American Indian Child Welfare Advocate Appointed by HHS Secretary Leavitt to National Advisory Council
January 25, 2008
Terry Cross, MSW, ACSW, LCSW, brings over 35 years of child welfare and mental health experience to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Advisory Council as one of their newest members, advising the Council on the needs of American Indian/Alaska Native communities and other issues.
Author of various articles on improving cross-cultural services provided by non-Indians who aid Indian clients, Cross is known in the social service’s academic field as “the father of cultural competency.” He is the developer, founder, and executive director of the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA), located in Portland, Oregon and a member of the Seneca Nation of Indians.
SAMHSA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), established by an act of Congress in 1992. SAMHSA was created as a services agency to focus attention, programs, and funding on improving the lives of people with or at risk for mental and substance abuse disorders. In collaboration with state governments, national and local community-based and faith-based organizations, and public and private sector providers, SAMHSA is working to ensure that people with or at risk for a mental or addictive disorder have the opportunity for a fulfilling life that includes a job, a home, and meaningful relationships with family and friends.
To advance its goals, SAMHSA draws advice from members of the public and professionals in the field of substance abuse and mental health who share an active interest in the mission of the agency and its centers. Cross will serve on the National Advisory Council for four years, while the Council provides advice, consultation, and recommendations to the HHS Secretary and the SAMHSA Administrator, Terry L. Cline, PhD.
“It is a tremendous honor to be nominated by the Secretary for this advisory role,” said Cross. “The need for effective behavioral health services for American Indians and Alaska Natives is particularly severe and SAMHSA’s role is crucial in making a measureable difference,” he said.
About NICWA
NICWA is a national nonprofit and the most comprehensive source of information on American Indian child welfare working on behalf of Indian children and families. NICWA provides public policy, research, advocacy, information, training, and community development services to a broad national audience, state child welfare agencies, and other organizations, agencies, and professionals interested in the well being of American Indian and Alaska Native children and families.