Some people love chocolate. Some people love storytelling. I love adjudication. 
Yes—adjudication, the art of taking all the messy, imperfect parts of a background check and making sense of it. Creating order out of chaos. That’s where I come alive.
People often think background checks are about collecting data. But that’s just the first half. The second half—the part I love—is adjudication: reviewing that data, weighing it fairly, and making an informed decision. We aren’t just checking boxes. We’re asking, Who is this person today? And are they suitable for this role, in this community, at this moment in time? And that question deserves a thoughtful answer.
A Balancing Act with Real People at the Center
When I adjudicate, I serve two sides: the agency responsible for safeguarding its people and programs, and the applicant who deserves a thoughtful, equitable review. It’s a role I take seriously because the stakes are real.
I’ve seen individuals denied opportunity because no one took the time to really look. And I’ve seen organizations suffer because no one was willing to say, “No. This isn’t safe.” Adjudication is where we hold both truths, both responsibilities, in our hands.
The Fulfillment Is in the Story
What I love most about this work is being able to see the full story. I remember a woman who burst into tears when she learned we’d be reviewing her criminal history. She thought her past would speak louder than the life she built. But when I looked at the whole picture—her recovery, her degree, her work history—I could see she’d done the hard work. She mitigated the risk. I just got to document the truth.
It’s in those moments that adjudication becomes not just a process, but a privilege.
Why It Matters—Especially in Tribal Communities
In Tribal Nations, this work carries even more weight. For so long, we didn’t have a choice in who came into our communities, our schools, our institutions. But now, we do. And adjudication is how we exercise that choice with care.
When done well, it protects our children, our elders, our sovereignty, and our futures. It ensures that those who work in our communities are worthy of that trust. It is one of the most powerful tools we have to protect our resources, our history, and our identity.
You don’t check a box on someone’s life. You sit with their story, with their mess AND their milestones, and you make a call that honors both justice and humanity.
I don’t always feel good after making a decision—but I always aim to feel fair. Because sometimes the system failed someone. Sometimes a good person still doesn’t meet the threshold. But we owe it to both parties to tell the truth as best we can, in full, and with care.
So call me crazy. I love adjudication, been doing it for going on 30 years – Longer than any marriage I ever had, but that is a story for my adjudicator. 😊
A Personal Invitiation
If you’ve ever made a hard call, wondered if you got it right, or just want to build confidence in your process—you’re not alone.
Join Us for the 3rd Annual Tribal Adjudicator’s Conference as we explore The Hand You’re Dealt: our focus for this year. If you’ve been adjudicating for any amount of time you are familiar with the wild cards we are given that we are meant to make something out of. Join us and our team of speakers that will share their expertise in making the most of the aces, the low cards, and those wild jokers.
Whether you’re a seasoned adjudicator or just finding your footing, this conference is built for you. We’ll explore tools, standards, real stories, and shared challenges—because better decisions come from deeper understanding.
Registration is now open! [Click Here!]
Michele’s Tip for the Month
“Love the process, because when you do, you are loving on the communities you serve.”