Chickasaw nation requested funding to develop a coordinated, trauma-informed response to improve the handling of child abuse, neglect and exploitation referrals, train identified mdtmembers in…

The Chickasaw Nation received a $450,000 Project Grant award under the VOCA Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Program (CFDA 16.841) from the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Victims of Crime. The award will fund the development of a coordinated, trauma-informed response to improve the handling of child abuse, neglect, and exploitation referrals within the Chickasaw Nation community. Key components include hiring an MDT coordinator, purchasing office supplies and equipment, and developing educational and outreach materials. The grant will also enable the tribe to provide forensic interviewing training for identified MDT members that is approved by the National Children's Alliance. The project period runs from October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2026.

Chickasaw nation requested funding to develop a coordinated, trauma-informed response to improve the handling of child abuse, neglect and exploitation referrals, train identified mdtmembers in forensic interviewing through a training approved by the NCA and establish forensic interviewing services. With this funding, the tribe will hire an MDT coordinator, purchase office supplies and office equipment, purchase educational and outreach material to support the development of the MDT and increase the publics awareness of child abuse and neglect.