To address the issues of drug- and alcohol-related criminal activity in tribal youth, the seminole nation of oklahoma is seeking to reinstate/enhance their juvenile healing to wellness court

This $400,000 Project Grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance under the Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program (CFDA 16.585) will support the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma's efforts to reinstate and enhance their Juvenile Healing to Wellness Court. The goal is to use culturally informed approaches to promote accountability, healing, and tribal identity for tribal youth facing substance abuse challenges, with the overall aim of reducing crime and substance abuse among this high-risk, high-need population. The award will integrate traditional tribal legal practices and trauma-informed, culturally responsive holistic services to help these youth become productive members of society. The project period runs from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2029.

The court will use culturally informed approaches to promote accountability, healing, and tribal identity for the youth involved in court proceedings due to substance abuse challenges. The overall goal is to reduce crime and substance abuse among nonviolent, high-risk, high-need participants, integrating traditional tribal legal practices and trauma-informed, culturally responsive holistic services to youth and help them become productive members of society.