Tribal Community Resources
Research shows that American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) children are over-represented in the child welfare system and that AI/AN individuals have higher rates of substance use disorders compared to other racial/ethnic groups. The current AI/AN generation’s experience of trauma and substance use disorders may be heightened by the intergenerational transmission of historical trauma of cultural traumatic experiences, and by the cumulative effects of harmful policies. Thus, it is crucial for both child welfare and treatment agencies to be culturally responsive to the needs of AI/AN families.
Treatment programs should recognize the impact of historical trauma and contemporary issues, accept differences in expression of identity and cultural connectedness, incorporate a relational approach that acknowledges the family’s current context and its vision for the future, and include traditional healing and cultural practices defined by each family. On a policy level, federal, state, and local partnerships should build relationships with tribal communities, ensure that tribal voices are heard within collaborative efforts, recognize tribal sovereignty, support funding to tribal entities, build cultural responsiveness into programs, and support research and evaluation of tribal programs.
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Policy and Practice Resources
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Child Welfare Capacity Building Center for Tribes
Administration for Children and Families, Children's Bureau, 2017
The Center for Tribes collaborates with American Indian and Alaska Native nations and offers services that strengthen and nurture children, youth, and families in order to ensure their safety, permanency, and well-being.
Visit Website hild Welfare Capacity Building Center for Tribes
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Supporting the Development of Young Children in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities Who Are Affected by Alcohol and Substance Exposure
Administration for Children and Families, 2016
This policy statement is designed to support early childhood programs and tribal communities. The document includes recommendations that assist with the development of American Indian and Alaska Native children in their early years (prenatal to age 8) who have been exposed to alcohol or substances during pregnancy or who are affected by parent or caregiver substance misuse during early childhood.
Visit Website Supporting the Development of Young Children in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities Who Are Affected by Alcohol and Substance Exposure
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Indian Health Services (IHS)
The federal health program for American Indians and Alaska Natives
IHS is an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that is responsible for providing federal health services to members of federally recognized tribes.
Visit Website Indian Health Services (IHS)
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National Child Welfare Resource Center for Tribes
Administration for Children and Families, Children’s Bureau, 2016
After the closure of the National Child Welfare Resource Center for Tribes, this website became a repository for all the center’s training and technical materials.
Visit Website National Child Welfare Resource Center for Tribes
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Related Online Trainings, Videos, and Webinars
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Tribal Home Visiting
Administration for Children and Families, 2016
Information on the Tribal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting program and its grantee awardees are included in this website. The program provides funding for the development, implementation, and evaluation of home visiting programs in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
Visit Website Tribal Home Visiting
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Tribal Training and Technical Assistance Center (TTAC)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
This center provides training and technical assistance for mental health and substance use disorders, suicide prevention, and mental health promotion to American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
Visit Website Tribal Training and Technical Assistance Center (TTAC)
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National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA)
NICWA works to address the issues of child abuse and neglect through training, research, public policy, and grassroots community development. NICWA supports compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, which seeks to keep American Indian children with American Indian families.
Visit Website National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA)
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Tribal Law and Policy Institute
This nonprofit corporation delivers education, research, training, and technical assistance programs that promote enhancement of justice for Native peoples and advocates for their health, well-being, and culture.
Visit Website Tribal Law and Policy Institute