We provide community-based technical assistance, helping Native communities build the skills and resources needed to offer effective services. Our approach is tailored to meet the needs of both Native and non-Native organizations, rooted in the Relational Worldview Model, which emphasizes balance across individuals, families, organizations, and communities as essential to health and well-being.
By honoring each community’s unique culture and strengths, we build lasting relationships and help reinforce the powerful, natural systems of protection that help Native children thrive within their own communities.
Our Practices
NICWA works with Native communities to:
Align
services with each community's unique needs and resources
Strengthen
connections with other tribes and service providers
Build
cross-system relationships that drive lasting change
Implement
child welfare practices that address the needs of parents
Our Expertise
We specialize in collaborating closely with partners to develop strategic technical assistance plans and provide tailored onsite support. Our expertise spans the following areas:
- Strengthening state and tribal child welfare services for Native families
- ICWA implementation in state agencies and courts, supporting tribal advocacy
- Tribal child welfare case management practices
- Facilitating tribal-state agreement negotiations for enhanced collaboration
- Revising child welfare codes and procedures to align with tribal needs
- Expanding tribal access to Title IV-E foster care and adoption assistance
- Supporting foster care recruitment, training, and placement priorities