under the age of 18, to those known as ôElders,ö Blackfeet who are fifty-five years or older or ôa person of such age of condition that requires care in order to meet their daily needs,ö (Blackfeet, 1999, p. 4). Family dynamics among the Blackfeet are closely regulated and controlled by Tribal Law and family code, which also contain provisions for custody and placement of minors, criminal offenses for adults and minors, court procedures and rights for those arrested and charged with criminal offenses, and a variety of other laws that guide and regulate behavior for those living on the Blackfeet reservation in Montana.
Tribal Law for contemporary Blackfeet is not altogether different than civil law for American citizens living in any city. Negligent homicide, the sale of harmful drugs, child abuse and other offenses outlawed in conventional society are also prohibited by Blackfeet Tribal Law. Likewise, the Tribal Law and family code encompasses social welfare provisions and rules and regulations for social workers and those Blackfeet being investigated by them. For example, when charges of child abuse are leveled against a Blackfeet reservation member, the Juvenile Officer must make an initial assessment of the situation that encompasses ten procedures:
Making initial contact with the child, determining if Bureau of Indian Affairs Criminal Investigator must be contacted.
Making subsequent assessment visits.
Assessing the potential for continuing risk to the child.
Evaluating the family indicators of abuse or neglect.
Determining if abuse or neglect exists and continuing the case as open.
Determining the need to invoke the authority of the family court.
Providing emergency services as needed.
Providing feedback to appropriate persons.
...