Tribe: Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake
SECTION 17. DIVERSION/FAMILY TEAM DECISION MAKING
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B. Peacemaker/Family Team Decision-making.
(1) Family Team Decision-making (FTDM) is the best way to come to a mutually agreed
upon resolution for a child, to identify possible family placements for the child, and to
identify other adults who would be willing to help the parents and child. The Tribal Court
judge may order the child’s family to participate in FTDM, to provide the child’s family
with an opportunity to establish a plan that will ensure the safety of the child. The FTDM
shall be conducted and facilitated according to that program’s written guidelines. This Code
recognizes a preference for family decision making opposed to judicial intervention and
determination, there by encouraging families to take seriously the issues with which they
are presented.
(2) Once the parties have reached a mediated/facilitated plan for the child, the plan shall be
presented to the Tribal Court judge who shall review the plan, listen to any argument by any
of the professionals or family members involved in the case, and shall approve, approve
with minor modifications, or disapprove of the plan.
(3) If the judge disapproves the plan, the judge has the discretion to either send the family
back for an additional conference or mediation, or may set the case for hearing. If the judge
approves the plan, he or she converts the plan, including any judicial modifications, into a
valid Tribal Court order.