Cherokee Nation: Children's Justice Act Partnerships for Indian Communities Program

The Children's Justice Act (CJA) Partnerships for Indian Communities Grant Program (Victims of Crime Act of 1984, Section 1402(g), 34 U.S.C. 20101(g) supports American Indian and Alaska Native communities for the purpose of improving the investigation, prosecution, and handling of child abuse cases, especially cases of child sexual abuse, in a manner that increases support for and lessens trauma to child abuse victims. The funding further supports programs to provide comprehensive and coordinated multidisciplinary responses to child abuse victims and provide trauma-informed, culturally competent, holistic services to child abuse victims and their families. 

The Cherokee Nation requested funding to establish a Child Advocacy Center (CAC) for conducting child forensic interviews. With this funding, Cherokee Nation will: 1) hire a 100% FTE Forensic Child Interview Specialist and a 100% FTE Victim Advocate; 2) attend OVC required training; 3) purchase recording system equipment for conducting child forensic interviews; 4) purchase general office supplies and equipment; 5) lease a vehicle to support job-related activities; and, 6) support federal and state child advocacy group membership to enhance staff performance and program development.