Micmac Tribal Youth Program

The Justice Department's grant-making components have created a streamlined approach for federally recognized Tribes, Tribal consortia, Alaska Native villages and corporations, as well as authorized tribal designees to apply for Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 funding opportunities. The Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) serves as a single solicitation for existing tribal government-specific grant programs administered by the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). The CTAS solicitation is designed to assist tribes with addressing crime and public safety issues in a comprehensive manner. The CTAS grant-application process was inspired by and developed after consultation with tribal leaders, including sessions at the Justice Department's Tribal Nations Listening Session in 2009, and has been updated based on continued tribal consultations and listening sessions.

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) provides awards under CTAS Purpose Area 9--Tribal Youth Program (TYP) to federally recognized tribes to develop and implement programs that support and enhance Tribal efforts to prevent and control juvenile delinquency and strengthen juvenile justice system for American Indian/Alaska Native 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 Aroostook Band of Micmacs will expand and enhance their Micmac Youth Program. While the Tribe's current program serves as a foundation, it does not provide a comprehensive approach that meets the specific needs of the youth. The expanded program will allow for the hiring of a highly qualified full-time staff person dedicated to serving the specific needs of the youth. The Micmac Youth Program will offer a drop-in center at the existing youth building that will be open Monday through Saturday. Available youth activities funded through this project include: 1) promoting self-respect and respect for others through teaching of cultural practices; 2) providing prevention and awareness programs for drugs, alcohol, tobacco and sexual activity, and 3) providing youth with fun and healthy recreational and social opportunities. In addition, grant funds will be used to provide a new van to transport youth to and from activities, which will allow increased participation in geographically vast service area. Finally, this program will empower the youth by building pride in their Micmac heritage and prepare them for tribal leadership so they can help their community create a healthy and vibrant future.
CA/NCF