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Indian Child Welfare Association,
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2009 Oklahoma Indian Child Welfare Conference
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Conference Workshop Agenda
OKLAHOMA INDIAN CHILD WELFARE ASSOCIATION, INC.
P.O. Box 1274
Shawnee, OK 74802-1274
oicwa@yahoo.com
Site Designed by
"Remember that your
children are not your
own, but are lent to
you by the Creator"
Mohawk
Conference Forms
OICWA 1984-2009
Celebrating 25 Years
 
Cultural Connections                                                                                                  Room TBD
Individual tribes will provide an overview of their traditions, beliefs, resources, activities, etc.
Workshop Objectives: Educate others on the differences between tribes; Educate others on tribal traditions,
beliefs, resources, activities, etc.; Assist workers in helping foster children to become culturally connected.
Presented by: Tribes to be determined
The Alcohol/Drug Spirit: Barriers and the Family                                                    Room TBD
The alcohol and drug spirit creates barriers for Native American families. Eliminate this spirit and eliminate
the barriers.
Workshop Objectives: Participants will identify the alcohol/drug spirit, acknowledge barriers that affect the
family; and understand that the alcohol/drug spirit cannot be eliminated but controlled.
Presented by: George Coser, Alcohol/Drug Counselor, Sac and Fox Nation Juvenile Center
In the Interest of: The Balance Between the Child's Interest                                 Room TBD
and the Tribal Interest in Indian Child Welfare Cases
This workshop will provide a review of the legal meaning of "best interest of child" in ICWA cases and
examine  the interest of tribal government and the importance  of tribal interest in light of tribal
sovereignty and longevity of tribal existence. Participants will also hear about the incorporation of the
Human Services perspective of the best interest of the child.
Workshop Objectives: This workshop will bring to light the balance of the interest of a tribe and the interest
of a child in ICWA cases. Participants will understand the importance of comprehending the intent and
application of ICWA.
Presented by: Angel Smith, Director, Cherokee Nation Office of Child Support Enforcement
Reach Them While They are Small Fries, Before They Become                              Room TBD
Couch Potatoes! Being a Role Model for a Healthy Lifestyle
Many times we are the first role model for physical activity for the children we raise and serve. We need to
know the big picture of the health problems facing this generation of children and how we can make a
difference. This session will focus on learning about the childhood obesity problem and how families and
caregivers can be effective in promoting physical activity and health eating in their home and school
environments.
Workshop Objectives: Participants will be able to:
1) Identify the current childhood obesity epidemic and their role in prevention of the problem; 2) identify risk
factors and warning signs of Type 2 Diabetes; 3) identify ways to help Indian youth embrace daily physical
activity; and 4) identify the impact of being a healthy role model.
Presented by: Scott Robison, Health Educator, Wewoka Indian Health Clinic
Region VI ACF/Children's Bureau Updates                                                                Room TBD
for IV-B, MPCWIC, and T&TA
This workshop will include end of fiscal year updates regarding Title IV-B, Implementation Projects through
the Mountain and Plains Child Welfare Implementation Center (MPCWIC), and the updates made to the
Training and Technical Assistance (T&TA) Network. Basic information will be provided and questions
answered regarding Title IV-B requirements for any new Tribal Child Welfare Directors interested in
applying for IV-B funds. Also, announcements and information will be provided on the technical assistance
that is available to Tribes and States through the National Resource Centers within the Training and
Technical Assistance Network.  
Workshop Objectives: Participants will be able to:
1) understand the tribal requirements to apply for IV-B funds; 2) understand the Implementation Center
Projects and how they are being funded; and 3) understand and identify the T&TA Network and how to
access technical assistance from the Region VI office.
Presented by: Dana Huckabee, Program Specialist, Administration for Children and Families/Children's
Bureau, Region VI; Nanette Bishop, Program Specialist, Administration for Children and Families/Children's
Bureau, Region VI
Youthful Perspectives on Life in Custody                                                                 Room TBD
and the Transition to Independence
Youth in transition from state and tribal custody must overcome unique challenges to move past their
personal and familial struggles to become successful, empowered, and fulfilled adults. Just as others do,
they need a strong support system in place to make this accomplishment. You can learn to become a part of
this process through this interactive panel. Youth currently making this transition as well as alumni youth
will share their experiences and insights to positively engage the audience to better the planning,
services,and outcomes of the clients they serve.
Workshop Objectives: Participants will gain:
1) an understanding of the need for effective planning and services for youth making the transition to
adulthood ; 2) an appreciation for permanent connections in youth's lives, including the connection to
culture and tradition; and 3) knowledge of resources to support youth in transition.
Presented by: Melissa Chapman, Education Specialist, University of Oklahoma National Resource Center for
Youth Services
30 Years of ICWA: How Far Have We Really Come?                                                 Room TBD
This workshop will focus on the current state of the federal law as well as introduce a current OICWA case
that is still awaiting a Supreme Court decision on appeal. This workshop will present a recent case as well as
focus on transfer of jurisdiction from state court to tribal court, placement preferences, and what is "good
cause" in ICWA cases. Presenters will also present findings from the GAO and CFSR studies that Oklahoma
and Washington participated in, as well as introduce the ICWA compliance component that Washington
State currently uses called Local Child Welfare Act Committees (LICWAC).
Workshop Objectives: Participants will:
1) gain a basic to intermediate understanding of Federal regulations for placement preferences and
jurisdiction surrounding transfer of jurisdiction; 2) learn about loopholes being used against Tribes to get
around Federal and State ICWA requirements; and 3) hear about a current relevant case that fully
illustrates current concerns with ICWA compliance. knowledge of resources to support youth in transition.
Presented by: Jennifer Henshaw McBee, Attorney, Ruebenstein, McCormick, and Pitts; Tara Reynon,
Director, Puyallup Tribe Children Services; Samual Deere, Indian Child Welfare Consultant, Puyallup Tribe
Children's Services
Session I
Session I                        Monday, November 9, 2009                          10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Building Bridges Together                                                                                          Room TBD
This workshop will provide a basic overview of the Bridge program.  The importance of the involvement of
the Tribal workers in the Bridge program will be emphasized.
Workshop Objectives: Participants will: 1) understand the basic concepts of the Bridge program;  2)
understand the importance of the involvement of Tribal workers in the Bridge program; and 3)  be able to
identify opportunities for teamwork for Tribal and state workers in the Bridge program.
Presented by: Nellie Caldwell, Foster Care Program Field Representative, Children and Family Services
Division, Oklahoma Department of Human Services