The Concept of the In-Care Network, Inc. The In-Care Network believes that many of the problems that face American Indian families and Indian youth are unique to them as an ethnic group. Indian people in the United States have a unique political and legal status. Further, American Indian people have a unique history since the coming of Europeans to this continent, a history that is as compelling and complex as the modern needs of Indian youth. To properly serve these unique needs, an organization needs to possess adequate historical knowledge of the developments that have affected Indian society. Also needed is an organizational depth of cultural awareness and sensitivity that reflects itself throughout the services provided by the organization. Out of this basic belief, commitment of cultural awareness and sensitivity, the In-Care Network has developed the following concepts: Extension of the Kinship System—Foster families make a commitment to helping young Indian people by becoming an extension of that child's kinship system. Community-Based Support—The problems impacting Indian families and youth today are "Indian community" problems; therefore, the solutions to these problems also have to take on a "Indian Community" approach in order for effective community solutions and interventions to be developed. Network Team—The Network employs a diverse service team in the development of individual case plans for each Indian youth. Culturally Relevant Approach—Throughout, the Network utilizes the services of Indian and non-Indian individuals who evidence cultural awareness and demonstrate sensitivity to the cultural needs of Indian youth. Holistic Intervention—In-Care Network uses a holistic approach using the Medicine Wheel as the framework and emphasizing the concept of "restoring" balance as opposed to just treating a dysfunction. Therapeutic Family Care - 96 licensed foster homes - 70% Native American Families - Specializing in care of Native American SED Foster Children Vision Seekers - Open to all children ages 13-21 - Educational & Experiential Activities - Youth Leadership - Extending Kinship. Grandchild Journey - High Needs Youth ages 6-12 - Holistic Activities & Experiences - Traditional Programs - Teach/Model/Reinforce Camp Little Feather - Summer camp for ages 6-12 - Cultural enrichment activities - Athletic Recreation - Two Worlds Therapeutic Interventions Shared Vision Institute - Local, Regional & National Training - Foster Care, Parenting, Cultural Sensitivity & Understanding - Tribal, State, Federal, Local & Private Providers Management Services - Project Management & Implementation - Accounting Services - Computer Services - Consulting - Program Development. Native American Non-Profit Agency - 501 (c) (3) status - Formed in 1986 - Grassroots Beginnings - Recognized* Leader in programs for native American Children (*In-Care Network was one of seven sites selected nationally by Georgetown University for inclusion in their report on innovative holistic care for foster children in Dec. 2000.) In-Care Site Offices - Billings, Headquarters - Great Falls - Pablo - Havre - Wolf Point - Hardin. For Guidance & Wisdom - In-Care Board of Directors - Loretta Thomas, Chairperson - Nellie Bear Cloud, Vice Chairperson - James Vogel, Secretary/Treasurer - Majel Russell, Member - Susan Tillman, Member - Don Meyers, Member - Garfield Little Light, Member In-Care Network's Mission Statement Our Tradition - Every Indian child is unique and sacred. Each of our children must be empowered and given the opportunity to enrich his/her own life. Our Belief - that the unmet needs of the Indian child can be healed and treated through a holistic approach to human services Our Spirit - In-Care Network is dedicated to the wellbeing of the Indian child, which is achieved and maintained through the balance of the mind, body, and spirit. Our Future - Furthermore, the entire Indian community must take ownership of the process and be involved in the development of solutions to the problems that plague our children and families. For more detailed information about In Care Network please go to this address: http://www.georgetown.edu/research/gucdc/fcsvmt.pdf