The yakutat tlingit tribe will implement the yakutat tlingit tribe youth development initiative to address critical gaps in services for youth in yakutat, alaska

The Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Assistance awarded the Yakutat Tlingit Tribe $546,353 on October 1, 2025, under the Tribal Youth Program (CFDA 16.731) to implement the Yakutat Tlingit Tribe Youth Development Initiative, a culturally rooted youth engagement model addressing gaps in services for youth in Yakutat, Alaska.

The initiative targets youth facing high rates of chronic absenteeism, truancy, school dropout, self-harm, and juvenile justice system involvement. The tribe will establish sustainable programming supported by community partnerships, focusing on long-term positive outcomes and addressing constraints imposed by limited staffing, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient relevant programming. Yakutat youth and their families will gain greater access to educational support and mental and emotional wellness resources. The program aims to reduce juvenile crime and improve overall community well-being.

Performance runs through September 30, 2030, in Yakutat, Alaska. The Tribal Youth Program supports efforts to prevent and reduce juvenile delinquency, develop tribal youth healing to wellness courts, and strengthen juvenile justice system response for American Indian and Alaska Native youth.

Youth face high rates of chronic absenteeism, truancy, school dropout, self-harm, and juvenile justice system involvementchallenges made worse by limited staffing, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of relevant programming. This project will create a sustainable, culturally rooted youth engagement model supported by community partnerships and focused on long-term positive outcomes. Beneficiaries include yakutat youth and their families, who will gain greater access to educational support as well as mental and emotional wellness resources. The broader community will benefit from reduced juvenile crime and improved overall well-being. Conference activity description: n/a