Child Protective Services

Child Protective Services case workers conduct investigations when reports of alleged child abuse and neglect are made.  These case workers then make recommendations to the Osage Nation Prosecutor regarding the possible necessity of removal of children from the person responsible for them (parent, custodian or guardian).  Furthermore, CPS case workers work closely with law enforcement and testify in court, if the case advances to that point. In addition, case workers work with community partners to strengthen the child welfare system serving families while maintaining confidential files documenting all child welfare related information.

Adult Protective Services

Case workers who specialize in Adult Protective Services conduct investigations of referrals of adult abuse, neglect and/or exploitation.  Similar to CPS case workers, APS case workers then make recommendations to the Prosecutor regarding findings of said investigations.  They also testify in court and provide linkage to community resources for older Osages in need while maintaining confidential files.

Indian Child Welfare

Indian Child Welfare case workers provide case management for families and children involved in the child welfare system while working closely with the Osage Nation Prosecutor in making decisions regarding children in the custody of the Osage Nation.  ICW specialists also testify in court, work with community partners to better serve Osage people, and provide support and resources for Osage foster families while maintaining confidential files documenting all child welfare related information.

Foster Care

The case worker in Foster Care recruits foster parents and works to retain Osage foster homes.  To reach these goals, this worker conducts home studies for the purpose of certifying Osage foster and adoptive families and provides training for foster and adoptive parents.  The Foster Care worker also coordinates with Oklahoma Department of Human Services Child Welfare for the payment of foster parents and to obtain Medicaid for children in the custody of the Osage Nation while maintaining confidential files documenting all foster family related information.

Family Preservation

The Family Preservation program is designed to prevent families at risk from entering the child welfare system. The Family Preservation Specialist assists parents in improving their home lives by making services accessible that may help parents overcome problems that could possibly lead to child abuse.

Individual Indian Monies Account Supervision

The supervision of Individual Indian Monies Accounts is based upon recommendations from the Bureau of Indian Affairs The IIM case manager provides supervision over trust income and trust property for Osages who are unable to do so for themselves as per the Code of Federal Regulations Part 25 Section 117. This includes an initial and annual assessment along with a distribution plan. The IIM case manager collaborates with the Osage Agency Superintendent and the Office of Special Trust while maintaining confidential files regarding IIM accounts.