Foster Care Program

NAYA Family Center's Foster Care Program provides case management services for Native youth and families in foster or relative care, guardianship, or post adoption. Our program works to provide consistent culturally-appropriate individual and family based support services. NAYA Family Center acts as an independent party to assist families in navigating community resources, families and community partners working with Native youth. Youth and parent support groups are coordinated through the Foster Care Program.

We have a caseload of youth and we will act as a school advocate for the youth as well as working closely with their caseworkers to supplement the youth's service needs. Basically, we are here to help support a great need in the Native community in whatever way is most beneficial to the community. We are hoping to also incorporate get-togethers with the youth and embark on fun outings involving either cultural activities, family based activities, education based activities, or just plain fun activities. We are hoping that the parents and youth will facilitate many of the activities and that they will be the decision makers in many of our events.

Within the Foster Care Program is Pathways to Adulthood: NAYA Family Center ’s Independent Living Program which serves a caseload of youth in foster and tribal care systems who qualify for the state and federal assistance. Youth who were in state or tribal foster care for 6 months after their 14th birthday and have since left the system also qualify for the Pathway's to Adulthood Independent Living Program. Life skills workshops, educational advocacy, and financial assistance for housing and education are just a few of the services offered.