The habematolel pomo of upper lake (hpul) peer peacemaking court program seeks to address juvenile delinquency within the hpul tribal community by providing much-needed resources to prevent and…

The Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Assistance awarded $100,000 to Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake on October 1, 2025, under the Tribal Youth Program (CFDA 16.731) to establish a Peer Peacemaking Court Program addressing juvenile delinquency within the tribal community.

The program delivers restorative justice practices targeting low-risk youth offenders and their families through peacemaking circles that facilitate open dialogue, healing, and mutual understanding. The initiative aims to reduce status offenses, strengthen community bonds, and cultivate accountability and positive behavioral change among tribal youth while addressing the tribal court's limited capacity to manage juvenile cases.

Performance runs through September 30, 2030, at the recipient's location in Upper Lake, California. Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake, a federally recognized Indian Tribe, operates exclusively as a federal grant recipient with no subcontract relationships. The tribe's recent grant portfolio spans justice and victim services, environmental management, broadband infrastructure, historic preservation, and housing, with combined obligations across forty-nine awards since 2007 totaling $14.5 million.

The habematolel pomo of upper lake (hpul) peer peacemaking court program seeks to address juvenile delinquency within the hpul tribal community by providing much-needed resources to prevent and intervene in youth offenses. Currently, the tribal court lacks sufficient capacity to effectively manage juvenile cases, making this program essential for creating a safer and more supportive environment for tribal youth. This initiative will primarily serve low-risk youth offenders and their families by offering restorative justice practices that focus on community accountability and personal responsibility. Through the use of circles, the program will establish a space for open dialogue, healing, and mutual understanding, allowing youth to share their experiences and rebuild vital community and familial connections. By strengthening community bonds and amplifying youth voices, the peer peacemaking court program aims to reduce status offenses and cultivate a culture of support, accountability, and positive behavioral change within the tribe. Conference activity description: n/a