Hualapai indian tribe program will create a juvenile wellness court to address underage drinking on the reservation

The Hualapai Tribal Council was awarded $400,000 under the Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program (CFDA 16.585) by the Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Formula Grant will support the creation of a Juvenile Wellness Court in Peach Springs, Arizona to address underage drinking on the Hualapai Indian Reservation through September 2026. Specifically, the program will treat at-risk youth using traditional Hualapai healing methods to prevent lifelong substance use disorders and criminal records related to alcohol. By diverting youth to traditional healers, the program aims to help youth overcome addiction and alcohol problems at a younger age—providing long-term benefits to the community. The funding will allow the Tribal Council to establish this evidence-based treatment program utilizing culturally appropriate methods.

By treating the youth through traditional hualapai methods, the program will prevent the youth from developing a lifelong addiction and ongoing criminal record from drinking and substance use. This program will be an asset to the community by diverting the youth from courts and pointing them to traditional healers so they can overcome their addictions and alcohol problems at a younger age.