If, during an assessment, information is obtained which indicates a child is or may be a member of an Indian tribe or eligible for tribal membership, available supporting information shall be documented in the case record.
When completing an assessment involving an Indian family, the family shall be informed that they may request an Indian interpreter. Assessment of the family must take into account the prevailing social and cultural conditions and way of life of the Indian community.
If an out-of-home placement or loss of parental custody is being considered, the requirements of the Indian Child Welfare Act apply. The court of the child's tribal affiliation shall be contacted immediately to determine whether the tribal court elects to assume jurisdiction.
The Department has entered into agreements with Native American Family Services (for the Iowa), Sac and Fox Tribe of Missouri in Kansas, Prairie Band of Pottawatomi and the Kickapoo Social Services to provide protective and/or family services to Native Americans of the tribes located in Kansas. DCF should collaborate with tribal partners to coordinate appropriate services for the child and family including Family Services, Family First Prevention Services and Family Preservation Services.