Akta Tokatakiya Makoceowapi - A Map for the FutureOglala Sioux Tribal Court

Part of the Indian Country Law Enforcement Initiative, a joint initiative of DOJ and the U.S. Department of the Interior to improve law enforcement and the administration of criminal and juvenile justice in Indian country, OJJDP's Tribal Youth Program (TYP) supports and enhances tribal efforts to prevent and control delinquency and strengthen the juvenile justice system for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth. This program is authorized by the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, as amended and the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2009, Pub. L. 111-8.

The Oglala Sioux Tribe has a service population of 43,146, and is applying for category 3 funding to improve their tribal juvenile justice system. The Akta Tokatakiya Makoceowapi (ATM) ' A Map for the Future program seeks to serve 510 youth ages 8-17, on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. The purpose of the project is to divert young offenders from further contact with the courts and to advocate for children in harmful and unsafe situations so they do not become offenders. Goals of the project are to reduce the recidivism of juvenile offenders and to assure that children coming to court for other proceedings such as custody, abuse, neglect, etc. are protected and assisted to a better environment. Objectives are to develop policies to institutionalize service system for juveniles in court; provide a Juvenile Probation Officer; provide an Ekta Woope Oiwakta (Guardian Ad Litem) for youth involved in the OST Court as participants in custody, etc. cases; implement the use of Portfolio and Makoceowapi Wiconi (Life Plans); develop a tracking system for youth involved in the OST Court; coordinate service providers; and train staff.
CA/NCF