Navajo Nation Launches Community Collaboration Initiative to Strengthen Supports for Children and Families 

The Navajo Nation Department for Child Well-Being (DCWB) has launched a new community collaboration initiative aimed at strengthening connections among child welfare, mental health, education, healthcare, and community partners. 

The first meeting, held in Kayenta, brought together local service providers to share resources, discuss referral pathways, identify service gaps, and explore opportunities for stronger coordination in support of children, youth, and families. 

In partnership with the National Adoption Competency Mental Health Training Initiative (NTI)™ and the National Center for Adoption Competent Mental Health Services, the effort focuses on expanding adoption-competent mental health knowledge and skills while promoting a permanency-focused approach that connects services to family stability, placement preservation, and long-term permanency for children and families. 

A key theme that emerged from the meeting was the importance of helping families more easily navigate and access available services. To support that goal, DCWB is exploring the development of regional resource guides that would help community members identify and connect with supports available in their area. 

The Kayenta meeting serves as the first in a planned series of community collaborative discussions across the Navajo Nation, with future efforts building on the insights and partnerships established through this initial gathering. 

Read the full Navajo Nation press release:
Department for Child Well-Being Begins Collaboration Meeting Series