NCJ Number
217994
Date Published
2007
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This fact sheet provides an overview of the history and accomplishments of the Tribal Courts Assistance Program (TCAP) offering support to tribal justice systems.
Abstract
The Tribal Courts Assistance Program (TCAP), one of the U.S. Department of Justice's primary initiatives for providing court-related support to tribal justice systems, was first announced in fiscal year 1999 through a competitive application process to assist American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Key steps taken under the TCAP include: (1) maximize the delivery of technical assistance and training services; (2) lower the number of grants to provider organizations to reduce overhead; (3) identify a single organization (Tribal Judicial Institute at the University of North Dakota of law) to coordinate technical assistance and training activities; and (4) establish a cadre of culturally competent consultants to respond to requests for services. This resulted in tribes being able to choose from a menu of services to meet their program development needs and support tribal court development. To support the development, implementation, enhancement, and continuing operation of tribal judicial systems, the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) administers grants. This application process is reviewed.