President Biden Signs Native American Child Protection Act

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New funding and resources for tribal child welfare services are headed to tribal communities across the country, following outgoing President Joe Biden’s signing of the Native American Child Protection Act.

The act amends and expands language in a similar law passed in 1990, principally by expanding the scope of an existing federally funded resource center that previously focused only on sexual abuse. Going forward, the National Indian Child Resource and Family Services will provide technical assistance to urban and rural communities to prevent and manage child maltreatment and family violence.

The new law, signed Dec. 23 after receiving bipartisan support, encourages “culturally appropriate treatment services and programs that respond to the unique cultural values, customs and traditions of applicant Indian Tribes.” It requires agreements between tribes and states to treat, investigate and prosecute family violence in Indian Country, and allows funds under the Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Program to cover additional operational costs for child protective services.

Sarah Kastelic, executive director of the National Indian Child Welfare Association, praised the legislation, but noted it is only a start.

“It’s such an important first step, and now we need to put our shoulders into the work,” she said.

Kastelic added that the resources will “allow tribes to do this very important work around primary prevention that allows our programs to be so distinct from state programs.” Tribes, she said, “draw on the natural, nurturing networks of our community and the importance of extended family playing a role in keeping kids safe.”

Now that Congress has reauthorized these programs, Kimberly Cluff, legal director of the California Tribal Families Coalition, said this essential progress must continue.

“Back when that act was passed originally, there wasn’t this strong collective voice, there weren’t tribal leaders that were able to be in D.C. because our tribal leaders get pulled in so many directions,” Cluff said. “Now, I think there’s much more call for accountability of our federal and state systems.”

Read More: https://imprintnews.org/top-stories/pre ... act/258265