Muckleshoot Child and Family Services is committed to the safety and welfare of all Muckleshoot children and their families.Through the development and collaborative efforts of support services, we strive to assist children in need of care while protecting the health, traditions, and security of the Muckleshoot Tribal Community.

Calls of Concern/Investigations

*Call 1-866-END-HARM (1-866-363-4276)* The following information is helpful to have when calling in an intake, but it is not necessary.It is best to provide as much information as possible when reporting a concern about abuse or neglect.

• Have the Legal names of the children and all those involved
• DOB of children involved
• Address/Phone Contact information
• As much information/details regarding concerns of abuse/neglect
  

Prevention

A subtext area of CPS.To help with stabilization of a family when an intake is referred, but does not meet the threshold of filing an investigation.The Prevention specialist can help with service referrals and case management to help maintain in-home placement.

Voluntary Placement Agreement (VPA)

A written authorization by the parent(s) allowing for the temporary removal of a child from the home and placement in a safe living environment pending completion of the investigation of abuse or neglect.A VPA provides an alternative to an emergency order of removal where the circumstances warrant removal.If the child is removed from the home under a VPA for more than 180 days, the Court must make a determination as to continued removal. Definition: 12.02.010 (These are circumstantial and can be used on a case-by-case basis when deemed appropriate).

Legal Intervention

Refers to the court structure regarding a filing procedure for out-of-home placement, VPA, or protective custody order.

Caregiver Recruitment

Priority to:

• Tribal Relative Caregivers
• Tribal Community Member Caregivers
• Respite Caregivers
• Emergency Caregivers
  

*To be considered as a caregiver, please submit a caregiver application, and background clearances for all household members 16 years old and above, complete a home study, review and agree to the MCFS Morality Clause, Cultural Contact Agreement, and Social Media policy, Confidentiality Agreement, and consult with the Placement Coordinator.

Foster Care Licensing

To be considered as a Licensed Home, contact the Foster Care Licensor, complete a full foster care application packet, and set up a meeting for consultation for the process.

Case Management

• One-on-One support from assigned PAL and team collaboration
• Professional Team of Advocates to treat all clients and their families with the utmost respect and discretion
• Visitation for children under MCFS jurisdiction

Referral Support

Family Preservation Services (FPS) - a third-party case management service that provides support to the reunification of children with their parents.They provide case management services tailored to the family’s goals and various resources to help achieve those objectives.

Auburn Community Services Office – To access assistance for in-home care providers, TANF, child care, medical coverage, and other services available.Available M-F from 8-5 pm, (877) 501-2233 at 810 28 St NE, th Auburn, WA.98002

Child Support access- Resource Center on the first and third Monday of every month from 8-4 pm.

Educational support for children: Please contact the MIT Scholarship Department for tutoring assistance: (253) 876-3183 | ScholarshipsDept@muckleshoot.nsn.us

Please contact the MIT Student Incentive and Rewards Program for any school rewards the child may receive - (253) 876-3278 | student.incentives2@muckleshoot.nsn.us

Muckleshoot Housing

Caregivers are not permitted to apply for Muckleshoot housing using the child’s/children’s information if the permanent plan for the dependent child is to return home.

Training

• Training to support caregivers will be offered on a quarterly basis, along with an option to complete training online.
• Suicide Prevention
• Parenting the Positive Discipline Way Verbal De-escalation
• Paper Trail: Documentation
• Knowledge & Skills to Help Children Heal
• Behavior Management Tools

Online:

• Prudent Parenting, Caregiver Core Training, Mandatory Reporting Toolkit, Understanding Autism, Youth Missing from Care, Parenting a Native American Child: Partnering in the Interest of Culture, Infant Safety and Care, Effects of Abuse & Neglect on Child Development: Sections 1-5, Identifying and Supporting Commercially Sexually Exploited Children
• Substance Abuse services for parents and teenagers as appropriate via Muckleshoot Behavioral Health program available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays from 8-5 pm; and on Wednesdays from 9-5 pm | (253) 804-8752
  

Reunification

Reunification with parents is the number one goal for MCFS when applicable.(Does not apply to Dependency Guardianship cases.)

Placement

MCFS makes all placement decisions in accordance with the youth code.All placement options for a dependent child will be with the family first. If family is not an option, MCFS will explore alternative means of placement. We always put the best interest of the child first and will continue to look for a relative placement while a child is in care.

Support Services

• Support services are for those families that have an open dependency case with MCFS.
• Monthly Supplement for Food, Hygiene, and Quarterly Clothing and School checks designated for the specific child intended will transition to live Checks and Direct Deposit, ongoing effective February 2025.
• Checks will be distributed at the MCFS office Monthly. Direct Deposit may be available for dependency guardianship cases only.
• All checks will be under the caregiver’s name, referencing each child in care, and all checks will be distributed monthly at MCFS.If you agree to have supplements mailed, they will be shipped out one week after each distribution.
• All receipts must be submitted by the end of the month to MCFS before checks are released.
• MCFS has a social media Facebook page where updates will be posted.
  

Concrete Goods

Basic needs such as a bed, dresser, car seat, etc., to accommodate the child’s transition to a comfortable setting.This is on a case-by-case basis for those children in dependency. Beds are allocated every five years and will follow the child in transition to a new home or placement.

Disability Fund

The Muckleshoot Tribal Disability fund will provide qualifying Muckleshoot enrolled youth with additional monthly funds to support the child’s needs.All applications for disability funds for children in care must be initiated through MCFS and follow the established application process.If approved, funds will be managed by MCFS via the Representative Payee Coordinator.

Kinship Licensing

If you would like to become a licensed Kinship Caregiver, resources are available to support you through the transition to caring for children.Please reach out to the Foster Care Licensor to have any questions answered and to begin the process.

Becoming a licensed caregiver is not only for those who have family members in their home.This is also available to Tribal and community members who have space and availability in their hearts to care for children who may need long-term or short-term placement.

Services MCFS Does Not Provide

We do not provide payment for cable bills, cell phone bills, utility bills, car notes, or car insurance.

We do not provide gas cards and laundry purchase orders, reimbursement for foster care license trainings.

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