely with their families, communities, and Tribes. Protective factors for families include nurturing and attachment, knowledge of parenting, resilience, social connections, concrete supports, and the social and emotional competence of children. Find resources in this section related to prevention, child protection, and in-home care.
Child Abuse and Neglect
National Indian Child Welfare Association
Includes a compilation of resources focused on preventing child abuse and neglect in American Indian communities.
Child Protection in Indian country: A Handbook for Indian Health Service and Bureau of Indian Affairs
Center on Child Abuse and Neglect, Native American Programs (2005)
Provides culturally specific information on child protection investigations and response, training materials and handouts are also provided.
Community Readiness Model [Webinar]
National Child Welfare Resource Center for Tribes (2011)
Presents a 2-hour skills-building webinar on the Community Readiness Model (CRM) which utilizes existing resources in communities and supports development of culturally appropriate intervention strategies for the prevention of social issues facing a Tribe or community.
Culturally Restorative Child Welfare Practice: A Special Emphasis on Cultural Attachment Theory
Simard (2009)
First Peoples Child & Family Review, 4(2)
View Abstract
Examines the Weechi-it-te-win Family Services' implementation of a restorative child welfare model that supports Anishinaabe children's cultural identity and cultural attachment. The study found that the agency had developed a solid culturally competent social work practice and that its model of governance is based on collaboration with elders, Tribal leaders, and grassroots community members.
Discussions With Urban American Indian and Alaska Native Parents: Keeping Babies Healthy and Safe (PDF - 2,872 KB)
Urban Indian Health Institute (2011)
Describes results from a project that gathered opinions and insight from American Indian and Alaska Native parents about keeping babies healthy and safe and effective messages and communication channels for information on these topics.
Finding Your Way: Guides for Fathers in Child Protection Cases (PDF - 15,809 KB)
American Bar Association & American Humane Association (2011)
Provides a helpful guide for fathers involved in the child protection system including rights and responsibilities, how to work with your lawyer, the court process, your role outside of court, when you owe child support, and if you are or have been in prison.
Healthy Native Babies Project (PDF - 3,678 KB)
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (2011)
Describes ways to reduce the risk for sudden infant death syndrome and promote healthy environments among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) babies.
Helping Child Welfare Workers Improve Cultural Competence by Utilizing Spiritual Genograms With Native American Families and Children
Limb & Hodge (2010)
Children and Youth Services Review, 32(2)
View Abstract
Provides an assessment tool that can be used to provide culturally and spiritually competent services to Native American families and children.
Indian Child Welfare Glossary and Flowchart (PDF - 1,892 KB)
National Indian Child Welfare Association (2006)
Presents words that are commonly used in Indian child welfare and in situations where the Indian Child Welfare Act is applied.
Meaningful and Ongoing Engagement of Tribes and State Courts in Child Protection
National Center for State Courts (2011)
Examines recent policy and program developments that support state-tribal collaboration in child welfare with examples that demonstrate meaningful and ongoing collaboration with a commitment to respect and mutual learning.
Reference Guide for Native American Family Preservation Programs
National Healthy Marriage Resource Center (2010)
Offers resources, strategies, and lessons from programs projects aimed at improving child well-being by promoting healthy relationships and families in Native American communities. Recommendations include implementing family strengthening education programs, financial education to couples and address challenges to family stability.
Suspected Child Abuse/Neglect (SCAN) & Employee Incident Reporting Protocol (PDF - 349 KB)
U.S. Bureau of Indian Education (2019)
Outlines child abuse and neglect reporting requirements and procedures for Bureau of Indian Education employees, mandatory reporters, and types of child abuse and neglect.