ICWA PROGRAM
Vacant
435.234.1178
The ICWA program is funded by a grant which was applied for and approved in 1994. The first year the program operated without direction and without ICWA related goals and objectives. Since FY-95 the current program has been providing various services as outlined in the grant.
The goal of the ICWA program is to decrease the number of Indian families experiencing conflicts that results in children being removed from their families, and to increase reunification of children and families who have been separated.
The program works with Tribal and BIA social services, Utah state social services, Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) and the tribal attorney.
A Memorandum of Understanding between the Utah Division of Child and Family Services and the Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Reservation was signed on April 19, 2006.
The purpose of the MOU is to set forth the terms, definitions, and conditions regarding the duties and responsibilities of DCFS and the Tribe to provide “best practice” child welfare services, which includes child protection, case management, foster care licensing, and administrative support to abused and neglected children of the tribe.
The program responds to Indian Child Welfare Act inquiries received from various state and county social services on minors who are affiliated with the tribe. And assists the tribal social services worker in the recruitment and retention of Native American foster homes within the tribes’ service area. ICWA works with a Child Protection Team (CPT) which consists of other tribal programs who work with Native American children. CPT is mandated to report and accepts child abuse and neglect reports. And to develop a case plan for families who are at -risk.
ICWA provides home visits and referral services to children and families identified as at-risk, arranges visitation of minors and biological parents as well as transportation for visitations. Provide families with information on the various services available, i.e., parenting skills training, behavior management, etc. Make referrals to other resources. Work with referring agency, tribal social services and/ or CPT in assessing and developing a case plan. Provide follow up service and monitoring services being received and/or periodically assessing their progress to determine whether the services are still appropriate and revising service plan.
ICWA provides community prevention/awareness and education workshops or presentations on child welfare and family issues that are culturally relevant to children and families on a quarterly basis each program year.
