DMR.1.1.040 Purpose

It is the purpose of this ordinance to protect the health, safety, and welfare of all children within the jurisdiction of the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe. In the children lie the Tribe's future, and in their retention of Ojibwe traditions and culture lies the preservation of the Tribe's past. This ordinance establishes that:

(a) The young people of the Tribe are properly the concern and responsibility of the Tribe and their welfare is of paramount importance to the Tribe.

(b) It is important that the young people of the Tribe receive, preferably in their own homes, the care and guidance needed to prepare them to take their places as adult members of the Tribe.

(c) The Tribe needs a recognized Children's Court to insure that off-reservation Courts will be willing to return young people of the Tribe to the Reservation for care and guidance in accordance with the Indian Child Welfare Act, 25 U.S.C. § 1901, et. seq.

(d) The Children's Court shall protect the child's interest by choosing a course of action which least restricts the child's freedom and is consistent with the safety and interests of the Tribe and its children.

(e) It is the intent of the Tribe to provide its children with and assure the availability of preventive services, thorough and accountable case planning, recognition of special needs, and services designed to preserve and reunify families.