In 2011 the Tribal Defenders adopted a Holistic Defense model of public defense with the assistance from the Center for Holistic Defense at the Bronx Defenders in New York. We address the issues that bring our clients into the criminal justice system as well as the collateral consequences to criminal charges and convictions. Services center on the four pillars of Holistic Defense:
Seamless Access
to Services We address our clients’ most pressing legal and social support needs by finding ways to assist our clients to overcome barriers and access services. Dynamic, Interdisciplinary Communication Defender staff exchange ideas and information through dynamic, interdisciplinary communication. Advocates with an Interdisciplinary Skill Set A public defender practicing holistic defense must be willing to develop and enhance their skills in a way that is both client-centered and interdisciplinary. Our case manager, psychologists, lawyers, advocates and support staff have an understanding of each discipline so they know how best to meet our clients’ needs. A Robust Understanding of, and Connection to, the Community Served The Defenders operate a community clinic offering walk in services and community outreach. We seek to be present in the Tribal community in order to learn how best to serve the people who live here. Specific Services are:
Community Outreach – we offer education on topics relevant to our clients, organize an annual warrants amnesty day and community service day, are present at Pow Wows and sponsor an annual open house. Cultural mentoring – volunteers, who were recruited through the culture committees, assist clients in making amends for their wrongs while reconnecting to their community. The Defenders regularly meet with the culture committees to report to them about the services we offer and insure we are culturally relevant. Flathead Reservation Reentry Program – the Defenders offer legal, psychological and case management services to people returning to the Reservation from state, county and tribal incarceration. Mediation—the Defenders collaborate with the cultural mentors and the University of Montana Law School Mediation Clinic to offer mediation services. Driver’s License Restoration—the Defenders assist people to determine why their driver’s licenses are suspended and how to get them restored. Since 2011 approximately 160 people restored their licenses. Civil Assistance and Collateral Consequences -- The Defenders’ Civil Division represents Tribal members in landlord-tenant matters, consumer issues, some child custody, guardianships, mental health commitments, adult protective services, and jurisdictional issues. People who are not offered representation are referred to community resources or given direction on how to proceed with the assistance of self-help forms. Pro Se Clinic – We developed pro se forms and assist pro se litigants to access Tribal and State court.
