In 2014, Lakota People's Law Project undertakes an analysis of existing Title IV-E Tribal-State Agreements. Title IV-E of the Social Security Act provides funds to states and tribes for establishing and maintaining foster care systems, transitional independent living programs for children, guardianship assistance programs, and adoption assistance for children with special needs. Our report highlights some reasons why so many tribes are moving toward direct funding models, and articulates the importance of those efforts.