Tribal TANF & Child Welfare

  • Provide counsel and assistance to tribes and tribal organizations to preserve and exercise their sovereign authority to protect their children and families under programs including:
    • Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)
    • Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF) program
    • Child Care and Development Block Grant
    • Title IV-E Foster Care and Adoption Assistance Act
    • Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act.
  • Monitor legislation and provide advocacy to protect the integrity of existing child welfare laws and to secure new federal authority for direct tribal administration of child welfare programs.
  • Assist tribes in establishing and administering programs providing child welfare services, foster care, social services, and Tribal TANF.
  • Negotiate intergovernmental agreements.
  • Draft tribal ordinances, regulations, and policies.
  • Represent tribes to protect their programs and jurisdictional authority against challenges from state and local agencies.