About The Center

The National Tribal Child Welfare Center for Innovation and Advancement (the Center) is a national resource and technical assistance center that supports American Indian and Alaska Native communities in strengthening their Tribal child welfare systems through culturally grounded, community-driven services.

Culturally Respectful Support

The Center offers a wide range of support, including tailored technical assistance, peer learning opportunities, and practical tools—all rooted in Indigenous Ways of Knowing (IWOK). With a foundation of trust, respect, and relational accountability, the Center partners with Tribal child welfare professionals to improve systems, meet federal requirements, and—most importantly—promote safety, connection, and well-being for Native children, youth, and families.

Mission

The Center’s mission is to strengthen Tribal child welfare systems through culturally respectful support reflective of values, traditions, and resilience of Native communities—advancing safety and well-being for generations to come.

Work and Purpose

Funded by the Children’s Bureau within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), the Center was established in 2024 through a cooperative agreement to serve as the primary vehicle for delivering high-quality technical assistance to title IV-B and title IV-E Tribal child welfare programs.

The Center works alongside Tribal Nations to provide tailored support in areas such as:

  • Prevention program development and expansion
  • Workforce recruitment, retention, and well-being
  • Federal program implementation and compliance
  • Tribal–state relationship building
  • Culturally aligned data systems and reporting

Support is never one-size-fits-all. Each service is co-developed with Tribal partners and reflects the unique strengths, goals, and cultural identity of the community it serves.

Approach

The Center’s work is built on a wraparound, culturally responsive model that centers Tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and community leadership. The Center emphasizes:

  • Collaboration
  • Cultural humility and respect
  • Reciprocity, storytelling, and trust-building
  • Strength-based, trauma-informed practices

Support is led by a team of professionals with extensive experience in Tribal child welfare systems. This expertise is complemented by a deep commitment to relational work that honors each Tribe’s unique context and ways of knowing.

Why This Work Matters

For generations, Tribal communities have upheld the sacred responsibility of caring for their children through kinship, tradition, and collective resilience. The Center exists to help protect and restore that responsibility by supporting Tribes and Villages in reclaiming and strengthening their child welfare systems.

By uplifting Tribal voices, honoring cultural knowledge, and providing meaningful tools and support, the Center contributes to a future where American Indian and Alaska Native children grow up safe, connected, and proud of who they are.

To explore service areas or request support, visit the Services page.

Services

Partners

The Center is a collaborative effort led by five partner organizations, each bringing unique strengths and perspectives. Together, these partners form a unified team dedicated to delivering meaningful, culturally aligned support to Tribal programs across the country.

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