Fort Peck Tribal Court Enhancement Project

This award is made under the FY 2006 Tribal Courts Assistance Program and it supports the development, implementation, enhancement, and continuing operation of tribal justice systems. Allowable elements under the program may include, but are not limited to: establishing a core structure for a tribal court, improving case management, training court personnel, acquiring additional equipment and/or software, enhancing prosecution and indigent defense, supporting probation diversion and alternative sentencing programs, accessing services, focusing on juvenile services and multi disciplinary protocols for child physical and sexual abuse, and structuring intertribal or tribal appellate systems.

The overall goal and purpose of the Fort Peck Tribal Court is to continue its current process of developing and implementing an effective and efficient court program and infrastructure. The project will: 1) support a new legal advisor/training coordinator and a public defender position; 2) ensure proper protocol and communications between the Court and agencies; 3) train Tribal Justice Staff; 4) strengthen infrastructure of the Court; 5) improve access to legal resources; and 6) improve perception of an unbalanced legal system by implementing an indigent legal services program. The grant funding will strengthen the links between the court system, justice programs, other agencies and the communities of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.

CA/NCF