Legal Assistance for Native Kinship/Grandfamilies Involved with Child Welfare

Native kinship caregivers involved with child welfare may face legal questions about custody, placement, benefits, and their rights as caregivers. This tipsheet highlights legal assistance available to Native kinship and grandfamilies and provides a starting point for connecting families with appropriate legal support.

Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) staff can use this resource to recognize when kin caregivers may need legal assistance and identify appropriate organizations for referrals. Legal issues related to custody, placement, benefits, or decision-making authority may affect a caregiver's ability to access supports or maintain a stable caregiving arrangement. The resource can help staff strengthen referral connections with organizations that provide legal assistance to Native kinship families.