Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2009, $642,641)
This initiative is a component of OJJDP's Tribal Youth Program initiative. This is the first year that OJJDP has released a solicitation that exclusively focuses on providing services and programming for tribal youth in juvenile detention facilities. With this new demonstration program, OJJDP seeks to enhance opportunities for federally recognized tribes to provide comprehensive and quality programs for tribal youth who reside within or are being released from tribal juvenile detention centers. This program also marks the first time that OJJDP is sponsoring an initiative that encourages funding recipients to partner with institutions and organizations to incorporate green technologies and environmentally sustainable activities as part of the program's educational, training, and reentry activities for youth participants. This program is authorized under the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2009, Pub. L. 111-8.
The Hualapai Detention and Rehabilitation Center proposes to assist federally recognized tribal juveniles in accessing and utilizing personal abilities and building on these so they can move towards resuming and living a healthy and productive life through the creation of a green education program. The detention facility has a capacity for 30 tribal youth between the ages of 14 and 17.
This project will provide youth with legitimate work opportunities in the detention center and for those who are involved with reentry programs, following stays in juvenile detention. Youth will have opportunities to design and build an onsite greenhouse, gardens and ethobotanical based landscaping within facility grounds. The youths will be responsible for recycling on the daily basis with both organic and non organic materials collected and sorted. Gardens will incorporate organic traditional Hualapai agricultural species and other vegetables and herbs. This will provide a green work opportunity for youth. This program is centered on the ultimate goal of youth reentry. A strong emphasis will be placed on cultural and environmental education to foster a deep sense of pride in self, community, tribe and environment.
The Hualapai Detention and Rehabilitation Center will partner with the local University of Arizona extension office, the Tribal Housing Department, and local Boys and Girls Clubs to provide the juveniles with internships, youth mentors, and self esteem building leadership opportunities. CA/NCF