The Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma Indian Child Welfare Program proposes to provide a program for Indian children and their families by providing direct services and coordinating resources with other agencies to prevent the breakup of Indian families.
To prevent Indian children from being arbitrarily removed from their families and tribal affiliations by executing established procedures in the child custody proceedings as outlined by the Indian Child Welfare Act and its subsequent revisions in FY 1998. These procedures will prevent the break-up of Indian families and reflect the Native American culture, promoting stability and security of all Indian families.
Family assistance projects will consist of family counseling, individual counseling, parenting skills training and staff provided emergency care as well as referral to appropriate family crisis management agencies.
The Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma Indian Child Welfare Program certifies Foster Care Homes that will provide a safe, and healthy environment for tribal children in foster care. The Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma’s Business Committee has adopted Foster Care Certification Standards consistent with Tribal consortia intent and State of Oklahoma certification requirements. Foster Homes are monitored on a monthly basis with reports filed by the Indian Child Welfare Director.
Indian Child Welfare acts as a liaison with courts, law enforcement and Tribal agencies in this area on a continuing basis. Staff acts immediately upon receipt of notice of proceedings to determine the proper course of intervention within ten (10) to fourteen (14) days. Staff will contact and give all necessary legal notice to concerned parties involved in these hearings in accordance with the Indian Child Welfare Act.
NOTE: Indian Child Welfare does not get involved in child
custody issues between parents and divorce proceedings.
Doug Journeycake with the Peoria Tribe is currently handling all
Indian Child Welfare cases for the Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma.
For more information contact:
Doug Journeycake, Director
918-540-2535 or 800-259-9987
For more information contact Roy Ross at 918-542-7259.
