GTB Family Healing to Wellness Court

The Family Drug Court Implementation and Enhancement Program builds the capacity of states, state and local courts, units of local government, and federally recognized tribal governments to either implement new drug courts or enhance pre-existing drug courts for individuals with substance abuse disorders or substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders, including histories of trauma, who are involved with the family dependency court as a result of child abuse, neglect, and other parenting issues. This program is authorized by 42 U.S.C. 3797u, et seq.

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB) is requesting implementation funds to reestablish the GTB Family Healing to Wellness Court (FHTWC). The purpose of the FHTWC is to implement culturally appropriate diversionary services within the tribal justice system for juveniles and families under GTB jurisdiction who commit offenses related to substance abuse. The target population includes (1) juveniles who are in the tribal court for criminal offenses and, when the juvenile's offenses are the result of or are related to substance abuse by either the juvenile and/or the family, the FHTWC will provide direct services to youth who are younger than age 18 and to their parents or guardians; and (2) families that are in the tribal court for abuse or neglect child protection cases and where the family's acts or omissions are the result of or are related to substance abuse.

CA/NCF