Hopi Youth Wellness Court

Mission Statement
The mission of the Hopi Youth Wellness Court (HYWC) is to develop a therapeutic judicial process integrating cultural values and collaborative partnerships that will effectively address substance abuse among the young. - Hopi Youth and Family Wellness Court Staff, June 11, 2008

Goal

• Reduce substance abuse and delinquent activity among the youth

• Teach youth responsibility and accountability for their actions
• Promote public safety while protecting the due process rights of the youth
• Restore the youth to dignity and productive living
• Teach the youth about self-awareness, values, family, clan, and community responsibilities

• Minors between 12-17 years of age
• Non-violent offenders
• Drug or alcohol-related offense
• Must agree to participate in required treatment
• Must demonstrate the ability to participate in all phases of the program 

Treatment Phases
The HYWC is a court-supervised, comprehensive treatment program for non-violent youth. The program includes regular court appearances before the judge who oversees progress and compliance. Treatment services are provided by the HYWC counselor and Pa’angni-Hopi Guidance Center and consist of four separate phases.

PHASE I       “Qtsaqa’õ’                   (White Corn)           (30-day Motivational Phase)

Treatment begins with engaging the participant in the process of clinical treatment. Intensive monitoring begins.

• Minimum of 30 Continuous Days of Sobriety
• Development of a Treatment Plan
• Alcohol/Drug Education Course (mandatory weekly attendance)
• MRT (weekly attendance and must complete steps 1-3)
• Random Drug Testing (minimum of 3 times a week)
• Court Appearances (mandatory 1 time per week)
• Participation in Community/cultural Activity (minimum of 4 hours per week)
• School Attendance
• Probation Officer Contact (minimum 3 times a week)
• Curfew at 7:00 p.m.

The focus during this phase is on developing personal responsibility. Constant monitoring lessens.

• Minimum of 45 Continuous Days of Sobriety

• Treatment Sessions
• Alcohol/drug Education Course (mandatory weekly attendance)
• MRT (weekly attendance and must complete steps 4-12)
• Random Drug Testing (minimum of 3 times a week)
• Court appearances (mandatory 1 time per week)
• Participation in Community/Cultural Activity (minimum of 4 hours per week)
• School Attendance
• Probation Officer Contact (minimum 3 times a week)
• Curfew at 8:00 p.m.

The participant practices what is being learned in treatment.

• Minimum of 90 Continuous Days of Sobriety
• Treatment Sessions
• Alcohol/Drug Education Course (mandatory weekly attendance)
• MRT (weekly attendance and must complete steps 4-12)
• Random Drug Testing (minimum of 2 times a week)
• Court Appearances (bi-weekly)
• Participation in Community/Cultural Activity (minimum of 4 hours per week)
• School Attendance
• Probation Officer Contact (minimum 3 times a week)
• Curfew at 9:00 p.m.

The focus of this phase is on learning signs of relapse and establishes other areas of growth necessary to continue recovery.

• Minimum of 180 Continuous Days of Sobriety 
• Treatment Sessions
• Alcohol/Drug Education Course (mandatory weekly attendance)
• MRT (weekly attendance and must complete steps 4-12)
• Random Drug Testing (minimum of 1 time a week) 
• Court Appearances (once per month)
• Participation in Community/Cultural Activity (minimum of 8 hours per week)
• School Attendance 
• Probation Officer Contact (minimum 3 times a week)
• Curfew, as Per Ordinance 21

HYWC Team Members

Judge, Hopi Children’s Court Judge   
Coordinator, Hopi Tribal Court Tribal Youth Program Director   
Defense Attorney, Hopi DNA People’s Legal Services Managing Attorney
Prosecutor,  Hopi Tribe Deputy Prosecutor
Juvenile Probation Officers,  HYWC Juvenile Probation Officers
Police Officers,  BIA Hopi Law Enforcement Services Representative   
Treatment Counselor,  HYWC Counselor & Pa’angni-BHS Counselors
School Liaison, Hopi Jr./Sr. High School, Substance Abuse Counselor
Social Worker,  Social Services Representative
Mentor, H.O.P.I. Substance Abuse Prevention
Other Members, Clinical Psychologist & Cultural Advisor