Protective Services (Children and Adults)
The Tribe employs three social workers who investigate and implement case service plans with regard to protective services for children and elders. These workers are employed to work collaboratively with Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indian citizens to minimize and eliminate risk of harm to all who may be vulnerable. Our social workers also assist Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indian citizens throughout state cases through support and monitoring. On trust land the Department of Human Services has complete jurisdiction and are the soul protective services agency. If you SUSPECT abuse or neglect, please report it by calling Centralized Intake 1-855-444-3911 or (231) 242-1620.
Report of Actual or Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect (3200 Form)
Family Preservation
Family preservation is a program designed for Littte Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indian citizens. The program is available to tribal parents and/or parents of tribal children who are at risk of out of home placement.
The program requires weekly face to face contact with one of our three social workers. Our social workers can link families to available resources in both the LTBB community and the outside community. Depending on the level of need, the program can assist with the following:
- Housing
- Food Assistance
- Gas vouchers
- Transportation
- Parenting classes
- Community resource referrals
- Daily living supplies
The Department is committed to preserving the community through family preservation. It takes a community to develop healthy families.
Foster Care and Foster Care Licensing
Foster Care
The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Department of Human Services handles exclusive jurisdiction cases, concurrent jurisdiction cases, and monitors state case. Social workers develop and implement case service plans to reunify families as well as assist with adjustments of placements. Please contact the department for additional information.
Foster Care Licensing
The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Department of Human Services also has the ability to license their own Little Traverse Bay Bands homes. This includes background investigations, home studies, and information for the purpose of presenting to the Child Welfare Commission for licensing recommendations. If you or anyone you know are interested in becoming an LTBB foster home, we encourage you to contact the department.
Please enjoy the following video, though it is not the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians recruitment video, it provides a clear picture of the need for Native American foster homes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLnGWJVAnrQ
Adoption
The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Department of Human Services also hosts its’ own adoption ceremonies. The department, court, and the peace coordinator work collaboratively to offer adoption ceremonies to children who are in need of finding permanency separate from their biological parents.
