MLBO-Child Advocacy Center

The Children's Justice Act (CJA) Partnerships for Indian Communities Grant Program (Victims of Crime Act of 1984, Section 1402(g), 34 U.S.C. 20101(g) supports American Indian and Alaska Native communities for the purpose of improving the investigation, prosecution, and handling of child abuse cases, especially cases of child sexual abuse, in a manner that increases support for and lessens trauma to child abuse victims. The funding further supports programs to provide comprehensive and coordinated multidisciplinary responses to child abuse victims and provide trauma-informed, culturally competent, holistic services to child abuse victims and their families.

Under this project, The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Health and Human Services Department will open a center to provide aid to children and families who are involved in a Child in Need of Protection or Services (CHIPS) case, or are in danger of becoming involved in a CHIPS case. The center will allow Social Workers, Family Home Visiting Staff, Elders, and other allied professionals to observe and support family interactions in a safe, controlled, and neutral environment.(CA/NCF)