By Wendy Church, Tribal Court Director
Since starting the juvenile diversion panel (known as the Tulalip Community Accountability Board) in July 2009 here on the Tulalip Reservation, the C.A.B. has heard 58 cases so far. This diversion program is an alternative to the juvenile court process.
The C.A.B. meets monthly with tribal member youths under the age of 18 years old who are arrested for minor offenses and are eligible for participation in this program. Objectives of the panel are to hold the youth accountable for their actions, foster a change in the youth’s attitude, impress upon the youth the community is concerned about their conduct, increase the youth’s awareness of impact their behavior has; and to maximize opportunities for the youth.
We are actively recruiting additional volunteers for the Tulalip-based C.A.B. Volunteers must possess an interest in youth and commitment to the welfare of others; have a non-judgmental attitude; treat youth and families with dignity and respect; have the ability to hold confidences and respect others privacy; have the ability to communicate effectively; have the ability to work and problem-solve with other volunteers; and have prior experience with youth.
The C.A.B. meets once a month at 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Tulalip Tribal Court.
If you are interested in being a volunteer, please contact Emmy Hoff, Juvenile Probation Counselor at the Denny Juvenile Justice Center for an application. Applicants will be screened for any criminal record and will be required to attend a 2-hour training. Ms. Hoff can be reached at 425 / 388-7917.