Casework

Navigating a sea of tribal red tape can be difficult for anyone, and especially frustrating for someone facing a challenging circumstance. When requested, my office can offer assistance on behalf of tribal members in their dealings with tribal departments. Please contact my office or complete the online casework form for assistance.   Prior to requesting for assistance, please carefully read the information on casework.

What is Casework?

Casework is usually performed on behalf of individuals, groups with a common concern, or small businesses and may seek to resolve a problem, question of eligibility, need, benefit, or other interest. Please understand that the Vice Chairman Reede’s office will only be able to address issues within the confines of the laws and regulations of the San Carlos Apache Tribe and its Departments. In other words, the Vice Chairman’s Office cannot override established policies and procedures of the San Carlos Apache Tribe and its' departments.  In most cases, individuals will be asked to complete and sign a Privacy Release Act form to enable Vice Chairman Reede’s staff to contact Tribal Departments on their behalf.

Examples of Tribal Departments with which Vice Chairman Reede’s office regularly interacts:

• The San Carlos Housing Authority
• The Health Department
• Social Services
• Recreation and Wildlife

What is not Casework?

Members of the Tribal Council cannot intervene in tribal personnel matters, and criminal and civil legal cases.  Such cases include:

• Legal issues
• Child custody issues
• Divorce issues
• Bankruptcy court

If you need a lawyer and cannot afford one, please contact the San Carlos Apache Tribe Public Defender’s office.

The San Carlos Apache Tribe Bar Association offers a listing of certified Tribal Court lawyers. They can be reached by calling (928) 475-2668.

Additionally, members of the Council have no direct jurisdictional authority to intervene in court cases that involve Tribal Departments.   An example of these cases includes; Child support services, private insurance claims and personnel matters.

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