Navajo Nation Begins Intensive TA Partnership to Advance Mental Health Services for Children and Families
Navajo Nation Begins Intensive TA Partnership to Advance Mental Health Services for Children and Families
Window Rock, AZ — The National Center for Adoption Competent Mental Health Services is proud to announce its formal partnership with the Navajo Nation to deliver Intensive Technical Assistance (TA) aimed at improving mental health outcomes for children, youth, and families impacted by the child welfare system.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the National Center’s mission to build responsive, adoption competent mental health services across the country. The National Center was delighted to welcome Navajo Nation as its first tribal site to walk alongside leadership in child serving agencies to positively impact youth and families in New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona.
This partnership was officially launched in February 2025 with a signed commitment letter followed by a two-day onsite meeting held May 28–29 in Window Rock, Arizona. This first in person meeting was attended by Navajo Nation Division of Children and Families (DCFS), The Navajo Nation Treatment Center, and The National Center Team.
Noteworthy themes from the meeting included cultural preservation with emphasis on maintaining Navajo language, traditions, and identity for youth in custody; workforce development; and systemic change including joint planning, cross-sector collaboration and community-driven feedback loops.
During the May onsite meeting, a clinical family therapist from Crown Point, NM, shared, “We did a lot of referrals out for counseling for children and families, and all they had to produce was one appointment – then we closed the case. I wonder where these kids are going? So, I decided to get my schooling and obtained my master’s and license in counseling. I really enjoy what I do, working with children out in the remote and isolated areas of the Eastern agency.”
Her words underscore the urgent need for sustained culturally grounded support in rural and underserved areas of the Navajo Nation.
For more information about the National Center’s TA work, visit our website.