Create and implement a mentoring program to help control delinquency and keep Pala's Tribal youth out of the juvenile justice system.

Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr. launched a Department-wide initiative on public safety and victim services in Tribal communities. As part of this effort, Department of Justice (DOJ) leadership conducted a series of meetings across the country addressing violent crime in Tribal communities. As a result, DOJ developed the Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2010, combining DOJ's existing Tribal government-specific competitive solicitations into one, and thus requiring only one application from each Tribe or Tribal consortium. This approach provides federally-recognized Tribes and Tribal consortia the opportunity to develop a comprehensive approach to public safety and victimization issues. This award was selected under Purpose Area #8, Prevent and control delinquency and improve the juvenile justice system (OJJDP-Tribal Youth Program - TYP), CFDA #16.731, authorized under the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2010, Division B, Title II, Public Law 111-117, 123 Stat. 3122, 3134.

The Pala Tribe is requesting funds from the OJJDP to begin a mentoring program to assist its youth with becoming involved with their community in a positive way. This program will affect 468 tribal members under the age of 17. The program hopes to decrease youthful criminal behavior, increase the potential and responsibility of tribal youth and increase awareness of educational, cultural and career opportunities on the reservation. Pala Band of Mission Indians will reach their program goals and objectives by reducing the number of youth involved in criminal behavior while helping youth to accept their responsibilities and realize their potential. The Pala Tribe will begin by developing a mentoring program where older individuals engage in building a healthy, trusting relationship with tribal youth. Activities will include the following: conducting reasonably intensive screening of potential mentors; making matches based on interest that both the mentor and the youth share; providing training for the mentors; and offering post-match training and support. These types of mentoring programs will be implemented through Group and/or Team mentoring approaches. The Pala Tribe will measure the success of their project by the rate of youth that stay in and finish school, staying out of the criminal justice system and data will be collected through surveys and progress reports. CA/NCF