What We Do

Structured training and workforce development designed to strengthen the capacity of Tribal and state systems to implement ICWA, IFPA, and culturally responsive family-service practices with consistency and accountability.

Services may include:

• Foundational and advanced training on ICWA, IFPA, and related legal and policy frameworks 
• Applied learning sessions focused on decision-making in practice across child welfare and behavioral health systems 
• Role-specific training for frontline staff, supervisors, leadership, and cross-system partners 
• Curriculum and training development tailored to agency or Tribal system needs 
• Facilitated workshops and learning collaboratives to support ongoing skill-building and peer exchange 
• Workforce capacity development to strengthen understanding, consistency, and confidence in implementation

Technical assistance and implementation support to help Tribal governments, state agencies, and family-service systems translate policy requirements into consistent, operational practice.

Services may include:

• Implementation planning and support to operationalize ICWA, IFPA, and related policy frameworks 
• Development of practice tools and protocols to guide consistent application in systems 
• Workflow and process alignment to integrate policy requirements into day-to-day operations 
• Support for internal systems alignment across programs, teams, and leadership structures 
• Cross-jurisdictional coordination support between Tribal and state systems 
• Ongoing technical assistance to address implementation challenges and sustain progress over time 

Targeted support for Tribal governments, state agencies, and family-service systems navigating policy implementation, jurisdictional complexity, and systems alignment. This includes program assessment, capacity building, and implementation strategy to strengthen how systems operate in practice.

Services may include:

• Program and systems assessment to identify gaps between policy requirements and current practice 
• Capacity building to strengthen workforce readiness, internal processes, and organizational alignment 
• Implementation strategy development to support consistent application of ICWA, IFPA, and related frameworks 
• Policy and procedure development, interpretation and operational guidance for leadership and decision-makers 
• Cross-jurisdictional coordination support between Tribal and state systems

Qualified Expert Witness services in child welfare proceedings involving the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and the New Mexico Indian Family Protection Act (IFPA). We provide expert analysis, testimony, and case-specific guidance to support courts in making informed determinations that align with federal and state law, Tribal sovereignty, and the best interests of Native children and families.

Services may include:

• Expert witness testimony in state court proceedings in New Mexico and nationally, consistent with ICWA and IFPA requirements 
• Case record review and analysis to assess compliance with ICWA, IFPA, and related standards 
• Written expert opinions and reports to support court findings and decision-making 
• Consultation with attorneys, Tribal representatives, and agencies on case-specific ICWA/IFPA considerations 
• Guidance on cultural context and Tribal child-rearing practices as relevant to court determinations 

In addition to case-specific work, we have developed a structured framework to support the training and development of Qualified Expert Witnesses. This includes building capacity for individuals and systems to meet ICWA and IFPA standards with consistency, clarity, and integrity in court-involved cases.