Mission Statement:

The mission of the NNWS Program is the prevention of the disintegration of its Indian Families through early intervention and remediation services.

When Yakama Children are removed from their customary homes, the NNWS Program Follows established Yakama Nation procedures and services that will assure child custody proceedings reflect the unique values, customs, and laws of Yakama Nation.

The NNWS Program assists other governmental agencies, attorneys, courts, and interested parties comply with the unique values, customs, and laws of the Yakama Nation.

CHILD WELFARE/CASE MANAGEMENT

Nak-Nu-We-Sha case manages tribal foster children. These tasks include, but are not limited to: accessing services for the child, family and placement resources, coordinating and providing transportation for the child, coordinating visitation with the child’s birth or adoptive family, attending staff/meetings, case monitoring, working with school districts and other service providers. Case management under the Yakama Nation are provided with tribal custom and practices.

KINSHIP/FAMILY PRESERVATION

Kinship services assist kinship caregivers with accessing service and resources before situations become crises.
Family Preservation is the movement to help keep children at home with their families rather than in foster homes or institutions by providing therapeutic intervention to strengthen and empower the family.

FOSTER CARE LICENSING

Foster care is a temporary living situation for children and youth who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, and the death of their caregivers. The Nak-Nu-We-Sha Department licenses “foster parents” to regularly provide care on a twenty-four hour basis to one or more children in the person’s home.

103 Shearer Lane
P.O. Box 151
Toppenish, WA. 98948
Phone: (509) 865-5121 Ext. 6800
Fax: (509) 865-6869

STAFF

Gloria C. Aranda • Program Manager
Ext. 6802
Cassey_Aranda@yakama.com

Josephina C. Alvarado • Social Work Supervisor
Ext. 6814
Josie_Alvarado@yakama.com

Lisa C. Hosteen • Administrative Assistant
Ext. 6800
Lisa_Hosteen@yakama.com

Wendy Eagleclaw • Bookkeeper IV
Ext. 6823
Wendy_Eagleclaw@yakama.com

Laura Canfield • Foster Home Licensor
Ext. 6803
Laura_Canfield@yakama.com

Michael Thompson • Kinship Coordinator
Ext. 6821
Michael_Thompson@yakama.com

Julie Umtuch • Social Worker II
Ext. 6820
Julie_Umtuch@yakama.com

Amanda Beavert • Social Worker II
Ext. 6808
Amanda_Beavert@yakama.com

Marilaura Gonzalez-Contreras • Social Worker II
Ext. 6809
Marilaura_Contreras@yakama.com

Clarissa L. Saina • Social Worker II
Ext. 6822
Clarissa_Saina@yakama.com

Juanita M. Saiz • Social Worker II
Ext. 6825
Juanita_Saiz@yakama.com

Vacant • Social Worker II
Ext. 6804

Alexandria Jaime – Child and Youth Engagement Coordinator
Ext. 6806