PROJECT STAFF:	Verna M. Johnson, Human Services Coordinator Warren Kontz, Human Services Systems Director
PROJECT PERIOD:	July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004
FUNDING SOURCES:	Arizona Department of Economic Security, Administration for Children, Youth and Families

PURPOSE:

The Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. (ITCA) will provide consultation and liaison services to the twenty-one (21) tribal governments within the state and to the Department of Economic Security (DES) through intergovernmental coordination; providing of training; and analysis and dissemination of information, including federal and state policies, to tribal, state, and federal governments.

WORKPLAN OBJECTIVES:

• Providing consultation services and technical assistance to tribal, state and federal personnel in program development, program implementation and coordination of resources.
• Providing training to ADES and tribal staff on tribal child welfare delivery systems and effective techniques for working with and providing services to children who have been physically, sexually, emotionally abused, exploited or neglected using culturally, family focused and home based approaches.
• Assisting tribes to identify and access resources and service needs through information dissemination and policy development.

• Plan, develop and coordinate an annual Indian Child and Family Conference with designated staff from DES/ACYF, Tribal, Arizona State University School of Social Work, Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Services. The two (2) day conference shall be completed by December 31st.
• Plan, develop and coordinate one (1) Tribal Child Protective Services Training Academy for tribal and DES/ACYF staff.
• The Training Academy shall be conducted during the fourth quarter (April-June)
• The Training Academy shall consist of a two (2) week program (64 hours of intensive training)
• Plan, develop, and coordinate three two (2) day training programs to tribes on the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA).
• Identify key federal and state policy issues and legislation and inform the tribes and the Department of their potential impact.

TRIBAL WORKING GROUP:

The Human Services Program facilitates a working group comprised of representatives from Tribal Social Services, Indian Health Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Arizona State University School of Social Work program. Human Services Program staff will coordinate and conduct working group meetings to discuss policy issues with tribal, state and federal staff. The working group meetings afford tribal leaders and staff the opportunity to present a tribal perspective. The Social Services Working Group will be meeting on a quarterly basis or "as needed" basis.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

If you would like to be added to the mailing list, like more information on the Administration for Children, Youth and Families Consultation Program, or require any additional information on available trainings, please contact Verna Johnson, Human Services Coordinator or Warren Kontz, Human Services Systems Director. Either person can be reached at (602) 258-4822.