Tribal reentry programs are integral for the successful rehabilitation of tribal members who have undergone incarceration. These programs play a pivotal role in diminishing recidivism rates and facilitating the reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals into society. Implementing culturally pertinent programs and services can effectively mitigate the likelihood of individuals reentering the penal system. However, it’s important to remember that community healing is not just a nice-to-have but a vital component of the reintegration process. It enables individuals to reconnect with their community and demonstrates a collective commitment to prioritizing their well-being within the community.

Tribal reentry programs are important in identifying the fundamental factors contributing to criminal behavior. Prioritizing access to appropriate mental health treatment for individuals dealing with mental health issues is essential. Furthermore, providing services such as substance abuse treatment, counseling, and educational training can significantly elevate prospects for employment and personal achievement. Identifying the root causes of criminal behavior can facilitate the healing process, reduce recidivism, provide essential opportunities, and help individuals reintegrate into their community.

Some recently incarcerated individuals need comprehensive support to facilitate their reintegration into society and deter recidivism. Recognition of the interconnectedness of individuals within the tribal community is crucial in tribal reentry programs, emphasizing the importance of addressing the harm caused by the crime committed. Engaging in restorative justice processes becomes imperative in facilitating the collective healing of the community, involving the participation of the victim, the offender, and community members to acknowledge the impact of the wrongdoing and to advance the healing process.

Moreover, individuals from tribal communities who have recently experienced incarceration often experience a disconnection from their community, traditions, and cultural heritage. Implementing culturally relevant practices and teachings in rehabilitation programs can play a vital role in helping recently incarcerated individuals re-establish a sense of belonging to their community and reconnect with their tribal identity. This, in turn, can facilitate their successful reintegration into society and demonstrate to the community that the support provided to recently incarcerated individuals yields positive outcomes. Effective tribal reentry programs are characterized by services, programs, and initiatives that foster collaboration among tribal leaders, the community, law enforcement, and formerly incarcerated individuals.

Tribal reentry programs play a crucial role in facilitating the successful reintegration of recently incarcerated individuals by providing them with access to work placements and housing support. Securing stable employment and suitable housing can pose significant challenges for individuals post-incarceration, increasing the risk of recidivism. To address this, tribal reentry programs are designed to assist participants in obtaining appropriate housing and employment opportunities, essential for their successful reintegration and long-term stability. Notably, the reentry program implemented by the Muscogee Creek Nation offers intensive case management, reentry services, as well as financial assistance for groceries, housing, and clothing, complemented by legal and educational support for tribal members (Tribal Access to Justice Innovation, n.d.). Furthermore, the Flathead Reservation’s reentry program offers a range of services to support recently incarcerated individuals, including work placement, assistance with social security applications, case management, mental health services, and cultural mentoring for successful reintegration into the tribal community (Tribal Access to Justice Innovation, n.d.).

In conclusion, numerous tribal communities have established tribal reentry programs that provide vital support to tribal members, contributing to reduced recidivism rates, successful reintegration, the well-being of tribal communities, and the rehabilitation of offenders.

Reference:

Tribal Access to Justice Innovation. (n.d.). Corrections and Reentry.             https://tribaljustice.org/corrections-and-reentry/

Elder abuse is an increasingly concerning issue in the United States, with around five million American elders experiencing abuse each year (Nursing Home Abuse Center, n.d.). Many elders in the United States endure abuse in nursing facilities or at home, facing challenges in seeking protection, reporting their abuse, and dealing with manipulation, threats, and intimidation by those who are required to care for them. Elders who experience abuse will endure physical and emotional effects, which will cause them to be fearful and not trusting of others (Nursing Home Abuse Center, n.d., para. 2).

Elder abuse is a serious issue that impacts many families, leading to constant worry about the well-being of their elderly relatives and often necessitating the search for alternative care options. This abuse can take various forms and is usually perpetrated against elders due to their financial status, gender, disability, health, and other vulnerabilities. The impact of elder abuse extends beyond the immediate victims, affecting entire families and communities. Elderly individuals may face deprivation of fundamental necessities and could be subjected to various forms of abuse, including sexual, physical, financial, emotional, and psychological exploitation. The effects of elder abuse can lead to elderly individuals being hospitalized or even result in death.

Those who often commit elder abuse are family members, nursing staff, or other residents who are in elderly homes (Nursing Home Abuse Center, n.d.). It’s crucial to recognize the signs of elder abuse. Physical indicators may involve bruises, injuries, cuts, sores, unsanitary living conditions, weight loss, or other unusual physical signs. In terms of behavior, indicators may include social isolation, lack of family interaction, disinterest in everyday activities, fear, or anxiety (National Council on Aging, 2024).

Elder abuse constitutes an enduring societal concern within the United States, commonly characterized by the underreporting of mistreatment due to the vulnerable nature of the elderly population. In cases where elder abuse is suspected, it is imperative to engage with pertinent authorities and support systems. This may include notifying local law enforcement, involving adult protective services, securing legal counsel, or seeking assistance from professionals specializing in elder abuse. These measures are essential for safeguarding the welfare and rights of elderly individuals, addressing instances of mistreatment, and ensuring the delivery of appropriate support and intervention.

References:

National Council on Aging. (2024). Get the Facts on Elder Abuse. https://www.ncoa.org/article/get-the-facts-on-elder-abuse

Nursing Home Abuse Center. (n.d.). Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Statistics Explained.             https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/nursing-home-            abuse/statistics/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20National%20Council,physical%20e          ffects%20on%20older%20adults.

Understanding substance abuse is crucial. According to the National Cancer Institute (n.d.), “Substance abuse is defined as the use of illegal drugs, the use of prescription, over-the-counter drugs, or alcohol for purposes other than those for which they are meant to be used or in excessive amounts. Substance abuse may lead to social, physical, emotional, and job-related problems” (National Cancer Institute, para.1, n.d.).

First, it’s a matter of concern that alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco are frequently used by juveniles (MedlinePlus, n.d.). This prevalence should motivate us to understand and address the underlying reasons. The reasons for juveniles using drugs are that juveniles may turn to drugs for a variety of reasons, including peer pressure, experimentation, family influences, academic and sports goals, to feel good, and to feel better. Understanding these diverse reasons can help us approach the issue with empathy and understanding. Youth who are at high risk for using drugs may experience problems such as a family history of substance use, childhood sexual abuse, mental health issues, parental substance use, family rejection of sexual orientation or gender identity, poor parental monitoring, and favorable parental attitudes towards the behavior (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d.).

It is essential to recognize the signs of drug use among juveniles. Several signs may indicate drug use among youth, including changes in friends, self-isolation, losing interest in favorite activities, neglecting responsibilities, lying, stealing, family issues, academic problems such as failing grades, mood changes, poor concentration, slurred speech, lack of coordination, and memory loss. Identifying these signs is crucial for early intervention and support (MedlinePlus, n.d.).

Due to drug use among juveniles, there are crimes related to drug use among juveniles, such as theft, burglary, and robberies. Juveniles who are substance users will engage in criminal activities to support their drug addiction. According to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (n.d.), “Gangs, drug trafficking, prostitution, and growing numbers of youth homicides are among the social and criminal justice problems often linked to adolescent substance abuse” (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, para. 12, n.d.). There were 80 percent of youth in state juvenile justice systems who were under the influences of drugs or alcohol when committing a crime, were arrested by law enforcement for a drug or alcohol related offense, did not test negative for drugs, and admitted to juvenile justice personal to having a drug addiction or substance abuse problem or had other issues comparable to these. There are 1.9 to 2.4 million youth in the United States in the Juvenile Justice System who have substance abuse or addiction issues. Out of 1.9 to 2.4 million youth experiencing substance abuse or addiction issues, there are only 68,000 that receive treatment. (Child Crime Prevention & Safety Center, n.d., para. 1).

Lastly, the Juvenile Justice system helps juveniles through therapy, family counseling, mentoring programs, education programs, and prevention programs, assessing them through drug courts, rehabilitation programs, and other services and programs tailored to each juvenile’s needs.

It is often understood that in tribal communities, “Elders are seen as wisdom keepers and role models” (Allick & Bogic, 2024). Elders “are also bearers of generational knowledge and carry on the resiliency of their people through teachings, stories, and guidance” (Garrett et al., 2014). Elder abuse is a big problem in tribal communities, just like in other communities. It can take different forms, like hurting elders physically, emotionally, financially, or by neglecting them. Several measures are being taken to prevent and address elder abuse in tribal communities:

1. Community Education and Awareness: Many groups are working to teach others about mistreating older adults and the different ways it can happen. They are also sharing where abused Elders can go for help and how others can tell someone if they think an older person is being hurt.
2. Elder Protection Programs: Some tribes have programs to help protect older adults who might be mistreated. These programs offer check-ins, help for caregivers, and advocacy for Elders.
3. Collaboration with Law Enforcement: Working closely with police to ensure they take elder abuse reports seriously and investigate them quickly. Training police on the specific difficulties older people face in native communities can also help.
4. Legal Protections: Creating rules and regulations to keep older people safe from harm and giving them ways to get help through the legal system. Tribes can also push for stricter laws at the national and state levels to address abuse of older people.
5. Elder Justice Task Forces: Some groups within tribes are working together to stop older people from being mistreated. They are creating teams to make sure everyone is trying to stop elder abuse and help those who are affected by it.

It’s crucial to understand that stopping elder abuse involves a team effort with people from the community, tribal leaders, service providers, and government agencies all working together. By joining forces and acting, tribal communities can keep their Elders safe and well.

Allick, C., & Bogic, M. (2024). Visiting with elders—aging, caregiving, and planning for future generations of American Indians and Alaska natives. Genealogy, 8(2), 36. https://doi.org/10.3390/genealogy8020036

New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department. (2020). Office of Indian Elder Affairs [Brochure]. Retrieved from https://aging.nm.gov/uploads/files/Office%20of%20Indian%20Elder%20Affairs%20Brochure-Final-Fall%202020.pdf

Mescalero Apache Tribe. (n.d.). East Mountain Resource Center. Retrieved November 13, 2023, from https://mescaleroapachetribe.com/eastmountainresourcecenter/