Omaha Nation Community Response Team
Sacred Child Project
The ONCRT receives funding from both SAMHSA and the Children and Families Administration to provide intensive outpatient treatment for youth 12-18 and their families through the Sacred Child Projects (SCP). Both Sacred Child Projects utilize the “Walking in Beauty on the Red Road” evidence-based approach as a framework model, then incorporate Omaha culture and values throughout the program. SCP provides intensive outpatient treatment, community outreach and recovery support services. SCP activities also assist the community in developing a recovery support infrastructure on the Omaha Reservation. Through enhanced partnerships, the SCP will engage tribal leaders and community stakeholders into a community change process.
The Center is located at the old Picotte Hospital building in Walthill, NE, which is an appropriate place to offer healing services. The Picotte Hospital is over 100 years old and was the first hospital for Native Americans. Established by Dr. Suzanne LaFlesche Picotte, a member of the Omaha Tribe, the Hospital has been declared an historical landmark.
The SCP services are available to all community members at no cost. The outpatient program runs for eight weeks, Monday through Thursday from 9:00am to 3:30pm Transportation to and from the center is provided daily, as well as lunch, and snacks. The Sacred Child Program provides services for families including access to family counseling and individual care plans for the adult and child members of the family. The SCP is partnered with both Walthill & Omaha Nation Public Schools. With this partnership, participants are entitled to their education along with traditional Omaha teachings and healing. Their time, attendance, and participation at the SCP are counted towards their academic status.
Four phases of care are incorporated into the Sacred Child Program. Continuing Care consists of Phases II-IV, each running for twelve weeks. The two primary teaching components of the Sacred Child Program are cultural, and alcohol and other drug education. Traditional Omaha culture is a key element in the healing and recovery process for participants. Clients and their families are encouraged to participate in sweat lodge and pipe ceremonies. A consistent schedule of expanding knowledge about Omaha cultural values and beliefs, and daily active participation provides youth with
One specific goal and three supporting objectives will be pursued through this effort:
Project Goal: To provide an effective and comprehensive recovery support infrastructure on the Omaha Reservation in Northeast Nebraska.
Objective 1: To undertake the culturally relevant, evidence-based substance abuse program, Walking in Beauty on the Red Road (WBRR) for families involved with the child welfare system on the Omaha reservation;
Objective 2: To integrate WBRR into new and existing family outreach programs to provide a comprehensive approach to building youth awareness, recruitment, and referral into this substance abuse program; and
Objective 3: To establish the Sacred Child Center, to coordinate the WBRR program, and to facilitate family involvement, mentoring, and recovery support services.