Project STRONG

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.

The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) will expand Project STRONG to serve Pushmataha County and the surrounding areas. Over the course of the 3-year project period, Project STRONG will provide services through forensic interviewing and support services to 400 victims and their families. Additionally, Project STRONG will facilitate training for 100 community members and CNO personnel in trauma-informed care and forensic interviewing skills and techniques. Data from Project STRONG will be collected and analyzed to produce a community needs assessment to facilitate an improved community response under the project. Through direct services and community outreach, Project STRONG hopes to combat the prevalence of child abuse and family violence affecting those victims within the TSA. (CA/NCF)