Child Welfare Services
Working to serve “Nanu Arrara Karu Axxichas” our family/people and children.
Mission Statement
To preserve, protect and strengthen the children and families of the Karuk Tribe through an efficient and effective service system that empowers individuals, families and communities. The Child Welfare Services Program staff work to protect the bond between the Karuk Tribe and its children and culture thereby promoting the security and stability of the Tribe and Karuk families. We work with other departments within the tribe, other tribes, other local helping agencies, and promote and advocate for our children in state and county courts. The Program is focused on maintaining the connection of the child to the tribal culture and community.
Services Provided
Voluntary Cases
Parents or family members can seek help to prevent future interventions, access referrals, and receive support for parenting and family safety.
Adoption Support
We provide services that promote adoption and support families through culturally appropriate resources and guidance.
Foster Parent Recruitment
Recruitment, training, and certification for Native foster parents and relatives to ensure culturally aligned caregiving.
Intervention & Referrals
Referrals for services including medical, dental, mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, and youth programs.
Family Preservation
Supportive services focused on strengthening families and keeping children safely in their homes whenever possible.
Family Reunification
Short-term, intensive services designed to help children reunite with their families safely and sustainably.
Tribal Court Relations
We collaborate closely with the Karuk Tribal Court to support families and coordinate culturally relevant services.
ICWA Advocacy
We offer limited advocacy in state court for ICWA-eligible cases to protect the rights of Native children and families.
Foster Care
The ICW Committee is working to establish and oversee a Karuk Tribe Foster Home to ensure Karuk children can grow up within their community. We are actively recruiting foster families who are willing to open their homes and provide care rooted in culture and connection. To apply, complete and submit a foster family application—available online or in person at any of our 3 locations. You may also contact your local tribal social worker for assistance. Those interested in fostering through a certified agency outside the Tribe may also reach out to a tribal social worker for more information.
Events
Resources
Cultural and California Indian resources for current caregivers and parents and prospective foster parents of a Karuk child.
Northern California Indian Development Council
The Northern California Indian Development Council, Inc. (NCIDC) is a nonprofit serving 14,000–15,000 clients annually across California. Established in 1976, it develops and administers programs that support Native communities through social and economic services, technical assistance, and the preservation of historic and cultural resources.
Online Karuk Dictionary
Ararahih’urípih (meaning "Karuk language net") is an interactive online toolkit for studying the Karuk language, hosted by UC Berkeley. It offers a robust searchable dictionary and text corpus, complete with audio and grammatical filters, enabling users to explore vocabulary, example sentences, and master speaker recordings across semantic fields and parts of speech.
Online Karuk Language and Cultural Resources
Additional resources can be found to help with Karuk cultural needs.
Department Leadership
Child Welfare Services FAQs
Answers to common questions about our Child Welfare Services.
The program offers a wide range of support, including voluntary family assistance, adoption and support services, foster parent recruitment and certification, referrals for counseling, parenting and cultural education, and intervention services that promote family preservation and reunification within our communities.
The program prioritizes maintaining a child’s bond with their tribal culture by working closely with Tribal communities, the Karuk Tribal Court, and through limited Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) advocacy in state courts.
The program actively recruits and certifies Native American foster parents and relative caretakers. Interested individuals can visit the Yreka office to complete a foster family application or contact the local Tribal social worker.
Contact Department
Have questions? Reach out to us for more information.