Seminole Nation IASAP

The FY 2008 Indian Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program (IASAP) provides funding and technical assistance to federally recognized tribal governments to plan, implement, or enhance tribal justice strategies to address crime issues related to alcohol and substance abuse. Key IASAP objectives include: developing a project activity team; identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting those who illegally transport, distribute, and use alcohol and controlled substances; prevent and reduce the number of alcohol and substance-abuse-related crimes (with a priority on methamphetamine), traffic fatalities, and injuries; developing and enhancing collaborations with federal, state, tribal, and local criminal justice agencies; integrating tribal and non-tribal services for offenders and their families; and making available culturally appropriate treatment and other services.

The Seminole Nation faces many issues as a result of alcohol and substance abuse. With the help of other agencies they have a few options for out-of-area treatment services. Within Seminole County, there are three alcohol and substance abuse counseling services available to tribal members, but most tribal members cannot pay the counseling fee. There are 10 treatment centers for alcohol and substance abuse within 100 miles of the Wewoka service area. Currently, the Seminole Nation Lighthorsemen are the the primary law enforcement authority within Seminole County.

The goals for year one are to: establish a Strategic Planning Advisory Board; improve the tribe's capacity to collect and share criminal justice data on drug and alcohol offenses; and collaborate with area law enforcement agencies. During the first year of this project, the Seminole Nation Lighthorsemen will work with all law enforcement within Seminole County to detect and eliminate the transportation, distribution, and use of illegal drugs within the county. The Lighthorsemen will work with the Seminole County Drug Court Prosecutor's Office to determine active areas of drug distribution, work with informants, and develop sting operations to curtail drug activity. The goals for year two are to: finalize educational materials to highlight project accomplishments, practices, and strategies; assist the task force to alleviate problem areas within Seminole County; and conduct educational programs for schools and faith-based organizations. During the second year, the Seminole Nation Lighthorsemen, working with the Advisory Board, will work to provide education programming to local schools, churches, and youth activity centers, hoping to provide the services for evaluation, intervention, and interdiction in the best interest of the children. The goals for year three are to: increase coordination with area service providers; identify and collaborate with out-of-area service providers; and re-assess the project. The tribe will monitor the progress of the project through the project coordinator, and take immediate action to regain momentum or remove obstacles that are preventing progress. Progress reports will be mandatory to assess the current progress.

CA/NCF