LCO Tribal Court Reports Busy Docket, Funding Uncertainty Amid Potential Federal Shutdown
- joemorey
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
By Joe Morey News Editor
At the Tribe’s General Membership meeting, LCO Chief Judge Elaine Smith reported that the Tribal Court continues to manage a heavy caseload while navigating funding challenges tied to federal budget uncertainties.
According to Judge Smith, the court has, in recent years, maintained funds to pay for guardian ad litem (GAL) appointments in contested custody cases, adult guardianships, and child welfare matters when needed. If the federal government fails to pass a budget and a shutdown occurs, that funding may be affected. In that event, the cost of GAL appointments would revert to petitioners or parents, which was the past practice before the court had set-aside funds for these services.
The court provides quarterly reports to the Tribal Governing Board—distributed every quarter since July 2019—tracking hearings and new filings. For 2025 to date:
Q1 (Jan. 1–Mar. 31): 245 cases heard; 137 new cases filed
Q2 (Apr. 1–Jun. 30): 284 cases heard; 155 new cases filed
Q3 (Jul. 1–Sept. 30): 195 cases heard; 104 new cases filed
In the most recent quarter (Q3), the highest share of cases heard were: Traffic (28%), Truancy (22%), Guardianship (17%), and Child Support (16%).
Judge Smith reported $10,712.97 in fines and fees collected during the third quarter. Those revenues go directly into the Tribe’s General Fund.
Judge Smith noted the court’s current composition: Judge, Court Administrator, Court Clerk, two Deputy Clerks, and a Court Bailiff. The LCO Healing to Wellness Court (HTW) program adds two more team members—the HTW Coordinator and a Case Manager. All court and HTW employees are LCO tribal members, she emphasized.
The Tribal Court continues to prioritize staff training, historically funded through BIA dollars. All BIA funds were cut this year, Judge Smith said, and the court was directly affected by the shortfall. While salary dollars were approved for this year, future funding is uncertain under the current federal administration.
Judge Smith closed by reiterating that the court will continue issuing quarterly reports to the TGB and working to maintain essential services for families and children despite fiscal headwinds.
