Advocacy Program, Client Management Application System - The Seminole Tribe of Florida (STOF) is a Native American Indian Tribe that is federally recognized and located within the United States Department of Health and Human Services Region Four and the Indian Health Services Nashville Area. STOF has a mission to further upgrade and modernize its data infrastructure over the next three to five years as part of the STOF Strengthening Public Health Systems and Services in Indian Country initiative. The Health and Human Services (HHS) Division of STOF employs about 315 individuals across four primary healthcare clinics on reservations throughout south and central Florida. With a diverse healthcare workforce servicing nearly 5,000 AI/AN individuals, HHS relies heavily on data to make informed decisions concerning the health and welfare of its target population. STOF recognizes the need to establish an effective, comprehensive data management system that evaluates programmatic needs and delivers excellence and quality services to its Tribal members. As a progressive healthcare provider, STOF must establish an effective and comprehensive data management system that evaluates programmatic needs and delivers excellence and quality services to its Tribal members. The short-term outcome proposed is an improved capacity to evaluate public health programs and services to address prioritized public health activities in AI/AN communities. STOF is requesting funding to support the expenses related to Strategy 2: Data Modernization. Proposed funding, if awarded, will support the data modernization efforts of the STOF Advocacy Program. The Advocacy Program is a critical part of the STOF Health and Human Services framework and helps children and families at risk for or involved with the state of Florida's child welfare dependency system. These supports include case management, assessment and referral, parenting skills development, tribal foster parent recruitment, home study, placement, and monitoring of tribal children removed from parents because of safety risks. Child Advocates collaborate with non-tribal state and county entities working with tribal children and families to safeguard all protections designated under laws, including the Indian Child Welfare Act, are followed and facilitate increased awareness and cultural competence of these entities through training and educational opportunities.
