Fort Belknap Tribal Court Project

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 Fort Belknap Indian Community of Montana tribal court will improve the functioning of the criminal justice system and prevent and combat juvenile delinquency by utilizing this funding to address the infrastructure needs and better serve the needs of the tribal community. The court will do so by 1) hiring 5 additional court staff; 2) contracting 3 appellate court judges and 1 special judge; 3) providing mileage for process servers, probation officer and prosecutor; and 4) purchasing computer equipment for data entry and grant project compliance to ensure quality judicial services in the tribal court.

NCA/NCF