New Trails Youth Reentry

The Alaska Native Justice Center, in partnership with the State of Alaska’s Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), will address the problem of the disproportionate representation of Alaska Native/American Indian youth in Alaska’s juvenile justice system. Primary project activities include delivery of culturally-informed pre- and post-release programming to youth held in DJJ facilities across Alaska; facilitation of activities designed to increase access to justice for Alaska Native/American Indian youth; and collaboration with the Anchorage Police Department (APD) on activities that engage both Alaska Native/American Indian youth and the APD designed to build trust between law enforcement and the community. Key deliverables include restorative justice circles; one-on-one advocacy sessions, culture-bearer sessions, cultural activities, community service opportunities, community gatherings, youth leadership development sessions, assessment of barriers to justice, training, and outreach events. Although Alaska Native/American Indian youth involved with Alaska's juvenile justice system are the primary intended project beneficiaries, all Alaska DJJ-involved youth are eligible for services.