Woap'e Te'ca (New Hope) Program

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 Lower Brule Sioux Tribe will use their 2009 Congressional Selected Awards funds to implement the The Woap'e Te'ca (New Hope) program that will meet the needs of the Tribe by filling the gaps and addressing critical needs. The program will do so by fulfilling five goals: hiring two full-time community-based probation officers; providing outreach services to youth, families and the community; developing or using a culturally appropriate individual risk/needs assessment; providing case management, service referrals and coordinated service delivery; and increasing cultural identity and community affiliation among youth at risk. The Lower Brule Sioux Tribe is experiencing an increasing and expanding problem of juvenile delinquency and tribal youth becoming involved in gang activity. There is a tremendous need for these services that help combat and deal with these issues.

NCA/NCF