Social Services
Tribal Program Staff:
Judith Heath, B.S. - Director
Ed Gransell, B.S., R.S.W. - Protective Services Worker Isabelle
H. Welsh, B.S.W. - Prevention Worker
Bill Kirchhofer, B.A., R.S.W. - Juvenile Justice/Senior Caseworker Worker
Timothy A. E. Fillmore, M.S. - Foster Care Worker
Nancy Pawlowski - Clerk/Case Aide
Other agency Staff:
Erin Adams - Michigan Indian Child Welfare Agency (MICWA) Worker
Elder/Adult Protective Services (APS) investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation of the elderly or adults with disabilities. When maltreatment is confirmed or substantiated, APS provides, arranges or refers to services in an attempt to alleviate the problem. APS is dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of vulnerable adults.
Foster Care Services include assessment/home studies for KBIC child foster home licensing. Education, support, advocacy and case management services for children in out-of-home care and their families.
The purpose of the Juvenile Justice Program is to: ensure that youth successfully complete their probation; assist parents and youth in working together; deter further involvement with the legal system; provide positive incentives for youth, i.e. Summer Youth Program.
I.C.W.A.
Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Services are for KBIC children in out-of-home care and their families who reside off the KBIC reservation. ICWA Services are case monitoring and/or management which may include attending state court hearings, giving recommendations, interventions, advocacy, support, and/or referrals for needed services. These cases are usually in the state court systems and are either monitored by KBIC Tribal Social Services staff and remain under jurisdiction of the state or are transferred to the KBIC Tribal Court. The Indian Child Welfare-Justice (ICW-J) Committee receives updates and gives recommendations as needed for these cases.
Prevention
Prevention services guide, educate, and support families/individuals through positive goal oriented interventions to strengthen family unity and empower them towards self-sufficiency. Prevention services are home-based voluntary services for families with children at risk of removal, pregnant teens, new parents, families/individuals needing life skills education, support for school success, and/or those needing other support, referral or advocacy services. Adult Prevention Services are also available for at risk adults.
Community education is also provided through various trainings/classes, such as, parent education classes, the Strengthening Families Program, and anger management training. Mandated reporter trainings are provided to community professionals on a regular basis.
Protective
Phone: 353-4537
Child Protective Services (CPS) are provided to the community to ensure child safety through positive goal oriented interventions to include advocacy, education, guidance and support of families to strengthen and preserve family unity.
Reunification
includes providing various supportive services and/or referrals to services to aid in reunification of children in out-of-home care with their families.