Project TEAM is now accepting letters of interest from representatives of federally recognized Indian tribes and their local, state or federal partners who wish to develop a judicially-led, joint jurisdiction justice related collaboration in their communities. Project TEAM will provide on-site training and technical assistance for up to two projects identified through this selection process.
Required Elements of Letters of Interest
In order to be considered for Project TEAM's assistance, letters of interest must include the following elements:
- Letters of interest much be signed by both a tribal and non-tribal judge. Signing the letter should indicate an intention on the part of the judges to serve as leaders of the project
- Potential sites must be from states not under Public Law 83-280 (commonly referred to as Public Law 280 or PL 280) legal authority. For more information about PL 280, see the Tribal Law and Policy Institute's website. Link: http://www.tribal-institute.org/lists/pl280.htm
- A brief description of the project the applicants would like to create OR the target population/justice related goal they would like to achieve
- A resolution or letter from Tribal Council supporting tribal participation in the project
The following elements are preferred, but not required:
- Federal participation in the application or a letter of support indicating intention to participate in the project development. Examples of federal participation include but are not limited to support from a federal judge, federal law enforcement, or a U.S. Attorney
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Documentation of the availability of resources needed in the community to support the project or goals identified (e.g., treatment facilities, relationships with supervision officers or law enforcement)
Process for Evaluating Letters of Interest and Selecting Upcoming Pilot Sites
Letters of interest (and supporting materials) are due by Friday, July 1, 2016. Project TEAM will review the letters of interest and invite qualifying applicants to participate in a phone interview with Project TEAM staff. Following the phone interviews, Project TEAM staff will review all proposed projects and make a recommendation to Bureau of Justice Assistance staff on which project(s) to pursue. All applicants will receive final notice of their application's status by Monday, August 1, 2016.
For more information about Project TEAM, opportunities for on-site technical assistance, or other services Project TEAM may provide, please contact Allison Leof at leof@ohsu.edu or 503-494-3805
This manual is a roadmap for tribal and community leaders who want to develop joint jurisdiction courts or initiatives in their own communities. It is intended to be a guide, articulating the process developed in one Minnesota community and adopted by other jurisdictions, as well as providing information on creating new joint jurisdiction initiatives.