COLORADO RIVER INDIAN TRIBES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES
SOCIAL SERVICES
Our Mission: The mission of the office of social services is to administer, develop, provide, integrate, and coordinate social and supportive services for eligible Tribal Members and other Native Americans residing in the boundaries CRIT Jurisdiction.
The Office of Social Services provides comprehensive support to children, adults, and families within the Colorado River Indian Tribes community, striving to enhance the quality of life for its members through dedicated and compassionate services. Located in Parker, Arizona, the program administers and coordinates essential social services—including Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services, Foster Care, and Kinship Care—to ensure the safety, stability, and well-being of eligible Tribal Members.
Through programs such as General Assistance, Burial Assistance, LIHEAP, Tribal Assistance (TAA), Senior/Disability Utility support, and child welfare services, the department works to preserve families, meet basic in-home needs, and connect households with vital resources. With a dedicated team of caseworkers, investigators, and support staff, the Office of Social Services is committed to providing compassionate, culturally grounded assistance to those residing within CRIT boundaries.
What is Foster Care?
Defined- as a system of temporary care in which a minor who is unable to live with their parents has been made a ward of the courts and placed in residential child care, group home, treatment facility or a private home of a tribally licensed caregiver, referred to as a “foster parent/home” Goal- is to provide a temporary home for the children) until he/she can be reunited with his/her parents), family, or an alter-native permanency plan is made.
Who are Foster Children?
These children are tribal member children, ranging in ages from newborn infants to 17 years of age, who have been separated from their family due to some form of child abuse.
- Neglect– Failure to provide food, appropriated clothing, supervision, education, special educations if needed, a home, hygienic & safe environment and/or medical care.
- Physical Abuse – injury resulting from physical aggression, even if injury or injuries
- were not intentional. Examples: beating, slapping hitting, pushing, shaking, kicking, pinching, biting, throwing, choking, hair pulling, burning/objects, severe physical punishment.
- Emotional/Psychological Abuse– any attitude, behavior, or failure to act that interferes with a child’s mental health or social development. Examples: verbal insults, bullying, failing to provide emotional support as love, affection.
- Sexual Abuse– is any sexual act between and adult and minor under the 18 years of age including penetration, intercourse, incest, rape, oral sex and sodomy.
Qualifications to be a Foster Parent
Foster Parent(s) shall meet the following minimum qualifications:
→ 21+ years of age
→ US Citizen, CRIT Member (in preference)
→ Be in good Physical & Mental Health, must be suitable to meet the needs of a foster child & expected tasks. (Physician’s Medical Assessment required)
→ Must pass a Federal Fingerprint
Criminal background check. (All household members 18+)
Having no substantiated record of abusing or neglecting children
→ Live within CRIT Reservation or Town of Parker limits & consider your Home a Safe Environment. Home Study will be required
→ Capable to provide care for children 0-17+ years of age.
→ Provide names of three persons of reference that may be contacted
For more information, contact our Foster Care Caseworker:
Phone: (928) 669-8187 Fax: (928) 669-8881
Email: erina.deysie@crit-nsn.gov
