NCJ Number
206253
Date Published
August 2001
Length
81 pages
Annotation
This report provides an initial understanding of programs available to American Indian youth and services provided within American Indian communities.
Abstract
Limited information is available in the literature that describes participation of American Indian youth in programs that help them transition from foster care to independent living in communities. What limited information is available indicates that American Indian youth are underrepresented in programs that transition youth from foster care. An urgent need was identified to better understand the array of services agencies offer to provide foster care youth opportunities for independent living or for a successful transition out of foster care into adult life. Structured telephone interviews were conducted with American Indian child welfare directors or designated representatives and consisted of 67 tribal child welfare agencies, 8 Alaskan Native village child welfare agencies, and 11 off-reservation urban Indian programs, a total of 86 agencies. The interviews began in December 2000 and lasted until May 2001. Those interviewed stressed that they strive to meet the needs of Indian youth leaving foster care. Services are usually provided on a case-to-case basis with the desire to expand services and provide more formal, structured, and in-depth transition services. The services most likely to be missing and the services many would like to add are basic transition services, such as life skills, social skills, mentoring, and subsidized transitional housing. Most tribal programs, off-reservation urban programs, and Alaskan Native programs consistently offer cultural awareness services. Additional research is recommended on transition programs in Indian Country, including exploration of State and local collaborations with Indian child welfare agencies. Policy, research, and practice recommendations are presented. Tables, references and appendix