Tribes receive funding for drug courts

FROM THE ARCHIVE

Tribes receive funding for drug courts

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MONDAY, JULY 9, 2001

The Department of Justice on Friday awarded 18 tribes and Alaska Native villages $1.9 million in funding to combat crime and drug addiction, two growing problems in Indian Country.

Through the department's drug court program, the tribes and villages will use the funds to plan, implement, and enhance drug courts. Initiated in 1994 to combat rising numbers of non-violent drug users, the courts are touted as an alternative to incarceration of addicts.

Instead of jail time which often leads to repeat offenses, the courts promote treatment of drug problems along with strict supervision of participants. Each court can come up with its own programs, making it easier for tribes to implement culturally relevant solutions to two of the biggest issues facing American Indians and Alaska Natives.

According to federal statistics, Native Americans are the victims of violent crime at rates higher than the rest of the country. Despite being the smallest segment of the population, Native Americans are more than twice as likely to to be the victims of violent crime than any other race.

Not surprisingly, drug use in Indian Country is also high. In particular, Native youth have the highest rate of illicit drug use among Americans ages 12 and above.

The statistics have led a number of tribes and villages to drug courts. Since the program's inception, nearly 100 tribal drug courts have been created or are in the works.

Depending on the tribe, the courts treat youth and adult users and sometimes both. The Spokane Tribe of Washington has created courts for youth and adults and has received another $299,900 grant to enhance its efforts. The adult court has been in operation for three years, while the juvenile one will be entering its second.

According to the Drug Court Clearinghouse at American University, courts like the ones on the Spokane Reservation have been successful. A nationwide survey showed that repeat offenses by graduates dropped anywhere from 2 to 20 percent, a significant reduction in the 50 percent rate criminal justice experts say is the norm.

The Clearinghouse also says the courts save money. Prosecution, witness, and police overtime costs are just some of the areas in which money has been saved, says American University.

The Bush administration has requested $50 million for drug courts in fiscal year 2002, the same available for 2001. Tribes last year received $5 million for drug courts.

Get a list of Grantees:
Tribal grantees in drug court program (7/9)

Relevant Links:
Drug Court Program, Department of Justice - http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/dcpo
Drug Court Clearinghouse, American University - http://www.american.edu/justice