Our mission is to protect and provide our tribal children a safe environment with cultural and family connections.
Every child has the right to:
- Placement preference with a responsible blood relative
- A safe, loving and secure home environment
- Nutrition and health
- Culture and education
- Freedom from fear and abuse
- Due process of Tribal Law
Tribal Social Services works closely with many programs through DHRD, namely TANF, Families First, Vocational Rehabilitation, Circles of Care, and Early Foundations Home Visiting. Additionally, Tribal Social Services provides referral services to Tribal Behavioral Health, Salish Kootenai Housing Authority, mental health, and chemical dependency providers as well.
Division Manager: Marcy McCrea-Matt, LCSW
Phone: (406) 675-2700 ext 1006
Fax: (406) 226-2511
Email: marcy.mccrea-matt@cskt.org
Hours: Mon-Thu 7:00am – 5:30pm
CPS Program Manager: Christina Griffin
Child & Family Services Program Manager: Jason HeavyRunner
Foster Care Program Manager: Wade Burland
Second Circle Lodge: Marcy McCrea-Matt and Jason HeavyRunner
START Program Manager: Brandon Burke
Eligibility
Social Services Division assists families and children who reside or are domiciled on The Flathead Reservation. This includes, a child of Indian descent who is either enrolled or enrollable in an Indian tribe, band, community or who is the biological first descendant of an enrolled member and has significant contacts or identification with an Indian Community.
The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) was enacted in 1978 to prevent the unwarranted break up of Indian families by establishing minimum federal procedural, substantive, and jurisdictional standards. Notification of state child protection incidents involving Indian children are sent to CSKT in order to provide the Tribe the opportunity to intervene and assume jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I contact your department?
During regular business hours, you can reach us by phone at 406-675-2700 ext. 1214 or by emailing info@csktdepartment.org. For after hour emergencies, please contact CSKT Dispatch.
What services are available?
Tribal Social Services provides Child Protective Services, Foster Care Services, Licensing Services for foster homes, Intervention services for prevention efforts, Title IV-E services, Montana Transitional Living for youth in foster care, ICWA services, and Second Circle Lodge youth group home.
How do I make a child abuse report?
Child abuse reports can be made by calling Centralized Intake at 1-866-820-5437. Reports that are determined to be the jurisdiction of CSKT will then be assigned to CSKT Social Services Division.
What are the benefits of being a foster parent?
Foster parents are the cornerstone of Tribal Social Services. Each family has the opportunity to provide a safe and secure home as well as create connections with children. Foster parents are able to instill positive interactions and make an impact in a child’s life.
How do scheduled visitations with my child work?
Visitation for families is a service which is facilitated by Tribal Social Services. Family visitation can be scheduled with the assigned social worker who will make arrangements for the visit.