Tribal Child Welfare: Indigenous Wisdom as the Foundation for System Reform

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Join Sarah Kastelic for an exploration of historical Native approaches to child and family flourishing; how U.S. policy intentionally dismantled these effective, natural, nurturing networks; and how a reassertion of Tribal self-determination is transforming Tribal systems. In the last several decades, dozens of Tribal Nations have legislated their approach to child welfare in Children’s or Juvenile Codes. These Tribal laws differ from federal and state child welfare laws in significant ways and center approaches that are unique, effective, and informed by Indigenous values.

Presenter:

Dr. Sarah Kastelic (Alutiiq), an enrolled citizen of the Native Village of Ouzinkie, became the executive director of the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) in January 2015. Prior to joining NICWA as chief of staff in 2011, Sarah led the National Congress of American Indians’ (NCAI) welfare reform program and, in 2003, was the founding director of NCAI’s Policy Research Center.

Sarah began her career at the Bureau of Indian Affairs central office as a child welfare specialist in 1998. She earned a master’s degree and PhD from the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis, where she serves as adjunct faculty. Sarah has served as principal investigator of several national federally and privately funded research projects, partnering with tribal and urban Indian communities.

Sarah has authored numerous publications, including journal articles, book chapters, and curricula. She is a member of the boards of directors of BoardSource, Generations United, and Native Ways Federation.

Sarah enjoys being an auntie to her five nieces and nephews, reading, and kayaking.

Training Provider: Brazelton Touchpoints Center

Track: Youth