Family Services
The Family Services Department provides social services to Mille Lacs Band members and American Indians who reside in the identified service areas of the Band.
Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
Health and Human Services
Family Services Department
18562 Minobimaadizi Loop
Onamia, MN 56359
Please send ICWA notices to the attention of Kristina Abear
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 8-5 p.m. Office closed 12-1 p.m.
Currently all clients and visitors need to be screened for COVID-19 prior to entry to the clinic.
Tabatha Boyd
Director
320-532-4163 Ext. 1721
Kristina Abear
Administrative Assistant
320-532-1722
After hours on call Social Worker
District III Main Line — Currently vacant
320-384-6240 Ext.306
Urban Area
Abigail Waaraniemi
Urban ICWA Social Worker
320-674-0236
Diane Sanders
Urban ICWA Social Worker
612-358-3840
Fax
320-532-4569
Intake and Referral
This program conducts in-depth assessments and screenings of all child welfare reports. Staff members also provide referrals on behalf of clients to internal and external agencies to meet the specific needs of each client.
Mishelle Ballinger
Intake and Referral Specialist
320-532-4163 Ext. 1725
Child Protection Services
The Child Protection Services program conducts child protection investigations on all neglect and abuse complaints within the Band’s jurisdiction.
The Child Protection Case Management program provides ongoing child welfare case management and prevention services to Band members, first-generation descendants, and American Indians within the Band’s designated service area.
The Indian Child Welfare program monitors the welfare of all Band children and first-generation descendants outside the Band’s designated service area under the Indian Child Welfare Act.
Ashley Burr
Child Protection Supervisor
320-532-4163 Ext. 1723
Mille Lacs Band Statutes Title VIII — Children and Families. See Chapter 13: Child/Family Protection
Supportive Services
The Family Services Department offers several supportive services for open and active cases in the department. These services include:
- Parent assistant: One-on-one parenting assistance using the Positive Indian Parent Model y Tutor: One-on-one educational assistance
- Mentor: One-on-one positive role model for youth
- Crisis stabilizer: One-on-one crisis support
- Job coach: One-on-one formal employment assistance
- Independent life skills coach: One-on-one formal assistance in developing independent life skills
- Transporter: Assists with transportation requests
- Benefits assistant: Assists families who need to enroll in Medicaid and Medicare
- Homemaker: Assists with general and light homemaking needs
Foster Care Program
This program licenses and trains foster care providers within the Band’s designated service area. Any American Indian or community member with strong ties to the Mille Lacs Band may apply to become a licensed foster care provider.
The Independent Living and Life Skills program provides child welfare support services to Band members, first-generation descendants, and American Indians who are 14-21 years old and live within the designated service area of the Band. It also provides independent living assistance to Band members, first-generation descendants, and American Indians who are 16-21 years old and live within the Band’s designated service area.
Connie Moose
Foster Care Supervisor
320-532-4163 Ext. 1743
Kathryn Schwartz (Katy)
Foster Care Licensor and Recruiter
320-630-8459