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Published May 19, 2012, 06:00 PM

BIA adding staff to assist Spirit Lake Tribe

Federal officials are stepping up oversight of the Spirit Lake Tribe's social services programs in response to warnings that children's health and safety are endangered by mismanagement.

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Federal officials are stepping up oversight of the Spirit Lake Tribe's social services programs in response to warnings that children's health and safety are endangered by mismanagement.

The Grand Forks Herald reports (http://bit.ly/J4JwM7) that Bureau of Indian Affairs director Michael S. Black has outlined plans for corrective action with Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., and members of his staff.

Federal officials say there were issues of a lack of documentation and accounting for funds.

Ryan Bernstein, Hoeven's deputy chief of staff, says the BIA will add a full-time official with a social work background at Spirit Lake Nation to assist the tribe and monitor its social services programs.

BIA officials are visiting with Spirit Lake tribal officials Monday and Tuesday to check on progress and discuss the issues.

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