Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 29, 2004
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
Alt Contact:  Kathy Spears, Department of Social and Health Services, 360-902-7893

Gov. Gary Locke, State Sign Historic Agreement with Colville Confederated Tribes

Gov. Gary Locke and other state officials today signed a first-of-its kind agreement with the Colville Confederated Tribes to help young offenders get their lives back on track. The inter-governmental agreement was signed at the Colville Confederated Tribes’ Long House in Omak.

The purpose of the agreement is to enable the tribal court to send young offenders to residential custody and care through the state Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration (JRA). Under the agreement, the Colville Confederated Tribes will be able to access services available to any Washington youth in the state’s juvenile justice system.

“This agreement is the first of its kind in the state, and is believed to be the first of its kind in the nation,” Locke said during the signing. “We would like to see additional partnerships between other tribes and the JRA. Youthful offenders in our state deserve these opportunities to better their lives.”

“This is also another great example of how DSHS has been successful in partnering and collaborating with local communities and stakeholders to improve services for the people of Washington,” he said.

Locke said the JRA is uniquely able to meet the acute and often complex needs of young offenders. JRA offers residential treatment, delivers research-proven cognitive and behavioral treatment, and helps youth with rehabilitation services in mental health, substance abuse, sexual misconduct, and independent living.

“JRA provides the kind of comprehensive, effective help that improves lives and gives young people an opportunity to get back on track,” Locke said.

The governor said the state’s juvenile rehabilitation system would also benefit from the partnership.

“Under this agreement, Colville Confederated Tribes will work with JRA in developing cultural programming services in JRA residential care facilities,” he said. “Such services will enrich the experiences of native youth. And since any interested youth in JRA care will also be able to receive these services, all will benefit from a stronger element of diversity in the system. Diversity is our greatest strength.”

Locke thanked those who have worked for two years to put the agreement together, including:
·Members of the Colville Confederated Tribes’ Business Council;
·The Colville Confederated Tribes Law and Justice Committee;
·Jamie Edmonds, Director, Colville Confederated Tribes Legal Office;
·Dana Cleveland, Spokesperson/Advocate, Colville Confederated Tribes Legal Office;
·Melissa Campobasso, Attorney, Office of the Reservation Attorney;
·Marty Butkovich, JRA Region 1 Community Programs Administrator;
·Kathleen McBride, Director, JRA’s Division of Treatment and Intergovernmental Services; and
·Colleen F. Cawston, Director, DSHS Division of Indian Policy and Support Services.

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