White Earth Wellness Court

The White Earth Band of Chippewa Indians is a federally recognized tribe located in northwest Minnesota and encompasses three Minnesota counties; all of Mahnomen, the northern half of Becker and the southwest corner of Clearwater County. With this funding the White Earth Tribal Court will undertake the following goals and objectives for its Wellness Courts: promote community safety and well-being through intensive court supervision, frequent home contacts, and to increase the participant’s ability to live independently to create positive changes in the clients’ attitudes and behaviors that lead to a reduction in drug abuse and associated criminal activity and reduce re-arrest rate of participants during program participation. Second, reduce and eliminate substance abuse among wellness courts participants through accurate assessments of the participants substance abuse and treatment needs, communication by team members regarding participants progress in court and frequent drug testing by structuring treatment, services, and supervision to reduce further criminal behavior. Third, demonstrate the impact of the Wellness Courts based on data and testimonials through developing a comprehensive data collection system to ensure the highest degree of accuracy and educating the community on substance abuse and the role of Wellness Courts through community awareness by means of brochures, articles, and community outreach meetings.
The Driving While Intoxicated and Drug Court’s design follows Adult Treatment Court Best Practice Standards where eligible candidates that are high-risk, high-need will be reviewed for eligibility into the program. The design develops a holistic treatment plan addressing the needs of the client which includes the mind, body, spirit, and physical needs. The program utilizes the conventional twelve step program which the client can also include the Anishinaabe Mino-Bimaadiziwiin, (living a good life) which is the traditional/cultural teachings of Native Americans.