Justice Systems, and Alcohol and Substance Abuse (BJA)

The Pechanga Band of Luiseño Mission Indians is a federally recognized tribe located in Riverside County, California. The purpose of this funding is to enhance and strengthen the Band’s judicial branch by continuing to develop its child welfare program, focusing efforts on at-risk older youth with prevention activities and educational support, and addressing vulnerable adult members at risk for financial abuse and fraud. The population to be served is all Pechanga Tribal Members and eligible children who are not yet enrolled, in addition to the non-Indian parents of Tribal children involved in child welfare and child custody matters. Non-Indian sibling units may also be served, depending on eligibility for tribal programs.

With this funding, the Pechanga Band will:

1)         Enhance and strengthen its existing Tribal Court through amending and developing Tribal law and court rules;

2)         Develop a healing to wellness forum to assist youth and adult members with substance abuse issues (with or without child welfare and/or law enforcement involvement), including hiring a clinical social worker specifically to work with these members;

3)         Finalize Appellate Court Ordinance, and Rules of Appellate Procedure;

4)         Hire a minimum of three Appellate Justices, including Chief Appellate Justice;

5)         Hire, as needed, subject matter experts to assist the Tribal Court in making determinations regarding child welfare and custody;

6)         Implement the System of Care being developed through the Band’s strategic plan by coordinating with Tribal departments and external partners for a multi-point referral system to offer prevention and supportive services to Tribal members and children; and
7)         Identify additional services for Tribal children and families.