Tribal Affairs Office

native american baby in a bassinet

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is committed to working with the eleven federally recognized Tribal Nations located within Wisconsin. Through a collaborative effort that recognizes and respects their sovereignty, DCF consults with the Tribal Nations to support tribal children and families through the Department’s various programs, including:

  • Child Welfare
  • Child Support
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
  • Work Programs (W-2)
  • Child Care
  • Domestic Abuse Services
  • Home Visiting Services
  • Youth Justice

The Tribal Affairs Office (TAO) serves as liaison to tribal governments, tribal organizations, the urban tribal population, the general public, and DCF staff by:

  • Facilitating a productive government-to-government relationship between DCF and the Tribal Nations.
  • Ensuring tribal-DCF collaboration in the development of policy, program and funding initiatives impacting Tribal Nations and their communities.
  • Fostering an effective chain of communication between DCF and Tribal Nations.
  • Training DCF staff and others in the area of tribal relations.
  • Providing technical assistance to Tribal Nations.
  • Working together to ensure culturally appropriate resources and services are available.
  • Providing administrative, fiscal and program oversight of programs contracted to the Tribal Nations headquartered in Wisconsin

The roles and responsibilities of the TAO staff include:

  • Helping in the development of policies and initiatives that impact Tribal Nations and their citizens.
  • Serving as a liaison between the Tribal Nations and DCF to promote the safety and well-being of children and families.