Strengthening Native American Child Protection: New Standards and Funding.
This Act significantly improves the child protection system for Native American communities by clarifying definitions of neglect and abuse. It ensures better funding for Tribes to hire more social workers and mandates culturally appropriate services. Crucially, it extends support to organizations serving Native American families in urban areas.
Key points
Mandates funding for at least one child protective services or family violence caseworker for every Indian Tribe.
Establishes a National Indian Child Resource and Family Services Center to coordinate training and technical assistance.
Requires grant programs to prioritize culturally appropriate treatment services that respect Tribal customs and traditions.
Expands the definition of child abuse and neglect to include a wider range of unexplained injuries and sexual exploitation.
Expired
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