Orutsararmiut Native Council Healing to Wellness Court Enhancement Project

Orutsararmiut Native Council (ONC) is a federally recognized Tribe/Alaska Native Village located in Bethel, Alaska. Enhancing the operations and delivery of services of the ONC Juvenile Tribal Healing to Wellness Court is one way to reduce the amount of crime among youth and young adults, as it provides tools and a skillset to avoid issues with crime as an adult. Orutsararmiut Native Council identifies four specific problems that require the services of a Juvenile Tribal Healing to Wellness Court: (1) the impact of historical trauma prevalent in the community; (2) hopelessness tied to trauma, isolation, and COVID-19; (3) the effect of alcohol on every family; and (4) the unprecedented importation of drugs like fentanyl. Youth will have the opportunity to change themselves by following through case plans that are based off the youth’s desired outcome of one’s life. The project will enhance ONC’s Juvenile Tribal Healing to Wellness Court by expanding services and partners and improving court administration.