2019 COD Network Conference

Staff from the Tribal Defenders Office (TDO) will discuss the creation and implementation of their Flathead Reservation Reentry Program and how supportive services provided by public defenders is a successful method to assist reentering clients. We will share experiences, including struggles with stakeholder buy-in, and surprising collaborations that contribute to client success. You will hear from our apprentice case manager about overcoming barriers to success and ways for public defenders to engage clients. We will also open discussion with other public defenders about data collection and problems with having to report recidivism. TDO clients are particularly challenged in a jurisdiction policed by several law enforcement agencies and where native people are disproportionately represented in the state criminal justice system. We will talk about how to measure success, valuing process, culture, and client resiliency.