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Hearing of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee - Juvenile Justice in Indian Country

Hearing

Date: July 15, 2015
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Minors and Children Indigenous Peoples Criminal Justice

"Today the Committee will examine Juvenile Justice in Indian Country: the Challenges and Promising Strategies.

"Indian communities are strong and thriving, but face many challenges and issues. I have heard from many tribal leaders and parents from these communities. None of the issues are more important to them than those affecting their children.

"One area that has not received enough attention from Congress is relating to the Native youth in the justice system. Congress passed the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010, in part, to improve juvenile justice for Indian communities.

"The Act also established the Indian Law and Order Commission to examine juvenile justice as part of its comprehensive study of law enforcement and criminal justice in Indian Country.

"The Commission's Final Report was issued on November 12, 2013. Among the more troubling findings of that Report are those related to juvenile justice.

"The Commission found that Native American youth are overrepresented in both Federal and state juvenile justice systems and receive harsher sentences than other juveniles.

"This finding dovetails with those of the Attorney General's Advisory Committee on American Indian/Alaska Native Children Exposed to Violence Task Force.

"The Advisory Committee Report--issued in November, 2014--called into question the effectiveness of the juvenile justice systems in which these children may be involved.

"Both Reports indicated that, while in the system, these young people were not receiving the services needed to rehabilitate them or to prevent recidivism.

"It is incumbent upon both the Administration and Congress to examine the challenges facing these young people.

"As Chairman, I made juvenile justice one of my key priorities. I intend to work closely with the Administration and our Members to find the best strategies and solutions to help these young people turn their lives around.

"Today is a good start. I welcome the witnesses."


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