Supporting Healing and Permanency Through Partnership in Navajo Nation 

Expanding access to adoption/permanency competent mental health services requires strong partnerships across multiple systems. On February 24 and 25, 2026, our Navajo Nation technical assistance (TA) team at the National Center for Adoption Competent Mental Health Services had the opportunity to meet with leadership and staff from multiple partners serving Navajo Nation children and families, including the Navajo Division for Children and Family Services (NDCFS), the Navajo Division of Behavioral and Mental Health Services (DBMHS), and the Navajo Area Indian Health Services. Our discussions focused on ways to continue strengthening behavioral health support for children and families across the Navajo Nation.  

During our time together, we explored opportunities to increase workforce capacity to provide trauma-informed services, incorporate culturally responsive practices, and ensure access to mental health services that are prepared to meet the unique needs of Navajo children, families, and communities. Our discussions focused on how we can work together to build systems that respond more effectively to the complex experiences of children and families impacted by foster care, customary adoption, and kinship care.  

For the children and families we serve, access to adoption competent/permanency competent mental health services is critical. Through our partnership with Navajo Nation, we are working to strengthen services that support healing, permanency, and long-term well-being for Navajo children, youth, and families.  

As we move forward, sustaining this work will remain a priority for both the Navajo Nation and the National Center. Through continued collaboration, workforce development, and integration of adoption/permanency competent and culturally responsive practices, we are building a foundation that supports long-term system change. Together, we remain committed to ensuring that Navajo children, youth, and families have ongoing access to mental health services that understand and respond to their unique experiences.  

Strengthening mental health services is a collective effort. Our collaboration with Navajo Nation reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to responsive, culturally grounded behavioral health support across the Navajo Nation.  

Read more about the Navajo Nation and National Center partnership and its impact:   https://www.nhonews.com/news/ndcfs-partnerships-expand-mental-health-services/article_9dd2bda4-6db7-455a-84e9-165852fd54f6.html