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to Table of Contents Makah
Law and Order Code
Enacted: 1999 TITLE 6: JUVENILE CODE
§6.1.01 Purpose and Construction It is the purpose of this Juvenile Code to secure for each child coming before the Tribal Juvenile Court such care, guidance, and control, preferably in his own home, as will serve his welfare and the best interests of the Makah Indian Tribe; to preserve and strengthen family ties whenever possible; to preserve and strengthen the child's cultural and ethnic identity wherever possible; to secure for any child removed from his home that care, guidance, and control as nearly equivalent as that which he should have been given by his parents to help him develop into a responsible, well-adjusted adult; to improve any conditions or home environment which may have contributed to his delinquency; and at the same time, to protect the peace and security of the community and its individual residents from juvenile violence or lawbreaking. To this end, this Code shall be liberally construed.
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2 For the purpose of this Title, the words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them. §6.2.01 "Abandon" When a parent leaves a child without communication or fails to support a child and there is no indication of the parent(s) willingness to assume his parental role(s) for a period exceeding one (1) year. §6.2.02 "Adult" A person eighteen (18) years of age or older. §6.2.03 "Juvenile Court" The Makah
Tribal Court when exercising jurisdiction under this Code. Any Judge of the Makah Tribal Court when exercising jurisdiction under this Code. §6.2.05
"Custodian" §6.2.06 "Delinquent Act" An act committed by a minor, which, if committed by an adult, is designated a crime under the Makah Tribal Law and Order Code. §6.2.07 "Detention" The placement
of a minor in a physically restrictive facility. A person
other than the minor's parent who is by law responsible for that minor. §6.2.09 "Juvenile Offender" A person
who commits a delinquent act prior to his eighteenth (18th) birthday.
This term in the Code directs the Court to select the least drastic method of achieving its goal; the restrictions placed on the child must be reasonably related to the Court's objectives and must be the least restrictive way of achieving that objective. §6.2.11 "Minor"
§6.2.12 "Minor-in-Need-of Care" A minor who:
§6.2.13 "Shelter Care" The temporary care of a minor in a physically unrestrictive facility. §6.2.14 "Time" In computing any period of time prescribed under this Title, the day of the act or event from which the designated time runs shall not be included. The last day of the period so computed shall be included, unless it is a Saturday, Sunday or a legal holiday, in which event the period runs until the end of the next day which is neither a Saturday, Sunday nor a legal holiday. When the period of time prescribed or allowed is less than seven (7) days, intermediate Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays shall be excluded in the computation. §6.2.15 Other Terms Any terms not defined in this Title shall be understood to have the meaning ascribed in the definitions sections of the Indian Child Welfare Act, P.L 95-608, 25 U.S.C. §§ 1901, et seq.
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3 §6.3.01 Establishment There is hereby established for the Makah Tribe of the Makah Indian Reservation a Court to be known as the Makah Juvenile Court. §6.3.02
Judge §6.3.03 Powers and Duties No adjudication upon the status of any child in the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court shall be deemed a criminal or be deemed a conviction of crime unless the Juvenile Court refers the manner to the adult Tribal Court. Therefore, the disposition of a child or of evidence given shall not be admissible as evidence against the child in any proceedings in another court. §6.3.04 Authority of Court The Juvenile
Court is authorized to cooperate fully with any federal, state, tribal,
public or private agency to participate in any diversion, rehabilitation
or training programs and to receive grants-in-aid to carry out the purposes
of this Code. The Tribal Council shall appoint such probation officers as may be required to carry out the work of the probation office under this Title. Probation officers of the adult Tribal Court may serve also for the Juvenile Court, or other persons so appointed may be appointed to serve with or without pay. The probation officers shall be supervised by the chief of Police. §6.3.06 Duties and Powers of Probation Officers The probation officer shall make preliminary inquiries and social studies, and such other investigations as the Judge may direct, and shall keep written records of such investigations or studies, and shall make reports to the Judge as provided in this Code or as directed by the Judge. Upon the placing of any person upon probation or under protective supervision, the probation officer shall explain to the child, if old enough, and the parents and other persons concerned, what the meaning and conditions of probation or protective custody are, and shall give them the necessary instructions. The probation officer shall keep informed concerning the conduct and conditions of each person on probation or under protective supervision and shall report thereon to the Judge as he may direct. Probation officers shall use all suitable methods to aid persons on probation or under protective supervision to bring about improvements in their conduct or condition, and shall perform such other duties in connection with the care, custody or transportation of children as the Court may require. Probation officers shall have the powers of police officers for purposes of this Juvenile Code but shall, whenever possible, refrain from exercising such powers except in urgent situations in which a regular police officer is not immediately available. §6.3.07 Tribal Officer Any tribal police or law enforcement officer may carry out the duties of "officer" under this Title. An officer shall represent the people of the Makah Tribe in all proceedings herein. §6.3.08 Guardian Ad Litem The Juvenile Court, under any proceeding authorized by this Title shall appoint, for the purposes of that proceeding, a guardian ad litem for a minor where the Court finds that the minor does not have a natural or adoptive parent, guardian or custodian willing and able to exercise effective guardianship.
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4 Shelter
Care and Detention Facilities §6.4.01 Criteria for Detention In Secure Facility
§6.4.02 Criteria for Placement in Shelter Care Facility
§6.4.03 Standards The Juvenile Court Judge shall prescribe and enforce rules and regulations governing the operation of detention and shelter care facilities. The Juvenile Court Judge may assign the responsibility to another qualified tribal agency. The rules and regulations shall include, but are not limited to, the following: Cleanliness standards, visitation privileges, occupancy standards, provisions for medical and dental care, and provisions for food, furnishings, clothing and toilet articles. §6.4.04 Care and Treatment In Shelter Care and Detention Facilities The Juvenile Court Judge shall prescribe and enforce policies and procedures governing the administration of detention and shelter care facilities. Such policies and procedures all reflect the need to maintain proper educational and religious needs of the minor involved.
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5 §6.5.01
Original Jurisdiction
§6.5.02
Transfer to Adult Tribal Court §6.5.03 Transfer Hearing The Juvenile Court shall conduct a hearing to determine whether probable cause exists to believe the minor committed the offense alleged and whether jurisdiction of the minor should be transferred to adult Tribal Court At the transfer hearing, the parties shall have the same rights secured to them under Section 6.6.19 of this Title. The right to summon witnesses shall be available under the procedures of Section 6.6.20 of this Title. The transfer hearing shall be held not more than ten (10) days after the petition is filed. Written notice of the transfer hearing shall be given to the minor and the minor's parent, guardian or custodian at least seventy two (72) hours prior to the hearing. §6.5.04 Factors Considered The following factors shall be considered when determining whether to transfer jurisdiction of the minor to adult Tribal Court:
§6.5.05 Circumstances for Transfer The Juvenile Court may transfer jurisdiction of the minor to adult Tribal Court if the Juvenile Court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the following circumstances exist:
§6.5.06 Transfer Orders When a minor is transferred to adult Tribal Court, the Juvenile Court shall issue a written transfer order containing reasons for its order. The transfer order constitutes a final order for purposes of appeal. §6.5.07 Transfer from State Court The Juvenile Court shall have jurisdiction over any matter transferred to it by State Court pursuant to the Indian Child Welfare Act, 25 US.C. §§ 1901, et. seq. It shall not be necessary for a new petition or complaint to be filed with the Tribal Court if the pleadings filed in the State Court action are sufficient to give notice of the matters therein involved. §6.5.08 Indian Child Welfare Act It is intended that the provisions of this Title be consistent with and carry out the purposes of the Indian Child Welfare Act, 25 U.S.C. §§ 1901, et. Seq. All applicable provisions of that Act shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Title and in the event of conflict between provisions of that Act and this Title, the provisions of the Act shall apply.
CHAPTER 6 §6.6.01 Complaint A juvenile offender proceeding may be initiated by complaint. The complaint may be filed in accordance with Chapter 2.2 of this Code by a person who has knowledge of the facts alleged. The complaint shall be signed by the complainant and shall contain:
§6.6.02 Warrant The Juvenile Court may issue a warrant in accordance with Chapter 2.2 of this Code directing that a minor be taken into custody if the Juvenile Court finds there is probable cause to believe the minor committed the delinquent act alleged in the complaint. §6.6.03 Custody A minor may be taken into custody by a Tribal Officer if:
§6.6.04
Tribal Officer's Duties
§6.6.05 Determination of Need for Detention or Shelter Care The Juvenile Court or the probation officer shall not place a minor in detention unless a complaint is filed in accordance with this Code, or the Court orders that a minor be taken into custody pursuant to this Code. If the minor's parent, guardian or custodian has not been contacted, the Juvenile Court or the probation officer shall make immediate and recurring efforts to inform them that the minor has been taken into custody and the minor shall be released to the parent, guardian or custodian unless detention or shelter care is immediately necessary. If the minor is not released to his parent, guardian or custodian, the Juvenile Court or the probation officer shall place the minor in detention or shelter care pending the custody hearing. §6.6.06 Pre-Adjudication Custody If a minor is not released to his parent, guardian or custodian, the probation officer shall immediately explore alternative pre-adjudication custody arrangements and prepare recommendations for temporary care and custody for presentation at the custody hearing. §6.6.07 Approved Facilities - Under Sixteen (16) Years of Age A minor under sixteen (16) alleged to be a juvenile offender may be detained, pending court hearings, in the following places and in the following order of priority:
§6.6.08 Approved Facilities - Sixteen (16) Years or Older A minor who is sixteen (16) years of age or older may be detained in a jail or facility used for the detention of adults only if:
If a minor is placed in detention or shelter care pursuant to the above sections, the Juvenile Court shall conduct a custody hearing within 48 hours for the purpose of determining whether continued detention or shelter care is necessary pending further proceedings. If the minor's parent, guardian or custodian has still not been contacted, or is not present at the custody hearing, the Juvenile Court shall determine what efforts have been made to notify and to obtain the presence of the parent, guardian or custodian. If it appears that further efforts are likely to produce the parent, guardian or custodian, the Juvenile Court shall recess for not more than 24 hours and direct the probation officer to make continued efforts to obtain the presence of a parent, guardian or Custodian. Notice of the custody hearing shall be given to the minor and his parent, guardian or Custodian as soon as the time for the hearing has been established. §6.6.10 Procedure at Custody Hearing - Rights of the Minor
§6.6.11 Continued Custody The minor shall be released to his parent, guardian or custodian pending his appearance at the hearing on a date to be set by the Court unless:
The Juvenile Court, before ordering continued custody or release, shall take into consideration the recommendations of the probation officer regarding alternative pre-adjudication custody. The Juvenile Court may release a minor under this Title to an extended family member or other responsible adult tribal member if the parent, guardian or custodian of the minor consents to the release. If the minor is ten (10) years of age or older, the minor and his parent, guardian or custodian must both consent to such release. When continued secure detention is necessary, the Court may order that the minor be confined in the nearest state-approved juvenile detention facility. §6.6.12 Investigation by Probation Officer The probation officer shall make an investigation within three (3) days of the custody hearing or the release of the minor to his parent, guardian or custodian to determine whether the interests of the minor and the public require that further action be taken. Upon the basis of his investigation, the probation office shall:
§6.6.13 Informal Hearing The probation officer may hold an informal conference with the minor and the minor's parent, guardian or custodian to discuss alternatives to the filing of a petition if:
Notice of the informal hearing shall be given to the minor and his parent, guardian or custodian and their counsel as soon as the time for the hearing has been established. This does not authorize the Juvenile Court's probation officer to compel any person to appear at any conference, produce any papers or visit any place. §6.6.14 Informal Hearing - Evidence No statement
made during the informal hearing may be admitted into evidence at an
adjudicatory hearing or any other proceeding against the minor under
this Code. At the informal hearing, the probation officer may:
Any informal adjustment period shall not exceed six (6) months. §6.6.16 Informal Hearing - Post-Disposition The probation officer shall set forth in writing the conclusions reached at the informal hearing and the disposition agreed to by the parties for remedying the situation. The probation officer shall review the minor's progress every thirty (30) days. If, at any time after the initial thirty (30) day period, the officer concludes that positive results are not being achieved, the officer shall recommend that a petition be filed pursuant to this Title. §6.6.17 Petition Proceedings under the Juvenile Code shall be instituted by a petition filed by the presenting officer on behalf of the Tribe and in the interest of the minor. The petition shall state:
§6.6.18 Setting of Hearing Upon receipt of the petition, the Juvenile Court shall set a date for the hearing which shall be not more than twenty (20) days after the Juvenile Court receives the petition from the presenting officer. If the adjudicatory hearing is not held within twenty (20) days after the filing of the petition, the petition shall be dismissed and cannot be filed again, unless:
§6.6.19 Rights of Parties The parties shall have all rights secured to them by federal or tribal law including, but not limited to:
§6.6.20 Summons At least five (5) days prior to the hearing, the Juvenile Court shall issue summons to:
The summons shall contain the name of the Court, the title of the proceedings, and the date, time and place of the hearing. A copy of the petition shall be attached to the summons. The summons shall be delivered personally by a tribal law enforcement officer or appointee of the Juvenile Court. If the summons cannot be delivered personally, the Court may deliver the summons by registered mail. If a person who has been issued a summons fails to appear at the hearing, that person shall be held in contempt of court. §6.6.21
Adjudicatory Hearing If the minor admits the allegations of the petition, the Juvenile Court shall proceed to the disposition stage only if the Court finds:
§6.6.23 Adjudicatory Hearing - Proof The Juvenile Court shall hear testimony concentrating the circumstances which gave rise to the complaint. If the allegations of the petition are sustained by proof beyond a reasonable doubt, the Juvenile Court shall find the minor to be a juvenile offender and proceed to the dispositional hearing. A finding that a minor is a juvenile offender constitutes a final order for purposes of appeal. §6.6.24 Predispositional Report The probation officer shall prepare a written report describing all reasonable and appropriate alternative dispositions. The report shall contain a specific plan for the care of and assistance to the minor calculated to resolve the problems presented in the petition. The report shall contain a detailed explanation showing the necessity for the proposed plan of disposition and the benefits to the minor under the proposed plan. Preference shall be given to the dispositional alternatives listed in this Title, and the report shall select that which is the least restrictive of the minor's freedom and is consistent with the interests of the Tribe. The report shall contain specific reasons for not recommending placement of the minor with his parent, guardian or custodian. The probation officer shall present the predispositional report to the Juvenile Court, the person selected by the minor to represent him and the presenting officer, at least one (1) day prior to the dispositional hearing. §6.6.25 Dispositional Hearing A dispositional hearing shall take place not more than twenty (20) days after the adjudicatory hearing. At the dispositional hearing, the Juvenile Court shall hear evidence on the question of proper disposition. §6.6.26 Notice Notice of the dispositional hearing shall be given to the minor and his parent, guardian or custodian and their counsel at least forty-eight (48) hours before the hearing. §6.6.27 Right of Parties The rights of the parties shall be the same as in an adjudicatory hearing. §6.6.28 Dispositional Finding At the dispositional hearing, the Juvenile Court shall consider the predispositional report submitted by the probation officer and afford the parents an opportunity to controvert the factual contents and conclusions of the reports. The Juvenile Court shall also consider the alternative predispositional report prepared by the minor and his attorney, if any. The dispositional order constitutes a final order for purposes of appeal. §6.6.29 Dispositional Alternatives If a minor has been adjudged a juvenile offender, the Juvenile Court may make the following dispositions:
§6.6.30 Modification of Dispositional Order A dispositional order of the Juvenile Court may be modified upon a showing of change of circumstances. The Juvenile Court may modify a dispositional order at any time upon the motion of the following:
§6.6.31 Notice; Rights Notice in writing of a modification hearing shall be given to the minor, the minor's parent, guardian or custodian and their counsel at least forty-eight (48) hours before the hearing. The rights of the parties shall be the same as in a dispositional hearing. §6.6.32 Modification Hearing The Juvenile Court shall review the performance of the minor, the minor's parent, guardian or custodian and the probation officer and other persons providing assistance to the minor and the minor's family. In determining modification of disposition, the procedures for a dispositional hearing shall apply. If the request for review of disposition is based upon an alleged violation of a court order, the Juvenile Court shall not modify its dispositional order unless it finds clear and convincing evidence of the violation. §6.6.33 Revocation of Probation A minor who is placed on probation by order of the, Juvenile Court pursuant to §6.6.29(a) above who violates any term or condition of such probation, may be proceeded against in a proceeding to revoke probation as follows:
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7 §6.7.01 Complaint A minor-in-need-of-care proceeding may be initiated by complaint. The complaint may be filed by a person who has knowledge of the facts alleged. The complaint shall be signed by the complainant. The complaint shall contain:
§6.7.02 Warrant The Juvenile Court may issue a warrant in accordance with Chapter 2.2 of this Code directing that a minor be taken into custody if the Juvenile Court finds there is probable cause to believe the minor is a minor-in-need of care. §6.7.03 Custody A minor may be taken into custody by a law enforcement officer if:
§6.7.04
Tribal Officer's Duties
§6.7.05 Determination of Need for Detention The Juvenile Court or the probation officer shall not place a minor in shelter care unless a complaint is filed in accordance with this Code, or tile Court orders that a minor be taken into custody pursuant to this Code. If the minor's parent, guardian or custodian has not been contacted, the Juvenile Court or the probation officer shall make immediate and recurring efforts to inform them that the minor has been taken into custody and the minor shall be released to the parent, guardian or custodian unless shelter care is immediately necessary. If the minor is not released to his parent, guardian or custodian, the Juvenile Court or the probation officer shall place the minor in shelter care pending the custody hearing. §6.7.06 Pre-Adjudication Custody If a minor is not released to his parent, guardian or custodian, the probation officer shall immediately explore alternative pre-adjudication custody arrangements and prepare recommendations for temporary care and custody for presentation at the custody hearing. §6.7.07 Approved Facilities A minor alleged to be a minor-in-need-of-care may be detained, pending Court hearings, in the following places and in the following order of priority:
A minor alleged to be a minor-in-need-of-care may not be detained in a jail or facility used for the detention of adults. If a minor alleged to be a minor-in-need-of-care is detained in a facility used for the detention of juvenile offenders, he must be detained in a room separate from juvenile offenders or minors alleged to be juvenile offenders. §6.7.08 Custody Hearing If a minor is placed in shelter care pursuant to the above section:, the Juvenile Court shall conduct a custody hearing within forty-eight (48) hours for the purpose of determining whether continued detention or shelter care is necessary pending further proceedings. If the minor's parent, guardian or custodian has still not been contacted, or is not present at the custody hearing, the Juvenile Court shall determine what efforts have been made to notify and to obtain the presence of the parent, guardian or custodian. If it appears that further efforts are likely to produce the parent, guardian or custodian, the Juvenile Court shall recess for not more than 24 hours and direct the probation officer to make continued efforts to obtain the presence of the parent, guardian or custodian. Notice of the custody hearing shall be given to the minor and his parent, guardian or custodian as soon as the time for the hearing has been established. §6.7.09 Procedure at Custody Hearing Rights of the Minor
§6.7.10 Continued Custody The minor shall be released to his parent, guardian or custodian and ordered to appear at the hearing on a date to be set by the Court, unless one of the criteria for shelter care under §6.4.02 is found by the Court to exist. The Juvenile Court may release a minor under this Title to a relative or other responsible adult tribal member if the parent, an extended family member, guardian or custodian of the minor consents to the release. If the minor is ten (10) years of age or older, the minor and his parent, guardian or custodian must both consent to the release. The Juvenile Court, before ordering continued custody or release, shall take into consideration the recommendations of the probation officer regarding alternative pre-adjudication custody arrangements. §6.7.11 Investigation by Probation Officer The probation officer shall make an investigation within three (3) days of the custody hearing or the release of the minor to his parent, guardian or custodian to determine whether the interests of the minor and the public require that further action be taken. Upon the basis of his investigation, the probation officer shall:
§6.7.12 Informal Hearing The probation officer may hold an informal conference with the minor and the minor's parent, guardian or custodian to discuss alternatives to the filing of a petition if:
§6.7.13 Informal Hearing - Evidence No statement made during the informal hearing may be admitted into evidence at an adjudicatory hearing or any other proceeding under this Code. §6.7.14 Informal Hearing - Disposition At the informal hearing, the probation officer may:
§6.7.15 Informal Hearing - Post-Disposition The probation officer shall set forth in writing the conclusions reached at the informal hearing and the disposition agreed to by the parties for remedying the situation. The probation officer shall review the minor's progress every thirty (30) days. If; at any time after the initial thirty (30) day period, the officer concludes that positive results are not being achieved, the officer shall recommend that a petition be filed pursuant to this Title. §6.7.16 Petition Proceedings under this Chapter 6.7 shall be instituted by a petition filed by the presenting officer on behalf of the Tribe and in the interests of the minor. The petition shall state:
§6.7.17 Setting Of Hearing Upon receipt of the petition, the Juvenile Court shall set a date for the hearing which shall not be more than twenty (20) days after the Juvenile Court receives the petition from the presenting officer. If the adjudicatory hearing is not held within twenty (20) days after the filing of the petition, the petition shall be dismissed and cannot be filed again, unless:
§6.7.18 Rights Of Parties The parties shall have all rights secured to them by federal or tribal law including, but not limited to:
§6.7.19 Summons At least five (5) days prior to adjudicatory hearing, the Juvenile Court shall issue summons to:
§6.7.20 Adjudicatory Hearing The Juvenile Court shall conduct an adjudicatory hearing for the sole purpose of determining whether the minor is a minor-in-need-of-care. The hearing shall be private and closed. §6.7.21 Adjudicatory Hearing - Proof The Juvenile Court shall hear testimony concerning the circumstances which gave rise to the complaint. If the allegations of the petition are sustained by proof beyond a reasonable doubt, the Juvenile Court shall find the minor to be a minor-in-need-of-care and proceed to a dispositional hearing. A finding that a minor is a minor-in-need-of-care constitutes a final order for purposes of appeal. §6.7.22 Predispositional Report The probation officer shall prepare a written report describing all reasonable and appropriate alternative dispositions. The report shall contain a specific plan for the care of and assistance to the minor calculated to resolve the problems presented and the petition The report shall contain a detailed explanation showing the necessity for the proposed plan of disposition and the benefits to the minor under the proposed plan. Preference shall be given to the dispositional alternatives listed in this Title, and the report shall select that which is the least restrictive of the minor's freedom and is consistent with the interests of the Tribe. The report shall contain specific reasons for not recommending placement of the minor with this parent, guardian or custodian. The probation officer shall present the predispositional report to the Juvenile Court, the person selected by the minor to represent him and the presenting officer, at least one (1) day prior to the dispositional hearing. §6.7.23 Dispositional Hearing A dispositional hearing shall take place not more than twenty (20) days after the adjudicatory hearing. At the dispositional hearing, the Juvenile Court shall hear evidence on the question of proper disposition. §6.7.24 Notice Notice of the dispositional hearing shall be given to the minor and his parent, guardian or custodian and their counsel at least forty-eight (48) hours before the hearing. §6.7.25 Rights of Parties The rights
of the parties shall be the same as in an adjudicatory hearing. At the dispositional hearing, the Juvenile Court shall consider the predisposition report submitted by the probation officer and afford the parents an opportunity to controvert the factual contents and conclusions of the reports. The Juvenile Court shall also consider the alternative predisposition report prepared by the minor and his attorney, if any. The dispositional order constitutes a final order for purposes of appeal. §6.7.27 Dispositional Alternatives If a minor has been adjudged a minor-in-need-of-care, the Juvenile Court may make any of the following dispositions which are listed by priority:
§6.7.28 Placement Outside Boundaries of the Reservation Whenever a minor is placed in a home or facility located outside the boundaries of the Reservation, the Court shall require the party receiving custody of the minor to sign an agreement that the minor shall be returned to the Court upon order of the Court. The Juvenile Court shall retain jurisdiction over any minor placed by the Court in a home or facility located outside the boundaries of the Reservation. §6.7.29 Modification of Dispositional Order A dispositional order of the Juvenile Court may be modified upon a showing of change of circumstances. The Juvenile Court may modify a dispositional order at any time upon the motion of the following:
If the modification involves a change of custody, the Juvenile Court shall conduct a hearing to review its dispositional order. §6.7.30 Notice; Rights Notice in writing of the hearing shall be given to the minor, the minor's parent, guardian or custodian and their counsel at least forty-eight (48) hours before the hearing. The rights of the parties shall be the same as in a dispositional hearing. §6.7.31 Modification Hearing The Juvenile Court shall review the performance of the minor, the minor's parent, guardian or custodian and the probation officer and other persons providing assistance to the minor and the minor's family. In determining modification of the disposition, the procedures for a dispositional hearing shall apply. If the request for review of disposition is based upon an alleged violation of a court order, the Juvenile Court shall not modify its dispositional order unless it finds clear and convincing evidence of the violation.
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8 §6.8.01 Guardianship for Minors-in-Need-of-Care; Petition Any party to a minor-in-need-of-care proceeding, including any Tribal Probation officer, may file a petition in the Juvenile Court requesting that guardianship be created as to a minor-in-need-of-care. §6.8.02 Notice - Setting of Hearing Upon receipt of the guardianship petition, the Juvenile Court shall set a date for hearing which shall be no more than twenty (20) days from date of receipt of the petition unless continued for good cause by the Juvenile Court. All interested parties shall be entitled to notice of the guardianship proceeding and hearing at least five (5) days prior to the date of the hearing. Interested parties shall included all parties to the minor-in-need-of-care proceeding whether or not such party made an appearance at the proceeding and any other person the petitioning party or the Juvenile Court deems necessary to the proper conduct of the hearing. §6.8.03 Guardianship Hearing Procedures At the hearing on a guardianship petition, all parties have the right to present evidence and to cross~examine witnesses. In addition, all rights afforded the parties, including the minor child, in proceedings brought under Chapter 6.7 of this Code shall be fully applicable. A guardianship may be established if the Court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that:
§6.8.04 Guardianship Order If the Juvenile Court has made a finding under section 6.8.03, it shall enter an order establishing a guardianship for the child. The order shall:
§6.8.05
Modification of Order My party may, at any time, seek to change, modify or set aside a guardianship order and the Juvenile Court may, after appropriate notice and hearing, change, modify or set aside such order as the Judge may deem just and proper. Modification procedures shall be conducted pursuant to the requirements of sections 6.7.29, 30 and 31 of this Code. §6.8.06 Foster Care Payments Establishment of a guardianship under this Chapter does not preclude a guardian from receiving foster care payments. §6.8.07 Review Hearing Not Required A guardianship established under sections 6.8.03 and 6.&04 is not subject to the review hearing requirements of section 6.7.27(h) of this Code. §6.8.08 Qualification for Guardian My person over the age of 21 years who is not otherwise disqualified by this section may be appointed the guardian of a child under section 6.8.03. No person is qualified to serve as guardian who: (a) is of unsound mind; (b) has been convicted of a felony or of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude; or (c) is a person whom the Court finds unsuitable. §6.8.09 Full Faith and Credit It is the intention of this Chapter that the court of any state shall give full faith and credit as provided for in the United States Constitution to the public acts, records and judicial proceedings of the Makah Indian Tribe as to any proceeding brought under this Chapter to the same extent that hill faith and credit is given to the public acts, records and judicial proceedings of any other state. §6.8.10 Incorporation of Other Laws In any guardianship proceeding under this Chapter 6.8, any provision of the Makah Law and Order Code, in particular Title 6 of such Code, or any other law, ordinance, rule or regulation of the Makah Tribe, as now or hereafter enacted or amended, shall be applied by the Juvenile Court insofar as such law, ordinance, rule or regulation is deemed applicable.
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9 §6.9.01 Curfew Established It shall be unlawful for any minor, without good cause, to be in or on any street, road, highway, alley or other public place on the Makah Indian Reservation between the hours of 11:00 o'clock p.m. and 5:00 o'clock a.m. on any night without the permission of the minor's parent, guardian or employer, or unless accompanied by the parent, guardian or an adult twenty-one (21) years of age or older, who has been given permission by the parent, guardian or employer to accompany the minor. §6.9.02 Penalty - Minor Any minor who shall be in violation of the above §6.9.01 shall be taken into custody by a tribal officer and returned to the home of the parent or guardian and delivered into the custody of the parent or guardian. If such minor has been found to have been in violation of this Chapter during the previous one (1) year period, then the tribal officer shall take the minor into custody and deliver the minor to the Tribal Court either under the juvenile offender or minor-in-need-of-care Chapters of this Code. §6.9.03 Penalty - Parent, Guardian or Employer Any parent, guardian or employer of such minor child, who shall knowingly allow or permit such child to be in violation of any of the provisions of this Chapter shall be deemed to be guilty of a Class C offense and subject to the penalties under Chapter 5.8 of this Code. §6.9.04 Repealer Makah Tribal Ordinance No. 1, enacted February 16, 1939, arid amended by Tribal Resolution No. 79.70 dated June 22, 1970, is hereby repealed in its entirety.
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10 §6.10.01 Purpose Parental rights to a child may be terminated by the Juvenile Court according to the procedures in this Chapter. §6.10.02 Petition Proceedings to terminate parental rights shall be instituted by a petition filed by a tribal officer on behalf of the Tribe or by parents or guardian of the child. The petition shall state:
§6.10.03 Setting of Hearing Upon receipt of the petition, the Juvenile Court shall set a date for the termination hearing which shall be not more than twenty (20) days after the Juvenile Court receives the petition from the officer. The hearing may be continued upon motion of the minor's parent, guardian or custodian, or upon motion of the officer by reason of the unavailability of material evidence or witnesses and if the Juvenile Court finds the officer has exercised due diligence to obtain the material evidence and reasonable grounds exist to believe that the material evidence will become available. §6.10.04 Pre-Termination Report Upon the filing of the petition, the probation officer shall begin the preparation of a pre-termination report. The probation officer shall consult with the minor's parent and all social services, health, education and other personnel who have had prior professional contact with the minor and his/her parent, guardian or custodian to determine whether termination of parental rights is consistent with the best interests of the child. The probation officer may also review any of the minor's previous Juvenile Court Records. The probation officer shall prepare a written report containing professional opinions of all personnel with whom he has consulted. The report shall be presented to the Juvenile Court at least two (2) days before the termination hearing. §6.10.05 Summons At least five (5) days prior to the termination hearing, the Juvenile Court shall issue summons to:
The summons shall contain the name of the Court, the title of the proceedings, and the date, time and place of the hearing. A copy of the petition shall be attached to the summons. The summons shall be delivered personally by a tribal law enforcement officer or appointee of the Juvenile Court. If the summons cannot be delivered personally, the Court may deliver the summons by registered mail. If a person who has been issued a summons fails to appear at the hearing, that person shall be held in contempt of court. Upon a showing to the court that diligent efforts were made to serve the summons/petition on the minor's parents, and that for sufficient reasons service could not be made, the judge may allow service to be made by publication under the provisions of §3.3.02 of this Code. In such case, the date of the hearing shall not be less than thirty (30) days from the date of the first publication. §6.10.06 Termination Hearing The Juvenile Court shall conduct the termination hearing for the sole purpose of determining whether parental rights shall be terminated. §6.10.07 Rights Of Parties The parties shall have all rights secured to them by federal or tribal law including, but not limited to:
The parties
shall be entitled to introduce evidence, to be heard on their own behalf,
and to summon and examine witnesses. The Juvenile Court shall hear testimony concerning the circumstances that gave rise to the petition and the need for termination of parental rights. The Juvenile Court may terminate the parental rights of the parent(s) to his child if it finds beyond a reasonable doubt that:
If a finding that the child is a minor-in-need-of-care has been made pursuant to §6.2.12(b), (c), or (d), the Juvenile Court shall determine, beyond a reasonable doubt, if necessary services have been provided or offered to the parent to facilitate a reunion and the parent has substantially failed to accept such services. If the parent is subject to an order of disposition pursuant to a finding that the child is a minor-in-need-of-care, the Juvenile Court shall determine, beyond a reasonable doubt, if the parent has substantially failed to comply with such order. §6.10.09 Voluntary Termination - Written Consent The Juvenile Court may terminate the parental rights of the parents if the voluntary, written consent of both parents has been acknowledged before the Court, and if the Court finds, after full hearing, that such termination is in the best interest of the minor. The Juvenile Court Judge shall certify that the terms and consequences of the consent were fully explained in detail, and were fully understood by the parents. Any consent given prior to or within ten (10) days after birth of the child shall not be valid. §6.10.10 Dispositional Alternatives If parental rights to a child are terminated, the Juvenile Court shall place the minor in a foster care or shelter care facility which has been approved by the Tribe, and take whatever action is necessary to begin adoption proceedings in the appropriate form. §6.10.11 Other Dispositions If parental rights to a child are not terminated, the Juvenile Court may make a disposition in accordance with the provisions in this Title regarding a minor adjudged to be a minor-in-need-of-care. §6.10.12 Enrollment Status Unaffected No adjudication of a termination of parental rights shall affect the minor's enrollment status as a member of any tribe or the minor's degree of blood quantum of any tribe.
CHAPTER
11 §6.11.01 Court Records A record of all hearings under this Title shall be made and preserved. All Juvenile Court records shall be confidential and shall not be open to inspection to any but the following:
Law enforcement records and files concerning a minor shall be kept separate from the records and files of adults. All law enforcement records and files shall be confidential and shall not be open to inspection to any but the following:
When a minor who has been the subject of any proceeding before the Juvenile Court attains his eighteenth (18th) birthday, the Chief Judge of the Tribal Court shall order the Clerk of the Court to destroy both the court records and the law enforcement records. §6.11.04 Appeal For purposes of appeal, a record of the proceedings shall be made available to the minor, his parent, guardian, custodian or counsel. Costs of obtaining this record shall be paid by the party seeking the appeal. Any party to a Juvenile Court hearing may appeal a final order or disposition of the case by filing a written notice of appeal with the Juvenile Court within ten (10) days of the final order or disposition. No decree or disposition of a hearing shall be stayed by such appeal. All appeals shall be conducted in accordance with the general appeal provisions of this Code. §6.11.05 Contempt of Court Any willful disobedience or interference with any order of the Juvenile Court constitutes contempt of court. The Juvenile Court may punish an adult for contempt of court in accordance with this Code. §6.11.06 Report of Child Abuse Any medical personnel, school personnel, mental health personnel, social worker, or crisis intervention counselor who has reasonable cause to believe that a minor has been abused, neglected or lacks proper supervision under the standards established in §6.2.12 of this Title shall report such incident to the Makah Department of Health, Education and Welfare or to the Makah Tribal Police. §6.11.07 Support of Minors When temporary custody of a minor is vested by the Court in an individual or agency other than his parents or juvenile detention facility, the Court may in the same or any subsequent proceeding inquire into the ability of the parents or any other person who may be obligated, to support the minor and to pay any other expenses of the minor, including the expense of any medical, psychiatric, or psychological examination or treatment provided under order of the Court. The Court may, after due notice and a hearing on the matter, require the parents or other person to pay the whole or part of such support and expenses, depending on their financial resources and other demands on their funds. §6.11.08 Prior Inconsistent Codes and Ordinances Repealed Any and all ordinances of the Makah Tribal Council which conflict in any way with the provisions of this Title 6 are hereby repealed to the extent that they are inconsistent, or in conflict with, or are contrary to the spirit and/or purpose of this Title. §6.11.09 Separability If any
provision of this Title, or its application to any person or circumstance
is held invalid, the remainder of this Title, or the application of
the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected. |