Tribal Affairs Office

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

  • Child Welfare
  • Child Support
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
  • Child Care
  • Domestic Abuse Services

Today, the Tribal Affairs Office continues to serve 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 governments of Wisconsin
  • Ensuring tribal-DCF collaboration in the development of policy, program and funding initiatives impacting tribal communities
  • Fostering an effective chain of communication between DCF and tribal staff
  • Training DCF staff and others in the area of tribal relations
  • Administering the tribal/DCF contracting process for protective services and family supporting programs
  • Providing technical assistance to tribal governments and communities
  • Working together to ensure culturally appropriate services are available in tribal communities
  • Providing administrative, fiscal and program oversight of programs contracted to the Tribal governments located in Wisconsin

The roles and responsibilities of the TAO staff include:

  • Helping in the development of Wisconsin tribal policies
  • Serving as a liaison between the Tribes and DCF promote the safety and well-being of children and families