Social workers in tribal court: focused on family reunification

By Vivian LaMoore, Inaajimowin Editor

Social workers play many roles in court settings — from supporting individuals through legal proceedings to offering expert insight and managing complex cases. At Mille Lacs Band Health and Human Services (HHS) Family Services, however, the guiding principle is simple: “We are here to help families,” said Jamie Rancour, HHS Strategic Initiatives Project Coordinator.

“When a case is opened in Tribal Court, it’s governed by statute. Our job is to facilitate that process,” Rancour said. “Some of the decisions made by Family Services don’t always align with the court’s, and our families feel that impact. That can strain our relationships, and we want the community to know — we are on their side.”

Abigail Waaraniemi, Lead Social Worker, added, “Social workers only get involved after a child has been removed. Our main goal is to reunify families and help them heal so they don’t remain in the system.”

Once a case reaches Family Services, the first step is sitting down with the family to create a case plan. The goal? For the parents, Family Services, and the Band to feel confident that the children can return home safely and that outside intervention is no longer needed.

“The most important part is building trust,” said Waaraniemi. “Parents have to be willing to work their case, but social workers also need to set aside their own biases. From the start, we try to show parents that we’re in it with them —through the good times and setbacks. We offer hope. Working within the system can feel hopeless, but we keep showing up with encouragement.”

Building trust with children is just as vital.

“We make sure to listen — really listen — to their experiences, their feelings about going home, and when they’re ready for things like weekend visits,” she said. “Their voices matter. Kids didn’t cause these situations, but we can help make the experience something positive. When we build strong relationships, we become another support in their lives — someone who helps them see their strengths and feel loved. That’s what I want for them when they leave our care.”

Waaraniemi also pointed out the importance of being genuine: “Kids can see right through it if we’re not.”

Family Services centers its work around reunification — not just with parents, but often with extended family. “We work with the whole family,” Rancour said. “Each person is part of that dynamic.”

In contrast, the guardian ad litem is appointed by the court and tasked with representing the child’s best interest. Rancour encourages families to seek legal counsel for court cases. “Kids over a certain age can also have their own attorney. Band Member Legal Aid is a great place to start. Families should feel empowered to advocate for themselves and ensure their rights are protected — and we also want them to have a positive relationship with their social worker, so they can express concerns or disagreements in a safe way.”

Social workers typically do not speak in court; the Office of the Solicitor General represents them. However, they submit reports after each hearing, summarizing progress with the children and parents, and providing a transparent look at how the case is unfolding. The guardian ad litem also submits a separate report.

Social workers stay involved for the entire duration of a case — until all parties feel confident in reunification.

“At the end of the day, it’s the family doing the work,” Waaraniemi said. “We’re here to support and guide, but they are the ones making it happen.”

At the start of the last quarter, HHS Family Services had approximately 60 children in out-of-home placements. Nearly half were already in the traveling visits and protective supervision phase — close to reunification. While case numbers fluctuate, Waaraniemi and Rachel Shaugobay, Director of Family Services, agree the volume has remained steady over the last six years, but they’ve noticed a key shift: stronger family engagement and more successful outcomes.

The number of cases only includes out-of-home placements, not truancy, extended foster care, or monitored cases. Those numbers weren’t available at the time of publication.

Judi Helmin, Child Protection Supervisor, said the focus at Family Services has always been family first. But she’s seen a shift in the quality of services she said. “The standard has definitely been raised.”

The team is also working on outreach, attending community meetings to introduce themselves and hear from the public. Part of that work is recruiting more foster homes.

“We want to keep our kids in the community,” Helmin said. “But we also know it takes a village. If we have to place children outside the community, it’s never our first choice — and it’s not our decision. The court makes the final call.”

She acknowledged that the work comes with emotional highs and lows. “It’s tough when kids go into guardianship, even if it’s with family. But we give parents time — even if they’re struggling or incarcerated. Tribal Court doesn’t have the same strict timelines as the county court. We’ll go to court and say, ‘They’re trying, and we want to keep working with them.’ That gives us hope.”

Family Services social workers know the road to reunification isn’t always easy — but it’s one worth walking together. Whether you're a parent, a relative, a potential foster caregiver, or a community member, the message from Family Services is the same: Families are stronger when we support each other. “If you have a case plan and haven’t been in contact, come back,” Rancour said. “Let’s see if we can get you re-engaged. We’re still here."