Enhancing the Tribal Court to Provide for the Welfare and Public Safety of Tribal Members and the Community

This award is made under the FY 2008 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 Hopland Band of Pomo Indians live on the Hopland Indian Rancheria located between the coastal foothills and the old-growth redwood forests of Mendocino County in northern California. The Hopland Band is one of more than 70 different Bands within Pomo Country. The Hopland Band will use this grant to ensure the continuity of its traditions and culture while maintaining its sovereignty and self-determination by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of its Tribal Court. The Tribal Court will use the funds to hire a Tribal Prosecutor and a Juvenile Truancy Enforcement Officer; train Tribal Court officers and personnel; update the Public Safety Code; and establish an Appellate Court and an Alternative Dispute Resolution System. The Tribal Court will also use the funds to make systemic operations improvements which will allow the Tribal Court to gain the capacity necessary to enter into intergovernmental agreements with State and County agencies. The Tribal Court will undertake this effort in partnership with an advisory board which will include the Tribal Administrator, Chief Judge, Chief of Police, and all Tribal Council members.

CA/NCF