We are thrilled to announce Oneida Nation of Wisconsin Family Services Department as our tribal partner selected through a competitive process for the Network’s two-year, intensive Bridging Systems for Kinship Families initiative!
In collaboration with the tribe, NICWA (National Indian Child Welfare Association) will partner with Oneida Nation Family Services to identify specific goals identified by the department, their partners and lived experience experts to collaborate across tribal and state government systems to better serve all kinship families, whether they are involved in the child welfare system or not. Together, we will look for ways to address service barriers, break down silos, and leverage resources to maximize support to the families.
Soon we will be in Green Bay, Wisconsin meeting with our new partners. The vision of the Oneida Nation’s Family Services Department is Tsyakitsy^tha – “healing families together.” This can seem like a daunting goal, especially with the disproportionate adversity the Oneida community has faced due to historical and intergenerational trauma. The relative caregivers within the Kinship Care Program are the most valuable and needed providers. They serve as a prevention resource, keeping at risk kids from entering the Child Welfare system and provide vital intervention support, serving as placement preferences that align with the Wisconsin Indian Child Welfare Act. Kinship care strengthens family preservation and wellness for the Oneida community and NICWA is excited about the opportunity to work with and learn from the Kinship Care Program over the next two years.
Stay tuned,in two years, NICWA and the Network will share the lessons learned from this work so that others can utilize this tribal roadmap and adapt it to your community!
