Tribal Family & Youth Services The Tribal Family & Youth Services (TFYS) department administers the Child Welfare, Elderly Services and Wellness programs. Utilizing tribal values and strength-based practices, the department assists children, youth, elderly and families in achieving safety, stability and security. In 2020, the department administered 26 federal, state and tribal grants, and employed 19 onsite staff and 5 field staff.
2020 Highlights
Miisaq Mary Johnson Director
Xaasteen Francine Eddy Jones Director July 1996 - October 2020
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Implemented a transition plan following the retirement of TFYS Director Francine Eddy Jones in October 2020 after 24 years of dedicated service. Mary Johnson was hired as the new TFYS Director in November 2020 and is working closely with Francine under a contract to help with the transition. Renewed a five-year agreement with Casey Family Programs to provide technical assistance, training and peer-to-peer opportunities. This has been a strong partnership since 2000. Renegotiated a new Title IV-E Administration and Training Provider agreement with the State of Alaska to receive reimbursement for administration and training under the Child Welfare program. Renegotiated a Title IV-E Maintenance agreement with the State of Alaska which will provide $110,000 per year for a three-year pilot project to transfer more child welfare cases from the State of Alaska to Tribal Court. Awarded a five-year federal TANF-Child Welfare grant in the amount of $1.125 million to develop a coordinated system to provide early intervention, wrap-around services to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) families who are at risk of becoming involved with the State of Alaska Office of Children’s Services (OCS). Awarded $323,902 in federal COVID-19 funds under the Title VI Elderly Nutrition grant, Title IV-B Promoting Safe & Stable Families & Child Welfare Services, and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Native Connections grant. In addition, received a $50,000 donation from Sealaska for the Elders program and a $90,000 donation from Casey Family Programs to be used to support programming for children and families. Continued to work internally with the Child Welfare team to develop the Tribe’s readiness to pursue a direct Title IV-E program under the Title IV-E Planning grant. Formalized a partnership with the Tribal Court to support two caseworker positions to assist Elders in Juneau who are victims of abuse, neglect or fraud. Partnered with the Tribal Court to begin the process of recruiting for two full-time positions in Klawock, Alaska to assist with efforts surrounding child abuse and neglect. Continued strong partnerships with the TANF and Child Care departments to promote family preservation through culturally-based support groups and events focused on sobriety, parenting and trauma for mutual clients: » Women’s Group (28 participants), Wellbriety Support Group (57 participants), Fatherhood Is Sacred® (47 participants), Inter-Tribal Culture Night (145 participants) and Nurturing Parenting Program® (19 participants). » Hosted virtual Wellbriety events to celebrate wellness and sobriety (55 participants).
