The Seneca-Cayuga Tribe Social Services provides assistance to any person who is an enrolled member of an Indian Tribe residing in the Miami Agency Service area (If the applicant meets the specified requirements). Tribes excluded for services through the Seneca-Cayuga Tribe are: Peoria Tribe; Ottawa Tribe; Miami Tribe; Eastern-Shawnee Tribe; Wyandotte Tribe Modoc Tribe and Quapaw Tribe.

The goal of the Social Services Program is to promote personal and family unity, economic and social stability, and work toward attainment of self-sufficiency when assistance or services are not available or not being provided by state, local and other agencies. Work to provide a better understanding between the Indian people and other Agencies.

The following Tribes have received services in the past year: Seneca-Cayuga; Cherokee; Cheyenne-Arapahoe; Navajo; Sac/Fox. The approximate total of $ 6,924.00 in General Assistance and $ 7500.00 in Burial Assistance this past year has been spent and serviced 36 General Assistance cases and 3 Burial Cases. (which includes duplication of caseload).

CHILD PROTECTION

The Seneca-Cayuga Tribe Child Protection Program will provide Child Protection Services to any peson who is a member or descendent of a member of the Seneca-Cayuga Tribe, Peoria Tribe and Miami Tribe and any other Tribe residing in the Miami Agency Area excluding the Wyandotte Tribe; Modoc Tribe; Quapaw Tribe; Eastern-Shawnee Tribe and Ottawa Tribe.

Tribal Child Protection (CPW) is required by law to investigate reports of child abuse and neglect on Trust or Restricted Land (ONLY). If a family is of Indian descent and lives on State land, then it is the jurisdiction of Department of Human Services. They (CPW) assist families in making sure the child's home is safe and healthy.

Child Protective services is provided by the Tribal Child Protection Worker to protect children from harm. The purpose is to identify, treat and prevent child abuse/neglect and to ensure that reasonable efforts are made to maintain and to protect children in their own homes whenever possible. This service is restricted to "Trust or Tribal Restricted Lands." (Many Indian housing projects are not on restricted land). The State Department of Human Services Program has jurisdiction, authority and responsibility on all other land in the State.

The CPW will assist families to resolve their problems so those children do not have to be removed from the home (unless an emergency exists). The goal is to help families work through their problems and stay together. If preventative services fail then the CPW will refer the case to the appropriate authority to remove the child from the home.

Reports of suspected child abuse or neglect comes from many sources. Oklahoma Law requires anyone who has reason to believe a child has been abused or neglected by a parent of caretaker to report it to DHS. A parent, spouse or child may also call DHS child welfare to ask for protective services. Since child abuse records are confidential by law, you will NOT be told who made the report of referral.

If the report is made to DHS, they will contact the appropriate Tribal CPW. If the Tribe is contacted about alleged abuse or neglect, they will contact DHS and arrange joint investigation (If Necessary).

Or call 1-918-787-5452

Updated 05-25-2005