Seattle Indian Center

Families in crisis, or on the verge of breakup are all too common as a result of the enormous stresses faced by American Indians/Alaska Natives and other ethnic populations we serve. The Seattle Indian Center is professionally staffed to provide assistance to families in need, in an attempt to preserve the structure of the family. We provide free, confidential counseling and wrap-around support services for all families in crisis.

Key to the effectiveness of our Family Services programs is the early identification and prevention of child abuse. Families work with our counselors to develop constructive responses. Child abuse is not the Indian way – our intensive case management system provides safe, culturally-appropriate ways for family members to come together and resolve problems.

Latchkey and Child Care

We help the working poor who cannot afford babysitters for “latchkey” age children. We provide afterschool activities, sports and other recreation; positive alternatives to sitting home alone or running the streets. During the summer we have a full time program for this age group.

Named in honor of a late co-founder and board member, The Tillie Cavanaugh Child Care Center is open to all children. We provide quality, multi-cultural and attentive childcare for up to 20 children including infants.

Our children enjoy a safe, secure, caring environment that provides for the child’s physical welfare as well as intellectual stimplation and emotional support. A limited number of scholarships are available to American Indian/Alaska Native children whose parents are seeking employment or completing educational programs.

Adoption

Birth mothers of all races will find counseling and support. Birth parents are able to participate in the selection of adoptive parents who are accepted into our program following a series of reviews and interviews including personal, financial and home studies.

We assist with all legal services, child placement and adoptive parent screening required to insure a successful outcome. We actively recruit stable, nurturing families from all cultures and tribes to ensure that the infant’s heritage is maintained. The Adoption Program upholds the spirit of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-608) regarding placement of American Indian/Alaska Native children.