Prevent Child Abuse America (PCA America), National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA), and Purdue University Calumet have formed a partnership to improve the understanding of tribal youth victimization and its impact on future juvenile delinquency in order to reduce these experiences in American Indian/Alaska Native communities. It is estimated that 20% of Native children will be at risk for a life of victimization beginning at birth.The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) has awarded a $1.5 million grant over three years for these three organizations to make this research possible. 

The full extent of American Indian/Alaska Native youth victimization and its subsequent relationship to pathways of juvenile delinquency, anti-social behaviors, and self-destructive acts is not known. Producing knowledge about the victimization of tribal youth and its relationship to juvenile delinquency could become a cornerstone in achieving parity, safety, and well-being. 

“We are pleased that the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention has awarded us this grant,” said PCA America President & CEO Jim Hmurovich. “We look forward to partnering with the National Indian Child Welfare Association and Purdue University Calumet on improving services to Native American children across the country.”

The project will include various approaches for this research, including culturally-appropriate surveys for American Indian/Alaska Native youth, adults, and tribal leaders. The results are intended to assist states and tribes in their strategic planning to reduce Native overrepresentation in youth victimization incidents. 

Tom Pavkov, Director of the Institute for Social and Policy Research at Purdue University Calumet, said “We are excited about collaborating on this project with the leading child welfare advocacy organizations in the country. Given the leadership of both Prevent Child Abuse America and the National Indian Child Welfare Association, the information gathered as part of this study will contribute significantly to the well-being of Native American youth across the United States.”