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Issue Area: Tribal Youth Program

Probation and Supervision in the Tribal Juvenile Healing to Wellness Court

A session presented at the 2021 OJJDP Tribal Youth Virtual National Conference (Session D2). The Tribal Juvenile Healing to Wellness Court emphasizes ongoing support, supervision, and accountability. This session provided an overview of the methods by which supervision may occur in one tribal community’s Juvenile Healing to Wellness Court and surveyed new resources and materials that support a strength and community-based approach to juvenile supervision.

Panel: Tribal State Relations to Support Juvenile Justice Improvements

A dialogue presented at the 2021 OJJDP Tribal Youth Virtual National Conference (Session C1) that focused on establishing and strengthening Tribal and State partnerships, discussed the cultivation of collaborative relationships between Tribal and State juvenile justice stakeholders and provided insight into the experiences of several community members and their work toward solution-focused responses to support Tribal youth. The session highlighted some practical steps taken by Tribal community juvenile justice and prevention stakeholders to establish and engage in a Tribal task force to support the identification of processes and protocols to coordinate with local State juvenile justice leaders. These efforts have led to improved communication regarding Tribal youth resources and diversion opportunities, the shared review of local Tribal juvenile justice data, and development of strategies to support coordinated referral processes for Tribal youth who make contact with the State juvenile justice system.

Digital Smoke Signals: Using Technology as a Tool for Engagement

A session presented at the 2021 OJJDP Tribal Youth Virtual National Conference (Session B1). Connection with youth is integral to enhancing both safety and accountability for individual youth and communities as a whole. There is a growing need for digital engagement to enhance Tribal Youth Program and Juvenile Healing to Wellness Court efforts, especially in times that require social distancing. This session focused on how communities can engage with youth through a variety of digital channels to ensure that tribal youth programs have the capacity to provide avenues for innovative programming. The session included grantee community examples that exhibit ways in which digital engagement broadens access to services. A variety of digital platforms and strategies for virtual interactions that allow for prevention and intervention to transcend challenges of space and time are explored.

Building an Indigenous Resilience- Focused Lens (Two Part Session)

A session presented at the 2021 OJJDP Tribal Youth Virtual Nation Conference (Session A2 and Session B2) It is important to understand the risk factors for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth at risk or involved in the juvenile justice system in order to support safety and empower youth who may suffer from Childhood Traumatic Stress (CTS). CTS is the result of unaddressed exposure to trauma and contributes to increasing the negative impacts of risk factors. This session provided critical information about the impact of CTS on the risk factors that can lead to juvenile delinquency and negative involvement in the juvenile justice system and will build a foundation for participants to understand and utilize best practices and Indigenous knowledge to be able to address the impacts of CTS. Understanding risk factors will develop the skills needed to promote protective factors that support AI/AN youth empowerment and enhance family and community safety (Two Part Session).

Panel: Youth Voice

A panel discussion presented at the 2021 OJJDP Tribal Youth Virtual National Conference (Session A1). Tribal youth panelists shared their thoughts, experiences, and perspectives on issues their generation is currently facing. This dynamic group of young people discussed their priorities in creating wellness for their communities and recommended solutions for the most pressing concerns and challenges related to safety, empowering youth, and juvenile justice.

Innovative Strategies- Tribal Youth Courts & Peer-Led Processes

Description: This session was held as part of the 2021 OJJDP Tribal Youth Virtual National Conference. Innovative Strategies- Tribal Youth Courts and Peer-Led Processes. Youth/Peer courts provide strategies for diversion, peer engagement, and youth led-processes. Learn how Tribal youth and peer courts offer a unique opportunity for communities to support youth accountability and develop proactive and prosocial solutions by engaging youth who have minor or first-time infractions.

Focus on Native Communities

A companion guide to assist tribal staff and organizations in their work with community members.