Strengthening the Ponca Tribal Court

This award is made under the FY 2007 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 purpose of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska's Fiscal Year 2007 Tribal Court Assistance Program (TCAP) grant project is to enhance the Ponca Tribal Court capacity and to enhance integration of the tribal justice information systems. The Ponca Tribe will make the Tribal Court more accessible by providing a Traveling Tribal Court, which will rotate between the primary population centers of Norfolk, Niobrara, Lincoln, and Sioux City. Additionally, the Court will increase the hours of the Court Clerk/Administrator from half time to full time, thus increasing the capacity of the Court to handle more cases. TCAP grant funds will also be used to purchase and install a computerized case management system. Training will be provided to all Court staff. Court policies and procedures will be updated to take advantage of this newly created system.

CA/NCF