State signs agreement giving tribal council jurisdiction over foster children

ANCHORAGE - An agreement signed on Wednesday in Juneau gives a tribal council in Southeast Alaska jurisdiction over tribal foster children's cases instead of the state.

It's the second time an agreement of this kind has been reached in Alaska, according to officials. Leaders credit Tanana Chiefs Conference for paving the way for other tribal groups when it reached a similar agreement in 2013.

Title IV-E also allows Central Council Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska to receive federal funds and provide services through its child welfare program and tribal court.

http://www.ktuu.com/news/news/state-signs-agreement-giving-tribal-council-jurisdiction-over-foster-children/38353210