Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe Purpose Area 7 Tribal Victim Services Project (OVC), improving services and support provided to survivors

OVC’s mission is to enhance the nation’s capacity to assist crime victims and provide leadership in changing policies and practices to promote justice and healing for all victims of crime. OVC achieves this mission, in part, by administering competitive award programs supported by the federal Crime Victims Fund to develop innovative training, technical assistance, and direct service projects designed to improve the overall quality of services delivered to crime victims.

The overall goal of Tribal Victim Service program is to provide support to Indian tribes to improve services for victims of crime. Under this program, funding supports a range of activities including needs assessment, strategic planning, program development and implementation, program expansion, and other activities to address the victim service needs of tribes.

With this award, Port Gamble S''Klallam Tribe requested funding to provide comprehensive, culturally appropriate direct services to all victims of crime. With funding, the tribe will: 1) conduct a needs assessment to identify underserved and unidentified populations; 2) develop policies, procedures and protocols; and 3) draft comprehensive new tribal code as it relates to elders, juveniles, vulnerable adults, and the rights of crime victims, while also including revision of relevant criminal codes. (CA/NCF)