Nebraska: Involving Partners

Members of the Consortium of Tribal, State, and Federal Courts

The Nebraska team worked closely with networks developed through the Consortium of Tribal, State, and Federal Courts. Active partners included stakeholder leaders representing Native American community groups, the Nebraska Indian Child Welfare Coalition, and Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs.

Types of Involvement

The Nebraska team collaborated with and involved its partners in a variety of ways, including:

  • Consortium judges acted as emcees of the events and provided a short overview of the Consortium’s work.
  • Consortium judges sat at the front of the room during the listening sessions so that participants knew who was listening.
  • A retired judge and attorney with tribal/state court experience facilitated the events.
  • Legal Aid of Nebraska had attorneys on site at each event in case participants needed legal assistance. The attorneys were able to take  intakes at the events.
  • The Nebraska Indian Child Welfare Coalition Board offered ideas on topics that would need to be discussed at the sessions and how to make  the events culturally appropriate.
  • The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services provided input around child welfare issues relating to Tribal communities.

Toolkit Tidbit: Nebraska Reflects on Involving Partners

Toolkit Tidbit: Cultural Sensitivity