Approaches to Collaboration: State-Tribal Partnerships

Strong State-Tribal partnerships can help improve services for Native families while respecting Tribal sovereignty and community priorities. This National Child Welfare Resource Center for Organizational Improvement brief explores approaches to building effective relationships between Tribal and state child welfare systems, including communication, shared planning, and clearly defined roles.

Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) practitioners and state programs working with Tribes can use these lessons to strengthen coordination with state agencies and workforce and human services partners while recognizing Tribal sovereignty and the distinct governmental status of Tribes. The resource can help programs strengthen communication, coordination, relationship-building, and referrals that support services for families.