The maniilaq wellness program and behavioral health services have prioritized a need to identify at-risk teens and involve them in preventative programs

The Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance awarded a $500,000 Project Grant under the Tribal Youth Program (CFDA 16.731) to the Maniilaq Association, a non-profit Alaska Native Corporation, to address youth delinquency in the Northwest Arctic region of Alaska. The funding will support a Tribal Youth Coordinator who will manage all of Maniilaq Association's tribal youth programs, host youth talking circles focused on delinquency prevention in local villages, and coordinate youth-focused diversion and delinquency prevention efforts with partner organizations. The goal is to reduce risk factors and negative youth outcomes through increased efficiency and cooperation of programs designed to support at-risk youth. This grant is effective from October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2029.

Under the FY 2024 ctas purpose area 9 tribal youth program funding opportunity, maniilaq association will target youth delinquency by leveraging local partnerships and providing improved coordination for existing prevention/treatment programs. Under this proposal, a newly hired tribal youth coordinator will assume management of all maniilaq association tribal youth programs, host youth talking circles targeting delinquency in each local village, and coordinate youth-focused diversion and delinquency prevention efforts with all partner organizations. Activities proposed in this application will reduce risk factors and negative youth outcomes through increased efficiency and cooperation of programs designed to support at-risk youth.