Klamath Tribes receive Justice Department grant of $396k supporting crime victims

/
 
US Department of Justice.png

WASHINGTON— The Office of Justice Programs’ Office for Victims of Crime today awarded more than $8 million to support crime victims in Native American communities in six states: Alaska, California, Maine, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin. The group of 13 awards is the third in a series of grants being made by OVC to American Indian and Alaska Native communities. OVC has now awarded more than $17 million of nearly $100 million to support tribal victim service programs.

The awards—30 in total so far—will fund critical crime victim services, such as counseling, transitional housing, emergency services and transportation. The grants are supported by the Crime Victims Fund, a repository of federal criminal fines, fees and special assessments. The fund includes zero tax dollars.

“American Indian and Alaska Native communities face extensive public safety challenges, but through creative approaches that combine traditional methods with innovative solutions, they are demonstrating their determination to meet the needs of victims in their communities,” said OJP’s Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Matt M. Dummermuth. “These grants, part of historic levels of funding awarded by the Department of Justice to American Indian and Alaska Native communities, will provide significant resources to bring critical services to those who suffer the effects of crime and violence.”

“One of our priorities in the District of Oregon is our unwavering commitment to members of tribal communities. Our office stands firmly on the side of tribal victims and will continue to work tirelessly pursuing justice on their behalf,” said Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “The Justice Department’s tribal grant programs ensure all tribes have the resources necessary to support victims and keep their communities safe.”

According to OJP’S Bureau of Justice Statistics, American Indians and Alaska Natives experience violent crime at rates far greater than the general population.

Two Oregon tribes were among the 13 receiving grant awards today. Nearly 170 tribes are expected to receive funding this spring to help their communities support crime victims over the next three years:

  • The Klamath Tribes of Oregon was awarded $396,793 to enhance existing services and outreach to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, sex trafficking, and dating violence.

  • The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians was awarded $714,783 to offer longer term transitional housing to provide stability for families and individuals while they receive restorative services.

[Other Tribes receiving grant funds]

  • Aroostook Band of Micmacs (Maine) was awarded $569,086 to expand the existing victim services program by providing 24/7 staffing of the emergency shelter.

  • Bad River Band of Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians (Wisconsin) was awarded $699,925 to create a central location for the victim services program, currently located in multiple locations on the reservation, and expand their crime victim services to include children and elders.

  • The Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe (Washington) was awarded $369,176 to establish a satellite Children’s Advocacy Center at the Jamestown Tribe to increase accessibility to culturally relevant services; state-of-the-art recording equipment; and skilled, trained forensic interviewers.

  • The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians (California) was awarded $546,586 to build a culturally relevant, long-term strategic plan to improve services to victims; and develop programming around the concept of historical intergenerational trauma therapy using a practice-based curriculum.

  • The Karuk Tribe (California) was awarded $719,970 to improve access to, and delivery of, services to victims of crime by establishing a Victim Services Access Center, which will include secure space for a victim interview room and a private waiting area for victims.

  • The Bishop Paiute Tribe (California) was awarded $715,750 to enhance services provided through Relief After Violent Encounters by expanding the victim service program to include direct emergency supportive services.

  • The Central Council Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Alaska) was awarded $1,413,000 to implement a culturally appropriate response to address elder abuse and provide crime victim services for the Native older adult population within the Juneau urban area, and also serve victims in the villages.

  • The Puyallup Tribe of Indians (Washington) was awarded $407,448 to expand existing services by strengthening their continuum of care for homeless victims of crime and for victims with alcohol and substance abuse issues. Funding will also support culturally appropriate inpatient treatment services at a local or regional treatment center.

  • The Big Valley Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians (California) was awarded $670,443 to conduct a community needs assessment and develop a strategic plan to help inform the implementation of crisis intervention services for men, boys, and elders who are victims of crime. The tribe will also improve case management, incorporate healing and cultural practices into their victim advocacy services, and expand community outreach and education to help connect victims to vital resources.

  • The Tetlin Tribal Council (Alaska) was awarded $513,865 to conduct a community needs assessment and create a strategic plan that will guide the development, implementation, and expansion of victim services.

  • The Aleut Community of St. Paul Island Tribal Government (Alaska) was awarded $562,200 to expand existing services and develop additional services for victims of crime through strategic planning and enhanced training of program staff.

“American Indian and Alaska Native crime victims continue to face challenges in accessing vital services and resources needed to help survivors address their trauma and navigate a complex system,” said OVC Director Darlene Hutchinson. “The Justice Department has made it a priority to partner with tribes to help victims and their families rebuild their lives in the aftermath of violence.”

The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Matt M. Dummermuth, provides federal leadership, grants and resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal justice system. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.

Press release provided from United States Attorney’s Office, District of Oregon and the United States Department of Justice.