Advocates sought for juvenile deliquency prevention program

Observer Staff

11/12/2003 12:00:00 AM

Ngodewaangiziwin, "Helping Our Families," focuses upon the philosophy of Intervention Before Prevention as the social and family services provider for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. In keeping with that context, the Tribal Youth Program, Msko Miikaan Naagidoowin (one who follows the Red Road), utilizes a juvenile justice diversionary tactic called the Mishoomis advocates for juvenile delinquency prevention.

Ngodewaangiziwin is asking members of the Tribal community to consider playing an important part of this program. We are creating a pool of individuals who will be available to act as Mishoomis advocates. The diversion program is voluntary for the juvenile upon the recommendation of the Prosecuting Attorney.

An advocate's role is similar to a community justice board that will hear a specific case and validate the mediation achieved to the satisfaction of those involved. The youth has agreed voluntarily to take this option rather than continue through the criminal justice system. If he/she fails to comply with the procedure set forth than that particular case will be sent back to the court system for normal deliquency processing.

The Mishoomis advocates consist of five individuals: two Elders (over 55), and one each from the age categories of 25-35, 35-45 and 45-55. This cross section of the population allows for appropriate representation in hearing juvenile diversion cases. The advocates are selected randomly for each case. Their purpose is to ratify or validate the mediation achieved, binding the youth to a contract for corrective action. Compliance means that all court action is stopped. Non compliance means the youth goes through the criminal court process for juveniles.

It is important to understand and accept a basic principle about crime, which is that crime damages people, relationships, families, and the community as a whole. It damages not only the victim, but the offender as well. Thus if crime is about damage-harm; then justice and the process to obtain it should be about repairing the harm. The act of repairing the harm requires balance that considers the needs of the victims, offenders, families, and the community. Each should be actively involved as much as possible in the justice process.

The Mishoomis advocate strategy combines derivatives of aboriginal justice models from around the world, including Native American models of North America. The U.S. Department of Justice began its restorative justice movement based upon these models. Some call them peacemaking, mediation, negotiation, etc. Simply put, the program is like a "community justice board."

When a juvenile commits a crime, he/she can be recommended for diversion to the Mishoomis Advocates. The idea is to get the juvenile back on the right track without developing a criminal record and/or becoming entangled in the criminal justice system that is geared toward punishment rather than healing.

The Mishoomis advocates play a significant role of great importance to make the concept work. Success is not just compliance by the juvenile offender with the requirements that are set; it is the actual healing of the harm caused by the juvenile's offense. When crime is viewed as harm and justice as repairing or healing the harm, the need for active participation by all emphasizes the balancing of responsibility for the youth. They are our children; they belong to the whole community because they are the future of this Tribe.

We hope that you will consider being a part of this important effort to help our youth. Accepting this invitation will involve a brief training for an afternoon that will be announced this month. If you are interested, please call (989) 775-4025 for more information.