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TEXAS BAND OF YAQUI INDIANS
CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES
Welcome
Bienvenidos
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The Texas Band of Yaqui Indians Children and Family Services Program is committed to strengthening families, promoting child well-being, and preserving cultural values within our community. Through supportive services, family engagement, advocacy, and access to resources, the program works to ensure that children grow up in safe, healthy, and nurturing environments. By honoring Yaqui traditions and fostering family resilience, Children and Family Services helps build a strong foundation for future generations.
Inspiring Growth
Sylvia Rios
Family Advocate | Children & Family Services
Ms. Sylvia Rios serves as Child and Family Service Advocate for the Texas Band of Yaqui Indians. In her role, she works directly with the Tribal Court if neccesary, to coordinate the placement of Yaqui children in family homes or care agencies, ensuring the well-being and safety of each child. Ms. Rios collaborates with state and local child case workers to secure appropriate placements for tribal children, recognizing that each case requires unique attention and support.
With over 30 years of experience in the behavioral health field, Ms. Rios offers compassionate guidance and identifies resources addressing mental health and overall wellness. Her dedication extends to providing support for a broad range of family concerns, ensuring that our children and families have access to essential services.
Ms. Rios is also a proud member and founding leader of the TBYI Sage Clan Women’s Society, where she continues her commitment to advocacy, cultural preservation, and community support.
Email: FamilyServices@tbyi.gov
Nurturing Families
Veronica Chavez
Social Worker III | Children & Family Services
Veronica Chavez joins the Texas Band of Yaqui Indians Children & Family Services team as a dedicated Family Advocate with extensive experience in social services, case management, advocacy, and community support. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with children, families, and tribal communities, helping individuals navigate challenges, access resources, and achieve positive outcomes.
Known for her compassionate approach, Veronica is committed to fostering trust, empowering families, and ensuring that every child and family feels heard, respected, and supported. Her background includes family advocacy, child welfare, behavioral health referrals, court-related services, and developing collaborative solutions that strengthen family well-being. Veronica is passionate about serving her community and helping families build brighter futures while honoring the values, traditions, and culture of the Yaqui people.
Email: FamilyServices@tbyi.gov
Texas Band of Yaqui Indians Dept of Children & Family Services
The Texas Band of Yaqui Indians (TBYI) collaborates with Children and Family Services to support compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), 25 U.S.C. §§ 1901-1963, a federal law designed to protect the best interests of American Indian and Alaska Native children while preserving the stability and security of tribal families and communities. As a state-recognized Native American tribe in Texas, the Texas Band of Yaqui Indians advocates for the protection of tribal sovereignty, cultural heritage, family preservation, and the rights of Native children involved in child welfare proceedings. Consistent with the requirements of ICWA, including placement preferences established under 25 U.S.C. § 1915 and regulations contained in 25 C.F.R. Part 23, the tribe works with child welfare agencies, courts, and families to help identify eligible tribal children, support active efforts to prevent family separation, promote kinship and culturally appropriate placements, and strengthen connections to Yaqui traditions, language, and community. Through collaborative partnerships and culturally responsive services, the Texas Band of Yaqui Indians helps ensure that Native children maintain meaningful ties to their tribal identity while advancing positive outcomes in foster care, permanency planning, family reunification, and child welfare services throughout Texas.
Texas Band of Yaqui Indians
Administrative Office (Physical Location)
94th Lubbock, TX 79452
Visits by appointment only: info@tbyi.gov
Mailing Address for All Correspondence
ATTN: DEPT. OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES
P.O. Box 12076
Lubbock, TX 79452