The government for the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) includes a variety of departments established to meet the needs of the Community. The Family and Children Services Department recognizes the Native American family as the foundation of our Community.
The department strives to preserve family stability with high quality, professional services through support, guidance, and advocacy tailored to meet the unique needs of each family member. Family and Children Services provides case management services for Community Member clients in tribal court. The department also provides advocacy to clients in tribal and county courts and provides outreach, resources, and education to parents. The department provides intervention and assistance to families in crisis; supervised visitation for clients and their children placed out of home; and parenting training and education to families.
Family and Children Services also coordinates and facilitates SMSC emergency services, such as childcare subsidies, food vouchers, gas vouchers, and referrals. While the Legal Department is unable to formally represent individuals, the department is still a vital resource. The Legal Department provides general legal advice to SMSC Members, as well as individual legal representation referrals. The Behavioral Health Department oversees adult psychiatry, adult psychology, and child psychiatry services provided to SMSC Members.
The Behavioral Health Department provides services that touch Community Members across a wide range of ages and situations, including child therapy beginning at age 4, chemical dependency counseling for adults, and mental health services for the elderly. In support of individuals and families, the the Behavioral Health Department offers couples counseling, parent coaching, family therapy, and assessment and treatment for disorders such as depression and anxiety.
