Going Forward - Outreach Campaign to Serve Alaska Natives

The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

The Alaska Native Justice Center will use the FY 2009 Congressionally Selected Award funds to create an outreach campaign to serve Alaska Natives by increasing awareness of their rights and the community services available to help them. The project will teach Alaska Native youth and adults who may or may not have already come into contact with the justice system to advocate for themselves and thereby improve access and ensure fair and equitable treatment within the justice system. The project will thereby prevent juvenile delinquency and reduce recidivism.

NCA/NCF