Begin Again

Approximately half of the cases in Suquamish tribal court are repeat offenders due to chronic substance abuse disorders, mental health issues, or co-occurring disorders. Although many individual departments provide services to these individuals, there is no formal structure that facilitates interdepartmental formulation of case plans and implementation of services. Historically, tribal departments have operated in silos, which has impeded coordination of services between departments. The Suquamish tribe will use the CTAS Purpose Area 3 grant to implement the “Begin Again” program, which is the Suquamish tribe’s reentry program. The purpose is to develop a coordinated response to assist justice involved individuals returning to the community from incarceration or court-ordered inpatient treatment. The Begin Again reentry program will provide a compassionate, culturally based program to facilitate stabilization and self-sufficiency for individuals returning to the Suquamish community. Begin Again will create a formal structure that will allow departments to coordinate case planning and services. The program will utilize culturally informed best practices to meet each individual’s needs and to assist them in reentering the community so they may find a sense of belonging and purpose.