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.
A recent study by the GSSW Butler Institute for Families explores how the economics of Colorado’s early childhood care and education industry impact its workforce, the state economy, and children and families.
In a community research partnership, the Butler Institute for Families at GSSW is working with Alaska’s Matanuska-Susitna (Mat-Su) Borough to improve its family visitation program for kids in out-of-home care.