We have a particular emphasis on tribal initiatives, taking a community engaged, culturally centered approach to design, implement and evaluate tribal organizational capacity-building initiatives; conduct culturally respectful and culturally congruent research, evaluation and assessment; and support the development of a skilled and knowledgeable tribal workforce. Ultimately, we aim to create deeper understanding of the role of culture in tribal program operations and service delivery and improve the cultural competency of all Butler Institute staff and child welfare professionals, while strengthening tribal sovereignty.
In partnership with R.O.C.K. Mat-Su and the local Office of Children’s Services in Alaska, we developed a culturally centered family contact program that is being used to increase visitation frequency and quality in support of family reunification goals.
Through the Capacity Building Center for Tribes, we provide coordinated and culturally responsive capacity building technical assistance to American Indian and Alaska Native Nations, helping them to build the organizational and service capacity of their tribal child welfare programs.
The dual pandemics of COVID-19 and racism are changing social work’s approach to child welfare practice. GSSW faculty and community partners discuss new changes, challenges and opportunities in child welfare.
The Graduate School of Social Work Butler Institute for Families has responded to COVID-19 with a free webinar series supporting the nation’s child welfare workforce.
GSSW’s Butler Institute has been selected as a key partner in an expanded role with the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute, which aims to strengthen child welfare programs through workforce development.