A. The Osage Nation strives to improve the welfare of children by strengthening family responsibility and values, while ensuring cultural and community integrity. Children are the most vital resource to the continued existence and integrity of the Osage Nation and other Native American nations.

B. Parents have a duty to protect, nourish and support their own children. All children shall be maintained, as completely as possible, from and by, the resources of both parents. There is a parental obligation to establish a child’s paternity for identity in family, tribal relations and for the duty to pay child support.

C. The Osage Nation has a compelling interest in promoting and maintaining the health and well-being of all Native American children residing within the boundaries of the Osage Reservation. Child support guidelines provide for the best interest of the children, all of whom have a right and a need to receive parental support.