Social Services Program
Program
Purpose
To
provide culturally sensitive services to assist in economic self-sufficiency
and social
well-being of tribal members, families, and tribal
communities. Social Services programs ensure the entire needs
of the family are taken into account when a crisis situation exists.
Department staff deliver, or advocate for the delivery of,
services that are appropriate to the nature of the social problem
with cultural sensitivity given the Native family and environment
in which the crisis occurs.
 Program
Description
To
provide services easing personal crisis
by: maintaining the first line of defense
in a system of services aimed at supporting, serving, and protecting
children; and ultimately, striving to prevent the unwarranted
breakup of Native families; providing adult services, both financial
assistance and individual counseling, which are essential to easing
personal crises; providing opportunities for self-development
of clients receiving general assistance in order to enhance their
employability; and upholding the pride of those needing financial
assistance; delivering services to Tribal elders in a fashion
which will ensure utilization of their knowledge and contributions
toward the enrichment and preservation of the culture and heritage
of the Alaska Native people.
Accomplishments
Due to staff reduction, a small amount of the Social Services
budget was diverted to the Human Services General Assistance
Grant Award Program ($9,000.00). Combined with other funds this
allowed the department to resume the grant program in November
through December 31, 1996. During 1996, staff provided services
to 813 tribal members in communities served under this program
(separate from General Assistance).
Goals
The program works toward maintaining a high level of involvement
and case management activities to ongoing financial assistance
cases. Toward that end, department staff will be offering mini-classes
at the Headquarters Office in (but not limited to) the
areas of personal budgeting; how to apply for various State and
Federal financial assistance programs; the importance of attaining
a substance-free lifestyle; child care solutions; connecting with
your
extended family/creating an extended family outside your community.
Key Dates
Program dates are from January 1 through December 31.
Funding Agency and Annual Budget
The Office of Self-Governance provided the Social Services Program
a budget of $209,511 (excluding General Assistance which is reported
separately) in 1996.
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