February 2013

In This Issue

Director's Letter: A Thank You to This Agency's Important Partners

Meet the Children Available for Adoption 

Kiwanis International Donates to Hamilton County Foster Children

The 1,879 Mile Home Visit

Where Are They Now? Don Thomas

Hamilton County Reinstates Foster Youth Advisory Board

Adopt 10-year-old Keira

Keira says she would like to be adopted by both a mom and a dad who like to take trips and play games.
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When Bill Abney was asked to make a visit for another caseworker, he knew it was not going to be a typical home visit.

The two Native American children, 6 months and 2 years, were living in a foster home after being removed from their mother’s care. The children were covered by the Indian Child Welfare Act, which means that the tribe they or their mother is a member of has to be contacted once the children enter the foster care system.

In this case, relatives of the two children ― who are members of the Havasupai tribe and live on a reservation in Arizona ― requested them. The children began living with these relatives on the reservation, which has about 700 people, in July of 2012.

Although local caseworkers had made visits to the family, an HCJFS caseworker was required to make a visit to evaluate the home. Because of Abney’s 14 year experience at JFS, he got the unique opportunity to travel to Arizona for the home visit.

Abney said he had learned about the Indian Child Welfare Act, but didn’t know about the different facets.

“I was eager to see what the experience would bring,” he said.

He began this 1,879 mile journey on Nov. 29 and arrived at the reservation on Nov. 30. He was only supposed to stay one day, however he was concerned that he would not get to spend enough time with the family, and extended his trip until Dec. 3.

Although he was very excited to have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Abney wanted to make sure to be respectful of the tribe’s culture and traditions. That meant before he traveled there, he needed to get permission from the tribe, since few people are allowed on the reservation. Natrasha Christian-Beasley assisted him in gaining the tribe’s permission.

Getting to the reservation also proved challenging. After flying into Flagstaff, Arizona, Abney had to drive three hours to the Havasupai Reservation.

But the road only took him to the top of the Grand Canyon. The only way to access the home where the children live is to hike down the canyon or take a helicopter.

The helicopter only runs certain times on certain days and allows tribe members to ride before tourists. Not everyone is allowed on. Abney had to have a letter from the family to be able to board the helicopter immediately after he arrived.

When Abney got off the helicopter, he was met by one of the children’s caregivers. Accompanied by an Indian Child Welfare worker, they went to the caregivers’ home and Abney was able to visit with the children and the family. He explained to the family that he also needed to make an unannounced visit.

In between visits, Abney was able to explore part of the reservation. He hiked a few of the surrounding trails and saw some of the waterfalls that the reservation is known for.

Abney described the Havasupai Reservation as having a “breathtaking atmosphere” and he felt very relaxed and comfortable during his trip. He said that the entire tribe was very friendly and they made him feel welcome.

While visiting the family, Abney stayed in a lodge on the reservation. The lodge did not provide meals and the café was closed so Abney had to buy all of his food at the local general store.

After meeting once more with the family and the child social worker, Abney said he had no concerns about the well being of the children.

The two children remain with the family and are receiving services from the reservation’s Head Start Program, as well as support from the entire tribe. Things have been going so well that the family made the decision to adopt the children. The adoption process began Jan. 8 to unite the two children with their forever family.

Abney said that he would love to have this type of opportunity again. He enjoyed working with children outside of the Cincinnati area and learning about the Havasupai Reservation.

Although Abney enjoyed the traveling aspect of the trip, he said what he enjoyed most was having the chance to learn about another culture outside of Hamilton County, an experience he believes will make him a better caseworker.