E-NEWSLETTER | SUMMER 2007

In This Issue
NACA Collaborates
Training Scholarship
Funding Opportunities
NACA Receives Grant


Dear NACA Member

We hope you enjoy this newsletter, it is one of the benefits of your membership in the Native American Children's Alliance.


NACA Builds on its Collaborative Relationships

We were proud to be co-sponsors for two important National Indian Child Welfare Conferences during the first half of 2007. In April, NACA joined forces with the National Indian Child Welfare Association to help support their 25th Annual "Protecting Our Children National Conference on Child Abuse & Neglect." This event was held in Oklahoma City. This annual conference was original hosted by the American Indian Institute of Oklahoma 25 years ago with 88 participants. Returning to Oklahoma City for its silver anniversary NICWA received approximately 500 preregistrations representing over 25 states.

Native Hope, Pride and Strength. The BIA conference logo was designed by Jocelyn Acheson, age 12, enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa/Metis. Graphic color by Southwestern Assignments, Santa Fe. Jocelyn writes about her design," This logo symbolizes the strength of the family staying together, and the pride parents and children have with each other, the Eagle represents the spirit holding the family together."

"Native Hope, Pride & Strength: A national conference on Child Protection and Child Welfare in Indian Country" was held this past June in Albuquerque, NM. It's sponsors were: BIA Division of Human Services, BIA Office of Judicial Services, National Indian Child Welfare Association, Native American Children's Alliance, Native American Training Institute Bureau of Indian Education, Administration for Child & Families Children's Bureau and the Casey Family Programs.

This 1st Annual conference was overwhelmingly successful with 450 pre-registrations. NACA offered training sessions on the Development of CACs in Indian Country. We are looking forward to participating in next year's planning committee for the second annual conference.


Resources

Child Advocacy Training Tuition-Assistance Program
Southern Regional Children's Advocacy Center provides a Tuition Assistance Program, whereby these awards are available to child abuse professionals associated with an existing or developing CAC in the Southern Region. A wide variety of skill-building training sessions are eligible. Awards operate on a reimbursement basis, providing up to $600 to the affiliated CAC upon completion of the training.


In an effort to ensure a competitive award process, the applications are released in periodic batches. Each award is considered based on appropriateness of training, the needs of the CAC/community, ability of training to strengthen the CAC and CAC movement, and equal distribution of SRCAC funds throughout the region.

Applications are due by close of business on August 10, 2007. Tuition assistance will cover trainings held between September 1, 2007 and February 28, 2008.

Click here for the: Tuition-Assistance Program Application ; for more information please email:
[email protected]

Funding Opportunities

The National Children's Alliance will be soliciting RFP's for its 2008 programs. Funds of up to $50,000 will be available for tribes and Native organizations that want to develop a Child Advocacy Center. Accredited, associate members and developing CAC's may also apply for grants through the NCA. Keep checking their website for the release of these RFPs, since they are behind schedule in making their announcements. The applications are due in September 2008. www.nca-online.org


Ralph and Eileen Swett Foundation

The Ralph and Eileen Swett Foundation's mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals. By making grants to other charitable organizations (designated as IRS 501c3 non-profit organizations) the Foundation seeks to fund programs that directly impact the lives of individuals. The Foundation takes an active role in seeking out these programs by inviting organizations to apply but also depends upon organizations to bring themselves to the attention of the Foundation Board. They no do have deadlines. www.swettfoundation.org


NACA RECEIVES RESEARCH GRANT

Colorado Injury Control Research Center has awarded NACA a small research grant to help us collect data on tribal communities' capacity to sustain local CACs/MDTs. We need some assistance from our NACA members to provide their comments/suggestions on the design of a short survey. The purpose of the survey is to determine how current local community programs are funded, challenges they face, impediments for development, and other challenges tribal child abuse programs identify. Information from the survey will as an important tool to paint fuller picture of the existing community programs. Please call or email Linda Logan if you can volunteer for this important project as soon as possible since the project must be wrapped up by the end of August.

Email us at: [email protected] or phone us at: 216-373-6862 for more information
Linda Logan, Executive Director
Native American Children's Alliance

Native American Children's Alliance | PO Box 18288 | Cleveland | OH | 44118