WHEN A TRIBE DOES NOT SUPPORT ADOPTION PERMANENCY PLANNING INDIAN CHILD WELFARE SUMMIT KEN LEVINSON OCTOBER 10, 2012

GROUP OF NOOKSACK INDIANS NEAR LYNDEN, WASHINGTON, CA. 1900

NOOKSACK DAYS

NOOKSACK ICW The Nooksack ICW Program works to ensure that all Nooksack children are safe and provided the care they need to thrive and grow while promoting family and cultural preservation.

NOOKSACK DAYS

CURRENT EVENTS IN NOOKSACK ICW Actively co-managing all CPS and CWS cases with CA Completely rewriting Youth Code Preparing to transfer all dependencies involving Nooksack children back to Tribal Court Revising State-Tribal Agreement with CA Writing minimum guidelines for Tribal licensing of foster homes

NOOKSACK AND PERMANENCY The Nooksack Tribal Council passed a resolution in 2011 stating that the Tribe does not support the involuntary termination of parental rights in dependencies.

NOOKSACK AND PERMANENCY In a letter to partners in CA, the Tribal Chairman wrote: The Tribe has determined that maintaining parental rights is of the utmost importance to preserving a child’s tribal identity and culture.

COOKING SALMON

CANNING SALMON AT TRADITIONAL FOODS EVENT

CHIEF GEORGE SWANASET, MRS JAMES, LOTTIE TOM

NOOKSACK AND PERMANENCY and continues: Although the Tribal Council is aware that some cases present compelling reasons to terminate parental rights, we will not evaluate each case individually or make exceptions to our policy as stated in the resolution.

NOOKSACK AND PERMANENCY Available permanency options: Reunification Guardianship Customary Adoption*

NOOKSACK AND PERMANENCY So how should caseworkers be spending their energy? Designing appropriate and reasonable services for parents to mitigate safety concerns Actively working with parents, service providers, and Tribe Identifying appropriate relative homes

CONTACT INFO Ken Levinson Director, Nooksack Family Services (360)