HHS Needs to Improve the Consistency and Timeliness of Assistance to Tribes

Author abstract: “This report examines (1) obstacles facing tribes interested in directly operating a title IV-E program and (2) the assistance HHS has provided. GAO interviewed officials from 17 tribes, 11 of which were currently developing title IV-E programs. These tribes were selected to achieve variation in progress toward developing a title IV-E program, size of the tribe, and HHS region. While this information is non-generalizable, it provides examples of tribes’ experiences with the program. GAO also interviewed HHS and Bureau of Indian Affairs officials, and child welfare experts.”