Tribal child welfare workers are responsible for understanding and applying emerging evidence-based child welfare practice in their work while also providing tailored services to the Native American and Alaska Native families and children in their jurisdiction. They also often have to manage their work within guidelines set forth by Tribal, Federal, State, and local governments.
This page connects Tribal child welfare workers to resources that can support them in providing services to Tribal children and families.
Child Welfare Practice
Capacity Building Center for Tribes
Provides resources to help build the capacity of Tribal communities and professionals to address child welfare issues.
Effective Leadership for Tribal Child Welfare (PDF - 6,717 KB)
National Indian Child Welfare Association (2015)
Explains the role of Tribal governance and leadership in protecting and promoting the well-being of American Indian and Alaska Native children.
Families for Native American Children
AdoptUSKids
Explains how the laws pertaining to the fostering and adoption of Native American children influence the foster care and adoption process.
National Native Children's Trauma Center (NNCTC)
University of Montana
Provides national expertise on childhood trauma among American Indian and Alaska Native children.
Our Children, Our Sovereignty, Our Culture, Our Choice: ICWA Guide for Tribal Governments and Leaders (PDF - 940 KB)
Capacity Building Center for Tribes (2017)
Discusses the role of Tribal leaders in ensuring compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act.
Quick Reference Sheet for Tribes (PDF - 118 KB)
U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs
Provides information about the implementation of the Indian Child Welfare Act for Tribal child welfare professionals.
Recruiting Families for Native American Children: Strengthening Partnerships for Success (PDF - 107 KB)
National Resource Center for Diligent Recruitment at AdoptUSKids (2015)
Provides ideas and suggestions for specific strategies State and county child welfare systems can use to recruit families for Native American children in foster care.
Supporting Two Spirit/Native LGBTQ+ Youth [Webinar]
Capacity Building Center for Tribes (2018)
Provides part one of a two-part webinar series offering information on Native LGBTQ and Two-Spirit identities and how professionals can create welcoming and supportive environments for youth in care.
Tribal Child Welfare Practice Mapping [Webinar]
Tribal Information Exchange of the Capacity Building Center for Tribes (2019)
Explains the process of mapping in child welfare, which can help identify gaps in service and inform needed policy and procedure improvements.
Tribal STAR - Successful Transitions for Adult Readiness
San Diego State University School of Social Work, Academy of Professional Excellence (2019)
Provides training and technical assistance to the San Diego School of Social Work that focuses on building collaborations to improve outcomes for Native American children.
Walking in Two Worlds: Understanding the Two Spirit Native LGBTQ Community [Webinar]
Capacity Building Center for Tribes (2018)
Discusses the historical roles and identities of Two-Spirit/Native LGBTQ people, how historical/intergenerational trauma has impacted this community, and the efforts to bring back balance, beauty, and acceptance. This is the first webinar of a two-part series.