Nez Perce Tribe Child Protection Services

The Children's Justice Act (CJA) Partnerships for Indian Communities Grant Program (Victims of Crime Act of 1984, Section 1402(g), 34 U.S.C. 20101(g) supports American Indian and Alaska Native communities for the purpose of improving the investigation, prosecution, and handling of child abuse cases, especially cases of child sexual abuse, in a manner that increases support for and lessens trauma to child abuse victims. The funding further supports the program to provide comprehensive and coordinated multidisciplinary responses to child abuse victims and provide trauma-informed, culturally competent, holistic services to child abuse victims and their families. Under this award, the Nez Perce Tribe requested funds to expand the capacity in delivery of services to child victims of crime by adding one full-time Child Welfare Investigator to strengthen the ability of CPS to respond to reports of child abuse, neglect, or sexual assault; contract to develop a Strategic Plan to establish firm policies, procedures, and training needs for CPS staff; provide families and child victims in crisis emergency shelter, mental health services, and personal items on a as needed basis.(CA/NCF)