In recent months, the demand for Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) for Tribal Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) and State Departments has continued to grow. Across the country, our team has been working hard to respond to this need,developing webinars, attending conferences, and meeting face-to-face with partners dedicated to protecting and supporting children.
One of the most memorable experiences this past month was our visit to South Dakota, where we were invited to work alongside the South Dakota State Chapter of Child Advocacy Centers and attend the South Dakota Community Response to Child Abuse Conference. The trip offered an opportunity to strengthen partnerships, exchange ideas, and witness firsthand the dedication of those working tirelessly to support children and families across the state.
Our Program Director, Deanna Chancellor, and TTA Specialist, Bethany Black, attended the South Dakota State Chapter Board Meeting, where the day began with a presentation by Midwest Regional Program Manager Cory Brodsky. His insights into regional collaboration set the stage for a day filled with meaningful discussion and strategic planning. Representatives from all four of the state’s Child Advocacy Centers, including the Oglala Lakota Children’s Justice Center (OLCJC), shared updates and stories from their work.
The afternoon was devoted to developing a three-year strategic plan to guide the State Chapter’s future direction. The board members—representing CACs and other community organizations—approached the process with energy, thoughtfulness, and a deep sense of purpose. As ideas flowed and priorities were discussed, it was clear that this group shared a strong commitment to collaboration and to ensuring that the work of the Chapter remains responsive to the unique needs of South Dakota’s children and families.
A particularly powerful moment came when Larry Swalley, representing the Oglala Lakota Children’s Justice Center, spoke about how their CAC has incorporated Lakota culture and traditions into their multidisciplinary team (MDT) process. He shared real-world examples of how honoring culture in the healing process has made a difference for Native children and families. His words resonated deeply with everyone in the room, sparking conversations about how other centers might begin to integrate cultural understanding and respect into their own practices.
Following the board meeting, Deanna presented one of our most popular sessions, “Three Considerations When Working with Native Nations.” This presentation remains one of our most requested training courses among non-Tribal partners and provides an overview of Tribal sovereignty, historical trauma, and the importance of learning about and respecting each Tribe’s unique culture. The discussion was rich and engaging, as attendees reflected on how these concepts could strengthen their partnerships with Tribal Nations and improve outcomes for Native children.
The following day brought even more opportunities for connection as our team participated in the South Dakota Community Response to Child Abuse Conference, an event that brought together nearly 500 multidisciplinary professionals from across the state. NCARC hosted an information booth, where we were able to meet dozens of professionals eager to learn more about our work. Many stopped by after attending Deanna’s session the evening before, eager to continue the conversation and ask thoughtful questions about collaboration with Native communities.
Throughout the event, the sense of community and shared purpose was palpable. Conversations at our booth often turned into meaningful exchanges about challenges, successes, and the hope that comes from building stronger systems of care. Each interaction reminded us of how deeply people care about doing this work the right way, with respect, understanding, and an open heart.
By the time we left South Dakota, we carried with us a renewed sense of inspiration and gratitude. The dedication and enthusiasm of the State Chapter board, the Child Advocacy Centers, and all the professionals we met reaffirmed why we do what we do. Every meeting, every presentation, and every conversation reminds us that collaboration, especially across cultures, is key to creating systems that truly support every child.
NCARC remains committed to supporting Tribal and non-Tribal partners nationwide through meaningful training, technical assistance, and collaboration. By helping communities build bridges of understanding, we move closer to our shared vision: ensuring that every child, in every community, has access to the compassion, protection, and healing they deserve.