Burns Paiute Tribe Juvenile Dependency Case Enhancement Project

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 Burns Paiute Tribe will expend FY 2007 TCAP funds to improve the effectiveness of their tribal court through the following actions: 1) provide effective legal expertise and support to social services staff in Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) proceedings; 2) devote increased personnel resources in order to improve policies and procedures for the ICWA and juvenile dependency cases; 3) provide ICWA and juvenile dependency case training to court, law enforcement, social services, and legal staff; and 4) establish personnel resources necessary to evaluate, design, and initiate a Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem Program that qualifies for Title IV-E foster care reimbursement. TCAP funds will be allocated to personnel, fringe benefits, travel, training, consultants and contracts, other costs, and indirect costs.

CA/NCF