"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - CN’s Indian Child Welfare

"Juli Skinner, Child Welfare Specialist with Cherokee Nation Indian Child Welfare, is one of many specialists with the tribe who has a mission to protect the children and families who are citizens of the Cherokee Nation."

TAHLEQUAH, OK — The Cherokee Nation recently achieved high marks from federal and state child welfare officials, marks which even some states have been unable to attain.

The high marks were received through an audit of the tribe’s Indian Child Welfare program, which operates throughout the tribe’s jurisdictional boundaries.

“One of my opportunities before I became Chief was to defend and prosecute ICW cases for the tribe,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “I’m very happy that our federal and state auditors recognize their contribution as much as we do when they defend the welfare of our children.”

The Indian Child Welfare Act was passed in 1978 by Congress, in order to protect the best interests of Indian children and to promote the stability and security of Indian tribes. The mission of Indian Child Welfare is to provide tribal children, who are unable to be cared for by their biological family, a safe and permanent home.

Cherokee Nation Indian Child Welfare also will assist attorneys, private and state agencies and other tribal agencies maintain compliance with the federal law. The Indian Child Welfare Act states that "there is no resource that is more vital to the continued existence and integrity of Indian tribes than their children." To ensure compliance with policies, reviews are conducted by state and federal auditors to ensure the quality of service provided by an organization is up to standard.

Juli Skinner, a Child Welfare Specialist with Cherokee Nation, says that the audit isn’t something that she thinks about throughout the year, but instead concentrates on her job.

“I do this job for the kids,” said Skinner. “I know the audit takes place annually, but I don’t give it a lot of thought. I just do my job.”

During the audit, state and federal officials reviewed the Cherokee Nation Department of Youth and Family Service’s case files, examined the placement of children in tribal custody, and interviewed tribal social workers to determine the extent to which the department is complying with applicable federal and state policies and procedures. These types of audits are regularly performed while the Cherokee Nation is receiving state and federal dollars for the care of children in custody. In addition, auditors reviewed the policies and procedures to gain a better of understanding of how the tribe is promoting cultural practices and language preservation for the children in custody.

“The purpose of the audit is to look at the overall service delivery provided to children and families,” said Tamie Haley, Program Manager. “The audit is conducted annually by the Department of Human Services and is called a Child and Family Service Review. It was a stressful time, but rewarding in the end. We take a great deal of pride in placing children with their families and within their tribe. All of the staff and departments associated with ICW are devoted to these children and work hard throughout the year to meet the needs of the children. We are extremely happy and pleased that we scored so well.”

According to the Cherokee Nation Attorney General’s Office, the Indian Child Welfare Act fundamentally protects Indian children, families and Tribes by establishing minimum federal standards that the states must comply with before Indian children are removed from their families and placed in foster or adoptive homes.

“The Indian Child Welfare Act was enacted by Congress in 1978 due to the poor treatment tribal children and families were receiving in state courts,” said Sara Hill, Cherokee Nation Assistant Attorney General. “These audit results confirm what we in the Attorney General’s office have long suspected: that our Indian Child Welfare workers are some of the best you will find anywhere in the United States, and that Cherokee children fare better under the protection and supervision of the Cherokee Nation.”

The State of Oklahoma audit reflected that ICW was found in full conformance in all 18 areas assessed. In addition, the Federal findings reflect that in 6 of the 7 areas assessed ICW scored 100 percent. During the audit it was determined that Indian Child Welfare makes a great effort so place children with their biological families whenever possible. In addition, time and effort are taken to keep the children in the program connected to Cherokee culture. Auditors also found that staff work to engage parents in the case planning process and that visitation between parents and children occur on a very regular basis.

“This audit is very encouraging,” said Connie Webb, Child Welfare Specialist II. “The audit validates the hard work we do and the commitment we have to reuniting these children with their families.”

“These reviews reflect the dedication of our ICW staff to the protection of Cherokee children and the reunification of families when at all possible,” said Smith. “This is a huge accomplishment for ICW. Many states have been unable to pass these reviews.”