Cont. Indian Policy attends the 7.01 meetings CA staff to receive training on the State/Tribe Agreement and 7.01 Policy CA staff to be trained in the 7.01 process. Lynnette Jordan, Social Services Director Esther Lucero, Executive Director Seattle Indian Health Board Marc Taylor, Community Development Director Colleen Echohawk, Executive Director, Seattle Club Shawn Middleton, Case Manager Aimee Gone, OIP Ganene Jordan, CPS Supervisor Melissa Hoogendoorn, CFSW Supervisor Sam Kummer, CFWS Supervisor Snoqualmie Charles Osei is assigned to Snoqualmie and staffs their tribal cases as needed. United Indians provides culturally relevant/therapeutic services and social service programs to Native American children and families. Seattle Indian Health assists Native Americans/Alaska Natives with health care needs through the provisions of culturally appropriate services. Chief Seattle Club is a day center for homeless Native Americans/Alaska Natives. They provide basic services; housing assistance, education/training and professional mentoring, support services and cultural activities. Aimee assists in coordinating the meetings, takes minutes and attends all 7.01 meetings. She also conducts 7.01 training for DSHS and RAIO as requested. OICW has set meetings with the tribes. Rachelanne Subido is the assigned CPS worker for Muckleshoot. Charles Osei is the assigned CPS worker for Snoqualmie. Jackie Timentwa-Wilson is the tribal payment worker.
CA to give up dates on staff changes or program changes on a quarterly basis in the form of a report. CA to develop a documentation process for tribal notification Apprise Tribe of service delivery and impact on respective Native communities. To ensure more timely determination of Indian status. Ensure more timely relative resources are in place. To ensure consistency in practice. RA or designated staff Native American Inquiry Request Unit (NAIR) Kelly Lutes, Supervisor RA and AA report out at 7.01 meetings. AA for OICW sends out quarterly updates on staff and program changes. The last quarterly report was sent out 12-10-15. The updated roster was sent out on 3-22-16. The Centralized Inquiry Unit was established to improve timeliness on the inquiry process. NAIR sends the Inquiry letters for both first and second letters if the tribes have not responded. For WA State Tribes, a third inquiry letter will be sent if there is no response from the first or second letter. Any questions concerning NAIR, Kelly can be contacted at or 360-429-3022. Indian Child Welfare Advisory Committee (LICWAC) to be an advisor to the Regional Administrator and a resource to caseworkers and supervisors. Snoqualmie Tribe and the RAIOs will identify/designate candidates and alternates to be members of LICWAC. On-going recruitment of members for team expansion Orientation/training for new members. Copy of the ICW Manual to be given to new members. Annual or bi-annual retreats LICWAC for planning purposes. Ensure federal ICW and state laws are in compliance. Assist social workers in the case planning process. Identify more resources for Indian children Members become familiar with policy and practice, (training documented). Roxanne Finney, ICW Program Consultant/Facilitator Roxanne Finney Roxanne Finney Muckleshoot Tribe does not participate in the LICWAC teams. Members represent the Snoqualmie Tribe, RAIOs and members are at large. There are presently 14 active members. Recruitment is on-going. All new applicants receive training before participating on the team. CA in partnership with Casey Family sponsored the statewide LICWAC retreat on October 6, 2015 at Northern Quest Casino in Spokane Washington. All LICWAC members were invited to attend.
RA to meet with LICWAC team. To improve communication and support LICWAC efforts Natalie Green, RA LICWAC members CA and the Casey Family Program Field Office sponsored a Holiday Luncheon on 12-16-15 at OICW for the LICWAC team and OICW staff. The meeting with LICWAC and the RA to be scheduled. (4) Maintain and provide database of Native American children in foster care in Region 2 South Tribes. Maintain a tracking form CA to provide Tribes Famlink view access to cases within their legal authority. Track and monitor cases being staffed. Accurate data and tribal information Read only access to track cases within tribal legal authority Roxanne Finney – ICW Program Consultant Bob Smith or Juliette Knight, HQ Staffings have been consistent, occurring monthly. For the calendar year 2015, the total number of families staffed at LICWAC was 53, involving a total of 85 children. For the calendar year 2016 to date, the total number of families staffed at LICWAC was 12 involving a total of 22 children. All Tribes can have access to Famlink but must complete the Data Share Agreement annually. Muckleshoot received training for the SAW Access on March 1, 2016. There is currently 4 staff that has access to Famlink. Snoqualmie Tribe has 1 staff person who has access to Famlink. Tribes can add staff for access as needed.
Policy 7.01 Implementation Plan Biennium Timeframe: July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017 Plan Due Dates: April 2 (Regional Plan submitted to Assistant Secretary) and April 30 (Assistant Secretary Plan submitted to IPSS) of each even-numbered year. Progress Report Due Dates: April 2 (Regional Plan submitted to Assistant Secretary) and April 30 (Assistant Secretary Plan submitted to IPSS) of each year. Implementation Plan Progress Report (1) Goals/Objectives (2) Activities (3) Expected Outcome (4) Lead and Target Date (5) Status Update for the Fiscal Year Starting Last July 1 (6) Efforts are made to recruit and hire American Indian/Alaska Native staff or hire staff that has experience working in Native communities. Job postings for qualified applicants that have knowledge gained through either working with Native families, Native Tribes, Native groups, Native organizations or have lived in Native communities. Recruitment efforts will include notification to the Tribe. Culturally competent staff will be hired by DCFS. Human Resources Kathy Picard Posted positions are sent to the supervisors and Area Administrators. The ICW office can send notice to Tribes of these vacancies. All applicants must apply through career.wa.gov. Vacancies are reported out at each 7.01 meeting. Currently, there are 5 vacant positions at OICW; 2 FVS positions and 3 CFWS positions. Tribes and RAIOs are notified of open positions and are asked to participate on hiring panels. Tribal/RAIO staff to participate on hiring panels for key positions. AA Tribal staff/RAIO staff Aimee Gone Tribes and RAIOs are contacted and participate on hiring panels when they are available.
(7)Ensure training information/resources are shared with Tribes and Recognized Indian Organizations. DCFS to provide timely notification to Tribes and Indian Organizations regarding potential training opportunities. Provide training to Tribes/RAIOs on the State/Tribe Agreement and 7.01 Policy if requested. Tribes/RAIOs to provide feedback on training. Tribes and Indian Organizations to have access to training. Area Administrator ICW Program Manager The Tribes/Recognized American Indian Organizations are informed of specific Regional Core training dates. Training information is distributed to the tribes and Indian Organizations as it is received. This includes CA training, Alliance for Child Welfare Excellence, Children’s Justice Conference, King County Coalition on Racial Disproportionality training, Commercially Sexually Exploited Children training or other training sponsored by community providers. The Children’s Justice Conference will occur May 2nd & 3rd, 2016 at the Spokane Convention Center. One slot per tribe has been allocated. CA to notify the tribe of policy changes and new practice trainings. Tribe to be apprised of policies. CA staff/Tribal Partners FTDM training is available for tribes if they are interested in having these staffings at their tribal programs. Tribal Specific FTDM training is being planned to occur in May 2016. This will be open to all Washington Tribes.
(8)Administration supports community-based services to comply with federal, state and ICW laws. Out-stationing of OICW will continue to be an option for Muckleshoot. Administration to work with Tribes/RAIOs to develop culturally specific interventions for Indian children and families Collaboration with to work on on-going cases. Divert placements and reunify families. Natalie RA Bolesha Johnson, Deputy RA Kathy Picard, AA Cynthia Orie, ICW Program Manager Muckleshoot Marilee Mai, ICW Manager, Snoqualmie Lynette Jordan, UIATF Marc Taylor, SIHB CPS worker is out stationed 1 day per week at Muckleshoot. Administration utilizes tribal programs such as Snoqualmie Behavioral Health/Cowlitz, and the local Indian Organizations for intervention services. CA participates on the KC Disproportionality Coalition to address Native American disproportionality Work to recruit more Native American participation Host Brown Bag Lunches Native representation and input Forum for discussion on ICW RA /CA staff, Tribal representatives Community partners Krysten Legette, Regional Disproportionality Program Manager Rachelanne Subido, OICW Lead Roxanne Finney ICW Consultant CA works in partnership with the King County Coalition on Racial Disproportionality with the goal to eliminate racial disproportionality in the child welfare system and other where systems where disproportionality exists. This committee meets the 3rd Thursday of every month. The Coalition welcomes Tribal representatives and representatives from the Indian Organizations to partner in this effort. Disproportionality Program Manager coordinates monthly activities and training throughout the region on disproportionality, (1st Tuesdays).
Implementation Plan Progress Report (1) Goals/Objectives (2) Activities (3) Expected Outcome (4) Lead and Target Date (5) Status Update for the Fiscal Year Starting Last July 1, 2014 1) Child Safety Tribal support for Famlink database Increased communication between the Tribes and Region 2 North CA staff related to what child safety should look like Evaluate how Tribal and CA systems work and identify gaps that may impact child safety Better notification to Tribes when a new intake has been received Include tribes in training of new practices Infant safety and skill building program Increased collaboration between CA and Tribes to address child safety. Region 2 North Management and Tribal representatives Quarterly review and update QA Program Manager CA Regional Management and Tribes Tribal representatives are invited to all fatality reviews involving tribal children. Headquarters QA staff will notify Headquarters ICW staff so that notice is sent timely to Tribal contacts. Tribes have concerns that the notification letters are sent to Tribal leadership, and designated ICW Tribal staff may not receive timely notification about reviews. Provides Famlink Support to the Tribes. Tribes are invited to training on new practices. Famlink training was provided to Tribes as requested. Policy Rollout training will be made available to Tribes. Evidence programs can be utilized to ensure Infant safety.
2) Tribes to receive any and all materials in a timely manner per ICWA manual or existing MOU. a) Materials to include all intakes(screen-out, emergent, FAR, of Tribal Children, Court dates, court reports, b) CPS intakes: i. Emergent ii. Non-emergent a) a) Receive materials and information within 10 days: i. i. Internal processes implemented to ensure time sensitive material are sent within guidelines. ii. The Tribe will notify the agency when they have not received materials within the required timeframe iii. Push for more detailed agency guidance to staff in case of multiple tribal membership options iv. RA will work with CA ICW Program Manager to address jurisdictional issues v. Each office has a system to assure notification to Tribes of all court hearings b) CPS intakes faxed or emailed by secure email to tribe from Improved communication continuity. Improved turnaround for time-sensitive documents. Improved outcome for children and families. Reduce disproportionate representation of Native American children in the CA system. ICW Unit supervisors, social workers & administrative staff. OIP State-tribal MOU’s to include detailed processes for notification to Tribes. The Department will continue to work on addressing the issues of lack of notification to Tribes. Update: Region 2 intake notifies tribes within 24 working hours, by secure and documents notification in Famlink. Efforts continue to ensure timely notification to tribes, per ICW policy and/or Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). In cases in which child may have more than one tribal affiliation, all tribes of which the child may be a member or eligible for membership, are notified. MOU’s with Tribes.
a) intake. Consult with the Washington State Tribes Intake Contacts list for specific instructions, and/or applicable MOU. i. i. 24 hr response for emergent intake ii. 72 hr response for intakes 3) Family Preservation • Develop contracted in-home services. • Practice Services. Family Team Decision Making meetings Increase in-home resources for Tribal families More timely & safe reunification. Safely prevent out of home placement. DCFS contracts unit. ICW supervisors, social workers, FTDM facilitators. A majority of evidence based practices are offered in-home and as appropriate. FTDM: 1. FTDM is held before placement is made. 2. FTDM is held on the reservation when possible. 3. Race and Ethnicity are identified at the FTDM. 4. Tribes have been notified about FTDM training opportunities. 4) Tribes will be supported in read access to Fam-link. Tribes receive continued support in access and training. Improved accuracy of information. Improve Native American Identification Regional Administrator, Deputy Regional Administrator and Management team Famlink training and access were provided to tribes who made the request. Notification to all tribes with regards to the process for training requests as well as the person of contact. Update: Tribes renewed agreements for access to Famlink.
Reduce disproportionality of Native American children in CA system. QA Program Manager Headquarters ICW With tribal access to Famlink, tribes can identify their children in the CA system. 5) Establish & maintain an accurate record of all Tribal children currently receiving services from CA. a) DCFS staff identifies through active measurable efforts & enters documentation of Tribal information. Assure accuracy & document who, what, when, how the information was sought. b) Corrective action plan to be developed following recommendations from ICW case review. c) Native identification effort at the point of intake & Central Intake. d) Tribal access to Famlink. Work diligently with Tribes to resolve issues of multiple Tribal affiliations. Ensure that the list of all Tribal children in State custody & placement is accurate. Enhanced relative placement opportunities. Ensure that the list of licensed Native foster homes is accurate. Area administrator, ICW Unit supervisors. Native American Inquiry Referral unit. DLR regional administrator & staff The Native American Inquiry Referral Unit has 2 staff designated to Tribal identification. They have a turnaround of 24-48 hours for the processing of Native American inquiries. They report a high rate & quick response when the inquiries are faxed. All newly hired social services specialists receive Native American Inquiry training at Regional Core training, UW Alliance. The guide on how to submit a Native American Inquiry referral is also posted on the CA internet, for reference. CA is reminded to ask the child’s Indian status, at all points of CA involvement: investigation, legal/court, termination of parental rights, case transfer, office transfer, contact with extended family or others who may have knowledge of the child’s Indian status. ICW contacts list is updated monthly by CA ICW Headquarters. The list is posted on CA internet.
7) Ensure that appropriate permanent for all Native American children are consistent with Federal, State law and Tribal principles and law. One year family reunification or 2 years for adoption/guardianship (depending on Tribal law). Quarterly permanency outcome report is the source. Review permanency plans at regular staffing – per Tribal agreements. Tribal, State, and Federal law don’t agree. Ongoing discussion will continue. Early collaborative efforts will be a necessary part of the permanency planning process Data reviewed & plans to reduce Native American children’s time in care developed. Improved permanency for Native American children in care, in a more timely manner. Area administrator & ICW Unit supervisors, social workers, & Tribal representative. OIP ICW cases are staffed with the Tribal CPT when we are preparing for a permanency planning review at court. ICW cases that do not have a local Tribe are staffed with LICWAC prior to a permanency planning review, if the child’s Tribe has chosen not to be involved.. ICW cases heard in County Court- a permanency planning staffing is held prior to the permanency review hearing. Tribes & families are invited to attend. Tribes are invited to case conferences & shared planning meetings. We are strengthening shared planning post case conference in the ICW unit. R-GAP is discussed with Tribes as a permanency option. 8) Maintain consistency in case planning when case workers are changed. Any change in case plan is to be reviewed with Tribal workers. Notification of case worker change. Famlink provides case worker (social worker) assignment information. Consistency in case plan as workers change. Reduced changes of case workers (social workers) on ICW caseloads. ICW unit supervisors, social workers. Supervisors continue to recruit for vacancies within ICW units. Tribes, with access to Famlink, will be able to see current social worker assignment. Supervisors will be responsible for notification of case worker change.
9) Full faith & credit to Tribal Court Orders. State to help facilitate Memorandum of Agreement with State Court system to provide Full Faith & Credit to Tribal Court orders regarding child welfare. Identify any issues or barriers & develop a definitive plan for resolution. responsibility assumed for both Tribal Court & State Court dependency orders, State/Tribal agreements. Regional Administrator, Deputy Regional Administrator, & management team. OIP Specified in individual State-Tribal MOU. 10) MOU’s to be shared & utilized by all social workers as part of Manual training & ongoing execution of duties. State workers are to consult each Tribe’s MOU in accordance with ICWA manual when contacting & working with any Tribe. Cultural training offered by Tribe. Retreats. Tribal/CA job shadowing Tribal/CA joint training. Better understanding of individual Tribal expectations. Compliance with ICWA, ICWA, and Tribal youth agreements & understanding of cultural issues. Regional Administrator, Deputy Regional Administrator, Area Administrator, ICW unit supervisors & social workers. OIP CA offices & Tribes continue the effort to work on the State-Tribal MOU’s. In the meantime, employees are working the guidelines/requirements of ICWA as if an agreement (MOU) is in place. 11) Ensure access by Indian children and families to all programs administered by Children’s Services for which they are eligible. Maintain and/or revise MOU’s with all Region 2 Tribes. Maintain communication regarding progress of approval. Completion of agreements. Regional Administrator, Deputy Regional Administrator, Area Administrator, ICW Unit supervisors, DLR Administrator & Tribes. OIP The following is a list of Region 2 North Tribes and status of their MOU: Nooksack: in process Lummi: completed Samish: completed Swinomish: in process Stillaguamish: completed Sauk-Suiattle: in process. Tulalip Tribes: completed
14) Ensure Tribes are supported, connected with, & can access Regional Core Training, foster parent training, and other regional training. Training coordinator & UW Alliance to include Tribes on all appropriate training opportunities. Region offers proportionate number of slots to Tribes for conferences such as Children’s Justice Conference. CA will attend Tribal training when invited and available. Tribes notified of training opportunities. Tribes receive notice of conferences and are advised about the number of slots designated for Tribal representatives. Training Coordinator, UW Alliance. Tribal staff to give foster parent information to DLR to give notice to invite. OIP Tribes are made of when Regional Core Training is held. Tribes are made of regional training via email. Tribal representatives are invited to participate in the Alliance/CA training partnership Regional Advisory Committee. 15) Foster parent Training requirement to Native American issues, values and ICW requirements. Provide Native American training as part of FP licensing process in addition to rights/responsibilities sheet. Tribal representative to provide training. Culture Day sponsored by Region 2. Increased foster parent knowledge. Improved cultural awareness for both children & foster parents to include the experience. Cultural connections to be established and maintained. Regional Administrator, Deputy Regional Administrator, Tribal representative & DLR Area Administrator. UW Alliance OIP “All My Relations” video and guide is posted on-line, and is used for foster parent training at support meetings. DLR continues to work on the recruitment effort of Native American homes through various methods such as being present at pow-wows, and word of mouth in Native communities.
16) Ensure efforts are made to recruit/hire Tribal staff reflective of the service population and affirmative action goals. Recruit Tribal staff & advertise open ICW positions in Tribal communities. Tribes will be invited to be on hiring panels for permanent CA positions- Social Service Specialist 3, Social Service Specialist 4, Area Administrator, that work in ICW. Mail announcements to Tribal Social Services & Human Resources Advertise in Tribes’ newspapers. Tribal Employment TERO-job programs TANF Regional Administrator, Deputy Regional Administrator, Area Administrator & Tribal Human Resources Department OIP OIP and Tribes are notified when ICW positions open. Tribes are invited to be a part of the interview panel on all ICW-related positions.