Page 22 - Tribal Court Law and Justice Booklet

Victim Legal Advocacy Project (VLAP): VLAP consists of one attorney
and a paralegal providing holistic legal representation for tribal members
or a parent, spouse, or significant other of a tribal member and their
children, or a member of another federally recognized tribe with priority
given to those living within the Tulalip reservation boundaries, or
other individuals (on a case by case basis) who are victims of domestic
violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Eligibility for the
Victim Legal Advocacy Project is not subject to Tulalip Tribes poverty
guidelines. The measurement used for eligibility is the victim’s desire to
leave the abusive relationship and maintain her safety as specified in the
Screening Guidelines.
Tulalip Child Advocacy Project (TCAP): TCAP consists of one full-
time attorney who provides holistic, developmentally appropriate, and
culturally competent advocacy to children and youth who are involved
in dependency (Youth in Need of Care) cases at the Tulalip Tribal Court.
Children under twelve years of age are generally represented under an
attorney Guardian ad Litem model, while children over twelve years
of age are generally represented according to their stated interests.
Exceptions to this policy can be made by the Court on a case by case
basis.
• Any party in a Youth in Need of Care case may petition the Court for
the appointment of an attorney or GAL for any child involved in a
Youth in Need of Care case
• The Child Advocate Attorney will serve as a GAL or attorney of the
child or youth until the case is dismissed by the child returning home
to the parent(s) or obtaining other permanency, when the youth turns
21, or by dismissal through Court order.
Pro Se Navigator: Another grant-funded position, the Pro Se Navigator
helps Tribal members and others by reviewing their filled out court
paperwork for completeness, explaining how to navigate the Tulalip
Tribal Code, generally explain the court process, and how to get a
hearing date.
LEVELS OF SERVICE
Brief Services: Guidance only on accessing the judicial system and/or
social services; plus referrals to Tribal and State legal and social services.
Because no legal advice or representation is provided at this level, it may
be possible to give general guidance only regarding the legal process to
both parties.

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