Indian Child Welfare

Our Mission

The Absentee Shawnee Tribe Indian Child Welfare Department is dedicated to protecting the best interests of our children and preserving the cultural identity of our tribal families. We work tirelessly to ensure the safety, permanency, and well-being of Absentee Shawnee children while honoring our cultural heritage and tribal sovereignty. Our dedicated team wears many hats to provide comprehensive services that support our children and families through various challenges. We are committed to keeping families together whenever possible and ensuring that our children remain connected to their tribal community and cultural identity.

Services We Provide

Child Protective Services
Our team investigates reports of child abuse and neglect involving Absentee Shawnee tribal children, working to ensure immediate safety and develop protection plans when necessary.

Family Preservation
We offer support services designed to strengthen families and prevent removal of children from their homes whenever possible. This includes counseling, parenting classes, and Connection to community resources.

Tribal/State Court Representation
Our team provides ongoing support, monitoring and advocacy in tribal and state court proceedings to represent the best interests of Absentee Shawnee tribal children and tribe in child welfare cases.

Cultural Connections
We provide cultural education and activities to help Absentee Shawnee children maintain strong connections to their tribal heritage, language and traditions.

Guardianship Services
We assist with establishing legal guardianships for Absentee Shawnee children when appropriate, helping to maintain family connections while ensuring safety and stability.
Guardianship Minor
Guardianship Emergency
Annual Guardianship Report

Foster Care/Adoption
We recruit; train and support tribal foster homes to provide culturally appropriate temporary care for children. We also facilitate adoption placements that prioritize maintaining cultural connections. Foster/Adoption Inquiry

ICWA Advocacy
Our department ensures compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) in all state proceedings involving tribal children, providing expert testimony and intervention when necessary.

Meet Our Team

Our dedicated staff members wear multiply hats to ensure comprehensive protection and support for Absentee Shawnee children across the United States.