Santa Rosa

Tribal and family services department

The Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians Tribal & Family Services Department is committed to supporting the well-being of our tribal members and their families by providing access to essential programs, assistance, and resources. Our department strives to strengthen families, promote self-sufficiency, and support the overall health, stability, and success of our tribal community while honoring our cultural values and traditions.

Programs & Services

The Tribal & Family Services Department oversees and administers a variety of programs and services, including:

Housing Assistance
Education Assistance
Burial Assistance
Youth Assistance
Homelessness Prevention & Assistance
Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Services
Family Support & Preservation Services
Community Resources & Referrals

All assistance programs are subject to applicable Tribal policies, eligibility requirements, and funding availability.

Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)

The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) was enacted in 1978 to protect the best interests of American Indian and Alaska Native children and to promote the stability and security of Tribal families and communities.

ICWA was established in response to the disproportionate removal of Native children from their families and communities. The law recognizes the importance of maintaining connections to family, culture, and Tribal identity.

The Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians is committed to protecting the rights and well-being of our Tribal children and families. Our ICWA program works collaboratively with families, child welfare agencies, courts, and other service providers to ensure compliance with ICWA and advocate for the best interests of our children.

ICWA Services & Responsibilities

Our ICWA representatives assist with:

Participating in child welfare case planning, court proceedings, and family meetings.
Advocating for the rights and best interests of Tribal children and families.
Ensuring compliance with ICWA requirements and Tribal placement preferences.
Supporting family preservation and reunification efforts.
Assisting with identifying appropriate relative and Tribal placements.
Coordinating with child welfare agencies, courts, and service providers.
Assisting in identifying qualified expert witnesses when necessary.
Providing resources, referrals, and support to Tribal families involved in child welfare proceedings.

ICWA Referrals & Emergency Response

For immediate or emergency ICWA referrals requiring a response within 24 hours, please contact:

Home Visits & Reservation Access

To ensure proper coordination and respect for Tribal sovereignty, child welfare agencies and outside service providers must follow the Tribe's reservation access procedures.

Home Visits: Contact an ICWA Delegate to schedule home visits with a minimum of four hours' advance notice to accommodate travel time to the rural reservation.
During Business Hours: All visitors must check in at the Tribal Administration Office. An ICWA Delegate or designated Tribal Council member will coordinate an escort when required.
After Business Hours: Arrangements must be made in advance for an ICWA Delegate or Tribal Council member to meet visitors at the Tribal Administration Office.
Reservation Access: Access to the reservation by outside agencies without an authorized Tribal escort is prohibited.

For questions regarding ICWA referrals, home visits, or reservation access, please contact the Tribal & Family Services Department.

Department Contact Information

Alyssa Lauture

Tribal & Family Services Director / ICWA Lead Delegate

Email: alauture@santarosa-nsn.gov

Office: (951) 659-2700

Cell: (951) 440-7033

Levi Hill

Tribal & Family Services Coordinator

Email: tasc@santarosa-nsn.gov

Office: (951) 659-2700

Xochiquetzal Smith-Amador