Red Bird Receives Grant For More Staffing
Funding for two additional staff members will help the Red Bird Woman Center serve the Fort Peck Reservation even better in the future. Sue Parker, program finance director, announces that an elder advocate and a child advocate are going to be added as a result of federal grants secured by the center.
“We had them before but ran out of grant money,” Parker explained about the positions. She feels the last elder advocate was three years ago and the last child advocate was two years ago.
She notes that both positions are very vital and needed in the community.
The child advocate will oversee the child protective team. “What they do is basically ensure that children who are sexually abused or assaulted receive correct services,” Parker said.
The Red Bird Woman Center also assists with the enforcement of offenders at both the tribal and federal levels. The multidisciplinary team’s response to child abuse allegations include representation from the following:
• Law enforcement
• Child protective services
• Prosecution
• Medical
• Mental Health
• Victim Advocacy
• Children’s Advocacy Center The elder advocate will assist the tribes’ adult protection team to protect senior citizens on the reservation.
Parker explains that situations to help elders might include fraud, theft and providing home protection such as fixing windows or locks. If a senior wishes to move to a nursing home, officials can help with the process.
“There’s a lot of supportive services provided,” Parker said.
The staff currently includes eight trauma informed advocates.
“It has to be a person who really cares about individuals and want to help,” she said.
These officials give support to individuals who have been raped, sexually assaulted, experienced problems with teen dating, or need prevention or awareness information.
Advocates are available 24 hours, seven days a week. Parker explains that when law enforcement responds to a situation, the victim is asked if they want an advocate. If an advocate is requested, dispatch has the number of which advocate is on call.
During 2025, the Red Bird Woman Center served 250 survivors on the reservation.
The center provides Indian Parenting Classes which seeks to reunite children with their parents. The class is often court ordered.
On the center’s schedule this month are being involved in the Stampede parade, sexual assault awareness walks and nurturing parenting classes. For more information, call the center at 406-653-1494.
