Tips For Engaging and Supporting Native Families Caring for Children

Native relatives caring for children may need support that recognizes their family relationships, culture, community, and individual circumstances. This National Indian Child Welfare Association tipsheet offers practical tips for engaging and supporting Native families who are caring for children, with an emphasis on respectful and culturally responsive practice.

Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) staff can use this resource to strengthen interactions with Native families and kin caregivers through approaches that reflect family relationships, culture, community, and individual circumstances. It provides practical strategies for engaging Native families, communicating effectively, recognizing family strengths, and strengthening referrals. These approaches can complement TANF case management by providing concrete strategies practitioners can use in their work with kin caregivers.