Probation to expand tribal outreach and 'Positive Indian Parenting' training under SIP

Probation officials outlined their SIP priorities for juvenile services, emphasizing a broader, more accessible service array and culturally competent programming developed in partnership with tribal leaders.

"The probation strategy is identifying tribal leaders and advocates to establish working relationships to provide those culturally competent services," Chief Deputy Probation Officer Kevin Lewis said. He described the Positive Indian Parenting program as having 20–25 certified community and tribal facilitators and three cohorts held at Big Valley, Scotts Valley Tribal TANF and Tribal Health, and said a subcommittee meets monthly with a meeting next Monday in Middletown to expand the program.

Probation staff also described efforts to place probation officers at after-school programs so youth can build trust with officers in nonpunitive settings. The department framed these actions as service-delivery improvements to reduce juvenile system involvement and provide culturally relevant supports.