NEW Appendix on Best Practices for Engaging with Tribal Nations Available Now In early September, the Division of Safety and Permanence released a new appendix to the Child Protective Services (CPS) Access and Initial Assessment Standards! Appendix 13: CPS Agencies’ Responsibility to Engage with Tribal Nations provides guidance on best practices for staff, supervisors, and local CPS agency leaders to engage tribal nations in a way that is meaningful, respectful, and meets the statutory requirements established by the federal Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and Wisconsin Indian Child Welfare Act (WICWA) to protect Indian children and preserve Indian families. The appendix includes guidance on: Understanding each agency’s responsibilities in supporting Indian children and their families. Practicing cultural responsibility. Building a strong partnership with tribal child welfare professionals and leaders. Implementing shared decision-making and collaboration strategies to support compliance with active efforts, placement preferences, and other ICWA and WICWA requirements. This work was made possible by the tribal child welfare professionals who generously lent their expertise to this document: Alebra Metoxen, Oneida Nation Juliet Pierce, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Tibissum Rice, Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe Erika Traver, Ho-Chunk Nation Intertribal Child Welfare Committee Thanks to everyone who joined us at one of the post-release sessions! For additional information and support, check out the WICWA Online Resource.
