Seminole Tribal Court Planning Project

This award is made under the FY 2007 Tribal Courts Assistance Program and it supports the development, implementation, enhancement, and continuing operation of tribal justice systems. Allowable elements under the program may include, but are not limited to: establishing a core structure for a tribal court, improving case management, training court personnel, acquiring additional equipment and/or software, enhancing prosecution and indigent defense, supporting probation diversion and alternative sentencing programs, accessing services, focusing on juvenile services and multi disciplinary protocols for child physical and sexual abuse, and structuring intertribal or tribal appellate systems.

The Seminole Tribe will be using the 2007 grant funds to develop a structured judicial system to address the family conflicts, property disputes, and social problems occurring within its boundaries. Establishing the Seminole Tribal Court will allow the tribe to consider important tribal traditions and culture in the adjudication of cases involving tribal members. The Tribal Court will help the tribe to continue the goals of maintaining Tribal sovereignty and self-determination. The problems a Seminole Tribal Court will address are: 1) adoption and child custody issues; 2) child abuse, neglect, and other dependencies; 3) individual and family substance abuse; 4) elderly competency and abuse, as well as alcoholism, addictions, and physical disabilities; 5) tribal members facing many mental health issues; 6) legal separation, divorce, or child custody issues. The overall goal of the Tribal Court Project is to establish a Seminole Tribal Court and to assure the exercise of the Tribe's sovereign rights as well as those of tribal members.

CA/NCF