Together with DHS, Michigan's 12 federally recognized Tribes, the state historic tribes, Indian organizations, the federal government and other community and state organizations have formed a partnership. This partnership is necessary to deliver services to children and families that protect, preserve and strengthen families both on and off Tribal lands.

As a result of this partnership, an advisory body known as the Implementation Team has been established. The Implementation Team meets regularly to identify barriers, recommend solutions and establish common practice in the delivery of services to Indian children and families. The Implementation Team received its mandate from the federal Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (ICWA). ICWA requires that states collaborate with the Tribes to develop a coordinated vision and service delivery system that will focus on the preservation of Indian families.

The Implementation Team played a critical role in the revision of the DHS Indian Child Welfare policy. This policy underwent an exhaustive review in late 1998 and early 1999. The policy has been implemented in the field and is being trained by a collaborative partnership of Tribal representatives, DHS policy analysts and Indian Organization representatives.

DHS and the Implementation Team have established an aggressive five-year vision that identifies their mutual commitment to the betterment of the lives of Indian children and families. Their seven goals for the coming 5 years are:

• To strengthen and monitor policy, procedure and practice to ensure compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act.
• To identify funding sources and funding enhancements for pilot projects both on and off the Reservations.
• To improve communication and partnering with tribes and public and private agencies focused on providing services to the Indian community.
• To recruit more Native American foster care, kinship care or guardianship homes to promote stable placements for Indian children.
• To identify the needs of the child welfare and delinquent youth population and determine ways to better meet their unique needs while preserving culture and heritage.
• To identify and work to remediate family issues such as substance abuse or mental health concerns that are barriers for family stability or reunification.
• To identify, strengthen and encourage human service educational opportunities for Indian peoples.