Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2008, $128,046)
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.
Today, substance abuse, undiagnosed co-occurring mental health issues, and neglect continue to threaten the Suquamish people on the Port Madison Indian Reservation. Lost parenting skills are believed to be a key factor in why the damage endures and contributes to criminal activity in the Tribal community. While the Tribal Drug Court tries to accommodate the substance abuse, neglect, and mental health needs of the Suquamish Tribal community's parents and children, there are many that slip through the cracks because the Tribal Drug Court deals with adults only. The Suquamish Tribe will be using FY 2008 Tribal Courts Assistance Program funds for the development and implementation of the Family Treatment Court. The Family Treatment Court will be an enhancement to the existing Tribal Drug Court. The Family Treatment Court will be structured around a 15 month program that consists of four phases including an aftercare component. The Family Treatment Court includes culturally appropriate incentives for successful participants and sanctions for noncompliant participants. Parents will initially come to court on a weekly basis as well as submit a random drug test. They will also have a 10 pm curfew. As parents progress in the treatment plan, visits with their children will increase and eventually their curfew will be dismissed.
CA/NCF