BIA to hold town hall on abuse, neglect issues

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota's congressional delegation says that senior Department of the Interior and Bureau of Indian Affairs officials have agreed to hold a town hall on the Spirit Lake reservation meeting to update tribal members and officials on issues surrounding child abuse and neglect.

The bureau assumed control of the tribe's social service programs after criticism that the tribe has failed to protect vulnerable children.

Sen. John Hoeven organized the meeting with Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Kevin Washburn to provide the delegation with an update on measures taken to address ongoing allegations of child abuse and neglect on the reservation.

Washburn and the officials say they're working to implement the corrective action plan drafted to address foster care and child protective services on the reservation.

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