Social Services

JENA BAND OF CHOCTAW INDIANS

Our Mission

To promote the highest quality of services and benefits to tribal members by enhancing their mental, economic and social wellbeing; and help connect tribal members to appropriate services by respecting tribal culture and empowering individuals and families through knowledge and commitment.

WHAT WE DO

The Social Services Department provides the Jena Band of Choctaw Tribal members and other eligible persons with multiple services and programs.  Our many programs include Victim Assistance, Domestic Violence, Injury Prevention, and Child Welfare.  Counseling and psychological evaluations for individuals are through local referrals. We work in conjunction with DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services), advocate within the court system, and provide foster parents and children support. We advocate for the at-risk students within the local schools in our three parish services areas of LaSalle, Rapides, and Grant. 

CHILD WELFARE PROGRAM (CWP)

The Child Welfare Program is responsible for Child Protection, Investigation, Family Services, Foster Care, and Placement of Children. The Child Welfare Program provides case management, home visits, family visitation, and Family Team Conferences (FTC) for clients.  The Child Welfare Program collaborates with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) on the state level and within the three (3) parish service areas of LaSalle, Grant and Rapides when a Tribal family is involved with their agency.  In addition, Child Welfare Program collaborates with out-of-state child welfare agencies if a JBCI child is involved. 

Child abuse signs https://www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/child-abuse-and-neglect.htm 

THE INDIAN CHILD WELFARE ACT (ICWA)

ICWA was passed into law in 1978, protecting American Indian children in the state child welfare system to remain connected to their families, culture, and communities. This federal law is mandatory for state agencies to notify federal tribes if a child is a member of a Federally Recognized Tribe or eligible for membership. The JBCI SSD has established a process to promptly respond to the state agencies’ active efforts for verification.

A state agency must notify the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians using “best practice” the following protocol is required. The agency is to mail a certified notice to the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians Social Services Department, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope and the required information requesting membership or eligibility.

See Indian Child Welfare Act; http://www.nicwa.org

NATIVE AMERICAN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAM

Our NADVP goal is to reduce domestic violence incidents among tribal members. As part of our program, we assist our local law enforcement with domestic violence cases and build relationships with the local courts with strategies to prevent domestic violence.  Our legal advocate provides the victim with services specifically for domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking to our tribal women and girls eleven years and older, spouses, and families. We support and provide services to the victims such as; court advocacy, Temporary Restraining Orders (TRO) and Protective Orders (PO), referrals for counseling and medical services, crisis intervention, transportation, and shelter assistance.

NADVP BROCHURE (PDF)

MOTOR VEHICLE INJURY PREVENTION PROGRAM

The MVIPP is designed to prevent injuries and raise the health status of American Indians by decreasing the incidences of severe injuries and death, specifically with Motor Vehicle Injuries. The program concentrates on child safety seat usage, the installation of age-appropriate seats, and state regulations. The program offers awareness through community and tribal partnerships, distributions events, and education.  We have three staff members who are certified Child Passenger Safety technicians trained to guide you through installing the appropriate car seat for your child. 

https://www.facebook.com/BuckleUpLouisiana/

www.healthychildren.org

www.safercar.gov

www.nhtsa.gov

TRIBAL FAMILIES IN NEED OF SERVICES

The TFINS is an intervention program to help tribal children and their families by providing professional services. The services are defined by the child’s behavior or truancy that contributes danger and harm to the child and family. Appropriate services are secured and determined by the family’s level of dysfunction, a family service plan, and the offering of local resources. 

NATIVE AMERICAN VICTIM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (NAVAP)

The Native American Victim Assistance Program (NAVAP) offers comprehensive support to crime victims, including direct services, counseling, referrals, and assistance addressing emotional and physical needs. Our Victim Assistance Coordinator is trained to guide victims through the criminal justice process, ensuring their understanding and active participation while ensuring safety and security in their homes or emergency shelters. Priority assistance is extended to victims of spousal abuse, sexual assault, child abuse, and other underserved populations.

We are committed to breaking the stigma surrounding Tribal violence and urge Tribal members to reach out for support without fear or shame. If you have been a victim and need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our Victim Assistance Coordinator at 318.992.0363. 

CHOCTAW CULTURE, HERITAGE AND TRADITION SUMMER CAMP (CCHAT)

The C.C.H.A.T. The Choctaw summer camp is held annually for tribal youth and children. Our goal is to instill confidence and aspire the youth and children to be future tribal leaders and have a newfound respect for themselves, their peers, elders, and Tribe’s culture, history, and language.  The five-day overnight camp is held during the summer for children 6-18 years of age.  The Jena Band of Choctaw Indians’ youth are their greatest assets and our future tribal leaders.  

Meet the Staff

Mona Maxwell
Social Services Director
318.992.0136
mmaxwell@jenachoctaw.org

Kim Purvis
Social Services Specialist
318.992.0363
kpurvis@jenachoctaw.org

Ashley Liles
Behavioral Health

aliles@jenachoctaw.org

Ashly Descant
Behavioral Health
adescant@jenachoctaw.org

Heather Kimball
Social Services Receptionist
318.992.0136
hkimball@jenachoctaw.org