Tribes Restoring American Indian Lifestyles Successfully (TRAILS) Program

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 Sac and Fox Nation will utilize the 2008 IASAP funds to develop the Tribes Restoring American Indian Lifestyles Successfully (TRAILS) Program. This is an innovative program that develops strategies to combat the growing problem of use and abuse of illicit drugs and alcohol by members of the Nation.

TRAILS is designed to empower the Nation's Native American communities through the development of local partnerships that lead to the planning and implementation of comprehensive strategies to combat alcohol/substance abuse and reinforce the advantages of healthy lifestyles. Its primary focus is the formation of a centralized planning team that represents tribal law enforcement, prosecution, social services, education, spiritual leaders, businesses, residents, and youth. The key to the program's success is dedicated staff whose responsibility is to work with tribal leadership and help guide planning team members in the development and implementation of crime control and prevention strategies. Such strategies should address community policing, truancy issues, community courts, family abuse, juvenile delinquency and at-risk youth, and prevention education.

Funds will be used to hire a culturally competent Health Strategic Planner to establish and organize the TRAILS Advisory Team. Under the direct supervision of the Behavioral Health Services Manager, this position's primary responsibility will be to establish and coordinate all aspects of the TRAILS advisory team activities, facilitate and arrange agency meetings, oversee public relations for the program, and assist in recruitment efforts for at-risk youth and families.

The Health Strategic Planner and advisory team will develop a sound strategy to foster partnerships and networks among federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies and service providers to bring these groups and individuals together for broader goals and greater impact. The advisory team will also function as the outcome evaluation work group to evaluate program and client outcomes.

The TRAILS Program will serve at least 500 at-risk youth and/or families with at-risk youth. Referrals may come from existing health and human service programs and participation may be voluntary. The program will be announced to the community through the tribal newspaper, local newspapers, and community organizations providing information on how to access services. Surveys will be conducted at appropriate times, such as before and after program services/activities, at intake, and at the conclusion of the program.

The TRAILS Program will be built upon a comprehensive understanding of Native American values, societal resources, intense confrontation of inappropriate behaviors and criminal activities, and an ultimate goal of encouraging and supporting a healthy chemical-free lifestyle within the tribal community.

CA/NCF