In Case You Missed It: Congress Acting on Landmark Report on Native Children
- Feb 21
- 3 min read
In February 2024, the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children released a pivotal report titled "The Way Forward," offering a comprehensive analysis of the challenges faced by Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian youth. This extensive 258-page document provides 29 detailed recommendations across various sectors, including child welfare, education, juvenile justice, and health, aiming to enhance the well-being and future prospects of Native children up to the age of 24.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The Commission's research delved into multiple intersecting areas affecting Native youth:
Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice: The report highlights systemic issues leading to the overrepresentation of Native children in foster care and the juvenile justice system. It advocates for culturally informed prevention strategies and the implementation of trauma-informed care to address these disparities.
Education: Emphasizing the importance of culturally relevant curricula, the report recommends integrating Native history and languages into educational systems. It also calls for increased support for Native language revitalization efforts, recognizing their critical role in preserving cultural identity.
Health: The Commission underscores the necessity of accessible physical, mental, and behavioral health services tailored to the unique needs of Native youth. This includes addressing historical trauma and its ongoing impact on community health.
Environmental Health: Recognizing the connection between environmental factors and health outcomes, the report suggests conducting environmental impact assessments to mitigate risks affecting Native children and communities.
Congressional Response and Legislative Actions
In the year following the report's release, Congress has taken significant steps to address the Commission's findings:
Native American Child Protection Act: Signed into law in December 2024, this bipartisan legislation reauthorizes and reforms programs essential for tribes to prevent, investigate, and prosecute child abuse and neglect. It emphasizes the provision of culturally appropriate treatment services and the development of model intergovernmental agreements to enhance collaboration between tribes and states.
Supporting America's Children and Families Act: Enacted in January 2025, this landmark legislation represents the first substantial reform to child welfare programs since 2008. It reauthorizes Title IV-B of the Social Security Act, providing flexible federal funding for tribes and states to support at-risk children and families. The act focuses on early intervention, family preservation, and modernizing the foster care system to better serve Native communities.
Native American Education Opportunity Act: Introduced in January 2025, this bill aims to enhance educational opportunities for Native students by establishing education savings account programs and authorizing the Bureau of Indian Education to fund charter schools. These initiatives are designed to provide tribes with greater autonomy and resources to develop educational programs that reflect their cultural values and meet their communities' needs.
Ongoing Efforts and Future Directions
The release of "The Way Forward" has catalyzed a series of legislative and policy initiatives focused on improving outcomes for Native children. The federal government, in collaboration with tribal nations, continues to work towards implementing the Commission's recommendations. These efforts include enhancing data collection on Native children to inform policy decisions, increasing investments in culturally appropriate services, and fostering partnerships between federal, state, and tribal entities to create a cohesive support system for Native youth.
As these initiatives progress, it remains crucial to maintain a focus on the unique cultural contexts and historical experiences of Native communities. By honoring the insights provided in "The Way Forward," policymakers and stakeholders can work collaboratively to ensure that Native children have the opportunities and support necessary to thrive.