Eight tribes’ child welfare data added to federal AFCARS dashboard

For the first time, data from eight tribal nations is included in the federal Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System, according to The Imprint. The database tracks foster care and adoption information used by policymakers to shape child welfare programs.

The updated dashboard includes data from the Cherokee and Navajo nations, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe in Arizona, Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe in Washington and the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community in Michigan. The tribes receive funding through Title IV-E of the Social Security Act.

Angelique Day, a Ho-Chunk descendant and associate professor at the University of Washington, said the inclusion “has the potential to enhance our understanding of American Indians’ and Alaska Natives’ child welfare needs” and could improve resources for tribes.