This Juvenile Justice Code is established by the Tribal Council
of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP or Tribe) to
address juvenile matters in the Juvenile Division of the NHBP Tribal
Court; juveniles are a valuable tribal resource, and the welfare of
juveniles is a vital concern of the Tribe.
A.
It is essential that tribal resources, identity, and culture be preserved
by providing for enhancement and strengthening of the family as the
primary means of securing a vital tribal community.
B.
The focus of this chapter shall be:
(1)
Holding juveniles and their parents, guardians and/or custodians
responsible for any acts or omissions that harm other persons or disturb
the peace and harmony of the Tribe;
(2)
To restore any person victimized by an act of a juvenile under this
chapter to the position that they were in before the behavior of the
juvenile caused them harm;
(3)
To rehabilitate all juveniles coming under the authority of this
chapter so that their relationship with victims, family and community
are healed and restored; and
(4)
To provide for community safety and harmony at all times.
The goals of the Juvenile Justice Code include:
A.
Providing a continuum of services, including prevention and early
intervention.
B.
Providing procedures for intervention in state court proceedings
involving juveniles and for transfer of jurisdiction over minors from
state and other tribal courts to the Juvenile Division of the NHBP
Tribal Court.
C.
Assist the juvenile with identifying, addressing, and resolving the
problems that led to the offense.
D.
Taking such actions that will best serve the emotional and physical
healing of the juvenile and, whenever possible, preserving and strengthening
the minor's cultural and ethnic identity.
E.
Focusing on strengthening families and communities by encouraging
responsible thinking and, whenever possible, using community-based
alternatives to keep juveniles within their homes and communities.
F.
Securing the rights of and ensuring fairness to the minors, parents,
guardians, custodians, victims and other parties who come before the
Court under the provisions of this chapter.
G.
Separating the juvenile from the home only when necessary for the
juvenile's welfare and in the interests of public safety.
