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Indian Child Welfare Program

SOCIAL SERVICES
Indian Child Welfare Program

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The Cowlitz Indian Tribe (CIT) Indian Child Welfare (ICW) Department works with families with an open dependency, meaning that children have been placed in the custody of the state, or in some cases identified as “at-risk” for a dependency.

The CIT ICW program does become involved with Cowlitz children in dependency outside the state of Washington, but the services are reduced due to distance and the lack of ability to travel to these areas to provide direct support to our families. The services provided to out of state ICW clients are, Case Management Services, Coordination with Host States Social Services workers to coordinate family services, and referral to other tribal and non-tribal services as needed. The Cowlitz Indian Tribe (CIT) does not become involved in custody cases between parents.

 

The ICW program can provide the following services based upon assessment of the client family’s needs:

  • Family Preservation Services (FPS) –Services to keep families together
  • Independent Living Skills (ILS) –Skills for youth, who have been in foster care, to prepare them for living on their own
  • Case Management Services (including in home safety visits)
  • Referral to other tribal and non-tribal services as needed
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Have questions about Indian Child Welfare Program?

Children eligible for ICW services are Cowlitz children identified as being an “Indian Child” per the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and Washington State Indian Child Welfare Act (WSICWA) or who have been verified by the Cowlitz Tribal Enrollment Dept. As being a direct descendant to an enrolled Cowlitz member. The standards mandated in each of these acts is strengthened by the BIA’s guidelines regarding ICW.

Our Locations
Vancouver Office
7700 NE 26th Ave Vancouver, WA 98665
Phone: (360)-397-8228
Contact
Dupont Office
1000 Davis Place, Dupont, WA 98327
Phone: (360)-946-2455
Contact
Longview Office
1055 9th Ave. Longview, WA 98632
Phone: (360)-577-8140
Contact

About

The legacy of an ancient people in southwest Washington is rich with descendants who manage a growing portfolio of health, education, scientific research, housing, transportation, development, elder care, conservation and legal issues. The Cowlitz Tribe is a growing force in community building in what are now Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis and parts of Pierce, Skamania and Wahkiakum Counties, a vast territory occupied by numerous Cowlitz villages prior to non-Cowlitz exploration and seizure. Today, an elected Tribal Council is composed of professionals adept at managing multiple programs and projects.