The native village of barrow intends to enhance the youth healing to wellness court

The Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Assistance awarded $400,000 to the Native Village of Barrow Inupiat Traditional Government on October 1, 2025, under the Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program (CFDA 16.585) to enhance the Youth Healing to Wellness Court.

The recipient will conduct a community strength and needs assessment, develop and implement enhanced policies and procedures, and create a comprehensive strategic plan designed to expand court capacity and divert more youth cases from the state system into the tribal court. Services will reflect Iupiat values and deliver culturally relevant programming within the community.

Performance occurs in Utqiagvik, Alaska, with a period of performance through September 30, 2030. The treatment court integrates substance use disorder treatment, mandatory drug testing, incentives and sanctions, and transitional services in a judicially supervised setting to reduce recidivism and improve outcomes for youth and families. This award complements a separate tribal youth program grant the recipient holds under the same funding agency.

This project aims to build local solutions that reflect iupiat values and respond to pressing youth needs. Proposed activities include carrying out a community strength and needs assessment, developing and implementing enhanced policies and procedures, and creating a more comprehensive strategic plan. The expected outcome is to expand court capacity to divert more youth cases from the state system into the tribal court, ensuring services are culturally relevant and delivered within the community. Although this project stands independently, IT complements efforts proposed under purpose area #9 (tribal youth program), with both initiatives designed to enhance youth wellness, resilience, and community connection.