- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
The Navajo Council's Health, Education and Human Services Committee on Monday approved Legislation No. 0195-24, amending the Navajo Nation Child Support Guidelines for the first time since 1996.
Bill sponsor Council Delegate Cherilyn Yazzie said the amendment includes a 20% adjustment to the Navajo Nation Child Support Schedule to reflect current economic conditions and the rising cost of raising children. The guidelines are based on the Income Shares Model, which aims to ensure children receive the same proportion of parental income they would have if their parents lived together.
“For more than two decades, the child support schedule remained unchanged while the cost of food, housing, utilities, and other basic necessities continued to rise. This amendment modernizes the guidelines and strengthens our shared responsibility to ensure that Navajo children receive consistent and equitable support,” Yazzie said.
The amendment followed a multistep review process, beginning with a legal sufficiency determination by the Navajo Nation Department of Justice. The Navajo Nation Law and Order Committee adopted additional amendments, including expanded definitions of in-kind contributions and the 20% schedule adjustment. Public hearings were held across all five Navajo Nation agencies from Oct. 28 to Nov. 1, 2024.
An affordability review was conducted with assistance from the Navajo Division of Economic Development, which provided a report on child support data and economic conditions within the Navajo Nation. Updated worksheets and revised schedules reflecting 10% and 20% adjustment scenarios were submitted for comparison.
The amendment clarifies definitions, outlines exclusions from gross income, provides guidance on adjustments and family credits, details procedures for modifying support orders, and formally recognizes in-kind and noncash contributions.
Under a comparison presented to the committee, a current monthly support amount of $447 would increase to $536 under the 20% adjustment, an increase of about $89 per month. In a 50% allocation example, that would equal a $44 increase per party.
The Navajo Nation Child Support Act requires periodic review of the guidelines to ensure they remain fair and appropriate. Officials said the amendment fulfills that requirement and updates the framework for determining child support obligations.
Judy K. Platero, program manager for the Department of Child Support Services Administration, thanked the council for sponsoring and approving the measure. She said the amendment marks a meaningful step forward for Navajo children and families and reflects the belief that children’s needs must be met regardless of their parents’ relationship status. Platero also acknowledged the Navajo Nation Council’s collaboration in advancing changes aimed at prioritizing children’s well-being.
The committee approved Legislation No. 0195-24 in a 3-0 vote. The committee serves as the final authority on the measure.
More Stories Like This
Navajo Committee Advances $84M Transportation Improvement PlanNCAI Passes Two Emergency Resolutions on Immigration Enforcement Activities
Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Officer named Indian Country Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
Indian Gaming Association Rallies Broad Coalition Against Sports Event Contracts It Calls Illegal Threat to Tribal Sovereignty
Help us defend tribal sovereignty.
At Native News Online, our mission is rooted in telling the stories that strengthen sovereignty and uplift Indigenous voices — not just at year’s end, but every single day.
Because of your generosity last year, we were able to keep our reporters on the ground in tribal communities, at national gatherings and in the halls of Congress — covering the issues that matter most to Indian Country: sovereignty, culture, education, health and economic opportunity.
That support sustained us through a tough year in 2025. Now, as we look to the year ahead, we need your help right now to ensure warrior journalism remains strong — reporting that defends tribal sovereignty, amplifies Native truth, and holds power accountable.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Your support keeps Native voices heard, Native stories told and Native sovereignty defended.
Stand with Warrior Journalism today.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher
