What Tribal Navigators do:
Assist kinship caregivers raising their relatives' children in connecting with their tribal supports and resources and locating additional resources and supports that can benefit their families.
These resources can include:
Healthcare
Health Care Authority Tribal relations.
Financial
Non-Needy Relative, In Loco Parentis, and Legal Guardian Grant (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
- Cash and medical assistance for children who are in the care of a relative of specified degree or a legal guardian or custodian. Adults who act "in loco parentis" or in the place of a parent may also be eligible.
- You can apply for services online, by phone at 877-501-2233 or at your local Community Services Office. As with all our programs, applying is the only way to know if you are eligible.
Food
- Find local programs in your area through 211.
- Small Tribes Organization of Western Washington
Legal Assistance
Legal Advice and Referral for Kinship Care or LAARK.
LAARK provides legal advice to kinship caregivers in Washington on matters related to the children in their care.
Topics include minor guardianship, the child welfare system, education, housing and public benefits.
- Complete our online intake form, or call the LAARK voicemail and leave a message at 206-267-7075
Respite or short-term break from caregiving
- Find out more about Lifespan Respite in Washington.
- Emotional support.
- Training.
- Urgently needed goods and services.
- Assist in establishing relationships between kinship caregivers and other tribal programs, DSHS services and other providers.
- Assist kinship caregivers to keep children from entering foster care.
Other Helpful Resources
- Indian Child Welfare Act and Washington State Indian Child Welfare Act
- Generations United Toolkit
- Links to Tribal TANF offices TTANFDirectory.pdf (wa.gov)