Tribal-State
Collaboration

Effective Tribal-State collaboration is vital to ensuring the well-being and cultural continuity of American Indian and Alaska Native children, families, and communities. Collaboration recognizes Tribal sovereignty and fosters meaningful partnerships grounded in mutual respect, trust, and shared accountability. Strong, collaborative relationships between Tribes, Villages, and states can enhance compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), strengthen co-case management practices, and promote service delivery that meets the needs of Indigenous families.

Successful Tribal-State collaboration includes clear communication, joint decision-making, meaningful engagement, and recognition of Tribal expertise and authority. This requires ongoing efforts to educate state partners about Tribal sovereignty, cultural practices, and community-driven approaches to child welfare. Through collaboration, Tribes and states can collectively reduce disproportionality in child removals, increase culturally aligned placements, and foster healing-centered, strength-based approaches.