The karuk tribe will use ctas PA 3 funding to address the GAP in social and other services, address risks and needs of justice-involved individuals

The Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance awarded the Karuk Tribe of California $540,000 on October 1, 2025, under the Tribal Justice Assistance program (CFDA 16.596) to strengthen tribal court operations and expand social service coordination over a three-year performance period ending September 30, 2028.

The Karuk Tribe will hire a dedicated tribal court staff attorney and self-help technician to provide comprehensive legal assistance to community members navigating tribal and state court processes, with particular focus on those unable to afford representation. The tribe will update or develop tribal codes as needed and implement case management improvements to ensure culturally appropriate adjudication. Beyond court operations, the award funds expanded referrals and coordination with outside agencies to address gaps in social services, with the goal of reducing recidivism and improving public safety.

Performance occurs in Happy Camp, California. The Tribal Justice Assistance program supports critical needs of tribal justice systems to prevent crime and ensure tribal safety through development and implementation of justice system capacity improvements. Federally recognized Indian tribes are eligible applicants; award periods may extend beyond the base term if specific criteria are met.

Specifically the tribe seeks to strenghten the tribal court by supporting staff who will manage cases more efficiently, update or develop codes as needed, and ensure culturally appropriate adjudicaiton. The tribal court will provide comprehensive legal assistance through a dedicated tribal court staff attorney and self help technician, enabling community members-esepecially those who cannot otherwise afford representation-to navigate both tribal and state court processes. In addition the funding will be used to address gaps in social services by expanding referrals and coordination with outside agencies in an effort to reduce recidivism and improve overall public safety.