Micronesian Legal Services Corporation Attorney Services

The Congressionally Recommended Awards Program, authorized by the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2010 (Pub. L. 111-117), 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 recommended by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-117, 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 2010 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY2010 Department of Justice Appropriations Act.

The Marianas Office of Micronesia Legal Services (MLS) is a legal services vendor who serves the legal needs of the low income population of the Mariana Islands of Rota and Tinian, where such legal services are very limited. MLS also provides assistance to applicants for US immigration status on all CNMI islands. A third aspect of the work to be done with the FY Congressionally Selected grant funds by MLS is the conversion of their paper-based records to a computer-based system that will improve case management and provide stronger checks on potential conflicts of interest. FY 2010 Congressionally Selected grant funds will be paid out for project staff salaries and benefits, inter-island travel, office supplies, computer technology consultant, office space, and an office copier lease. Expenses under the Other category include utilities and software licenses.

NCA/NCF