A training manual, intended to foster cooperative, coordinated approaches to resolving Indian child welfare cases, uses the case study approach to help tribal social service and court workers recognize strengths of American Indian and Alaska Native families. The first chapter covers primary aspects and needs of children of all cultures, from infancy through the teenage years. "Approaching a Case," the second chapter, answers questions about the desirability of a holistic approach to troubled children and families; role of tribal courts; nature of court-ordered case studies; and need for special juvenile or children's courts. The next chapter introduces the three case studies which follow. Case studies discuss reasons for child neglect by a teenage mother, a custody dispute between parents (and grandparents) of a 5-year-old mixed-blood child, and the life and plight of a troubled, drug-abusing teenager. The seventh chapter discusses the cases as part of a cycle of family disruption, and summarizes basic principles which should underlie efforts to break the cycle. Creative and expanded use of existing tribal resources is covered in the eighth chapter. The final chapter reviews major points. Appendices list further readings, give definitions, discuss the manual's training uses, describe Papago child welfare procedures, and cover funding and other resources. (MH)