The craig tribal association (CTA) will develop and implement comprehensive services for tribal youth through culturally appropriate prevention and intervention programs

The Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Assistance awarded $546,353 to Craig Tribal Association on October 1, 2025, under the Tribal Youth Program (CFDA 16.731) to develop and implement comprehensive services for tribal youth through culturally appropriate prevention and intervention programs.

The Craig Tribal Association will deliver educational support to improve academic outcomes, mentoring programs with positive adult role models, and substance use prevention efforts that incorporate traditional knowledge and practices. The project includes diversion programs for youth who contact the justice system, case management services for at-risk youth and their families, and counseling and mental health services using cultural healing practices. Restorative justice approaches will emphasize healing rather than punishment. The recipient will establish a Child Welfare Committee to develop culturally appropriate protocols for addressing child welfare issues, coordinate with state agencies, and provide committee member training. Family support components include parenting classes incorporating traditional practices, family counseling services, support groups for parents of at-risk youth, and family activities designed to promote positive interactions. Community engagement will involve community members, including elders, in program planning and implementation.

Performance runs through September 30, 2030, in Craig, Alaska. The Tribal Youth Program supports activities to prevent and reduce juvenile delinquency and enhance tribal juvenile justice systems for American Indian and Alaska Native youth.

This project directly addresses critical gaps identified in their court assessment and aims to support the well-being of tribal youth while reducing their risk of involvement in the justice system. The program will focus on providing educational support to improve academic outcomes, and offering mentoring programs with positive adult role models. Substance use prevention efforts will incorporate traditional knowledge and practices. Additionally, diversion programs will be created for youth who come into contact with the justice system, complemented by case management services for at-risk youth and their families. Counseling and mental health services will be provided using cultural healing practices, and restorative justice approaches will be implemented to emphasize healing rather than punishment. A child welfare committee, as recommended in the court assessment, will be established to develop culturally appropriate protocols for addressing child welfare issues, coordinate with state agencies, and provide training for committee members. Family support is a key component of the program, with parenting classes incorporating traditional practices, family counseling services, support groups for parents of at-risk youth, and family activities designed to promote positive interactions. Community engagement will be emphasized through involvement of community members, including elders, in program planning and implementation. Conference activity description: N/a