Tribal Justice Systems-Re-Entry

ABSTRACT

    A continual need exists for a strategic and coordinated effort by Federal Partners, Tribal, State and County criminal justice authorities, community policing, tribal communities to deliver a culturally-based approach of Re-Entry services. California is a PL 280 state, the state and tribes have concurrent criminal jurisdiction, tribes were not divested of their criminal and civil jurisdiction. The Karuk Tribe, State of California, and the County continue to battle the issues of a lack of sufficient resources and funding for staffing and delivery of law enforcement, supportive and supervision services for the expanded Re-Entry population.  Parole Officers and Probation Officers have extremely large caseloads and rely upon monthly self- reporting reports and self-check ins by parolee and probationers. Behavioral Health, Health and Recovery services in the region are limited, creating gaps in services for probationers/parolees to stay focused and engaged in sobriety and wellness.

    
    In an effort to be more proactive the Karuk Tribe will utilize 2021 CTAS PA3 funding to focus its efforts in meeting the reentry and reintegration needs of tribal members returning to their communities after incarceration, short and long-term, or rehabilitation facilities. The Tribe will continue to work to identify and overcome obstacles by improving tribal-state relationships and involve tribal criminal and juvenile justice representatives to assist in all aspects of reentry and transitional planning for tribal members. The Tribe will strive to educate the state / county criminal and juvenile justice systems on available tribal alternatives and resources, and further enhance current culturally competent programming related to reentry. The Karuk Tribal Justice system and Tribal Government, will build upon current partnerships in order to bridge the gaps between probationers/parolees, family and service providers to develop environments in which an offender can be rehabilitated and become a contributing member of his or her family and community.