Fed official wants Spirit Lake problems addressed

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — A federal human services official is urging sweeping steps to address alleged problems with socials services and foster care administration on the Spirit Lake Indian Reservation in North Dakota.

Thomas Sullivan is the regional administrator in Denver for the U.S. Administration for Children and Families. The Forum newspaper reports that he advocates suspending all state and federal funding to the tribe until qualified professionals are put in place to run programs to ensure that children are not subjected to physical, sexual and emotional abuse.

Tribal Chairman Roger Yankton has cited staff turnover, high caseloads and inadequate federal funding for problems, and says the safety of children is a priority for the tribe.

State officials say they have limited jurisdiction but have acted where they can, including suspending some funding.

___

Tags: news, updates, tribal, children