Human Services

What this funds

Social Services (TPA) Social Services (TPA) funding is provided annually to Tribes and/or BIA field sites across the country. Under the umbrella of Social Services, Tribes operate a multitude of programs, including Financial Assistance and Social Services, Child Protection Services and Child Welfare (CPS/CW), Adult Protection Services (APS), supervised IIM Services, and front-line responders handling child and domestic violence in Indian Country. Subactivity - Indian Child Welfare Act (TPA): The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) (TPA) program is provided to Tribes as authorized under Pub.L. 95-608, the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978. All BIA-funded ICWA programs are Tribally operated. Tribes receive ICWA TPA funding to prevent the separation of Indian families and aid with family reunification. Funded ICWA activities include intervening in involuntary child custody proceedings and providing reunification and prevention services to Indian families. Tribal ICWA programs are the central contact point for Tribes and AI/AN families seeking assistance for temporary and permanent placement of Indian children, including foster care. Tribal ICWA staff also serve as the liaison between State and Tribal court systems and are the first responders to incidences of child endangerment, neglect, and abuse. The activities and work of Tribal ICWA staff have resulted in improved coordination and compliance with the law. Subactivity - Human Services Program Oversight Human Services staff work with Tribes to ensure individual Indians residing on or near reservations receive emergency assistance for essential items such as food, clothing, shelter, and utility payments. The long-term goal of this program is to improve the living conditions of AI/AN individuals and families. Program Oversight staff manage and distribute program funds, which requires monitoring and working with Tribal and BIA Regional and Agency staff on a regular basis. BIA Regional social workers have combined efforts with Headquarters staff in the development and continued enhancements of an automated database, the Financial Assistance and Social Services Case Management Cloud System (FASS-CMS Cloud) that provides a centralized platform to streamline the management and reporting of cases. This automated database integrates key features such as application submission, case updates, and comprehensive reporting tools, making it easier to identify trends and improve service delivery. The FASS-CM Cloud enhances accountability and transparency by enabling real-time tracking of funds distribution, supports data-driven decision-making, ensures compliance with federal regulations, and fosters collaboration among Tribal, BIA Regional, and Agency staff. Social workers are among the few critical first responders available on Tribal lands and remote areas servicing Tribes, and coordinate services from Federal agencies for these communities. The unique circumstances of these areas necessitate a heightened focus on their safety. Program Oversight staff develop and maintain compliance with safety protocols to ensure social worker well-being and enable them to continue their critical work.

Extracted from Bureau of Indian Affairs, p. 33. Verbatim; nothing here is paraphrased.

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