Tribal Court Improvement Program - Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC), also known as Dena' Nena' Henash, is a nonprofit tribal consortium representing 42 member tribes, including 37 federally recognized tribes across Interior Alaska. Through its Tribal Court Department, TCC provides training, technical assistance, and court development services to strengthen tribal justice systems while respecting the sovereignty, traditions, and unique needs of each Tribe. Through the Tribal Court Improvement Program, TCC will strengthen tribal court capacity to effectively manage Child in Need of Aid (CINA) and other child welfare cases involving Alaska Native children and families. The project will assess current court practices, identify areas for improvement, and implement targeted activities to enhance the quality, consistency, and timeliness of child welfare proceedings. Strong tribal courts are essential to protecting children, supporting families, preserving tribal connections, and advancing tribal authority in child welfare decision-making. Project activities will include assessing child welfare court practices and procedures, identifying training and technical assistance needs, reviewing policies and case management systems, and collaborating with tribal leaders, judges, court staff, child welfare programs, and other justice partners to strengthen court operations. Training and technical assistance will focus on improving case management, supporting timely and informed judicial decision-making, enhancing the quality and consistency of hearings, and strengthening legal representation and collaboration among stakeholders. Serving 37 federally recognized Tribes, TCC will facilitate peer learning and the sharing of promising practices among tribal courts throughout the region. Technical assistance will be tailored to the unique needs, resources, and priorities of each Tribe to ensure improvements are culturally responsive and sustainable. The project will improve the safety, permanency, and well-being of Alaska Native children by strengthening tribal court systems and enhancing the management of child welfare cases. Expected outcomes include improved court performance, more timely and effective hearings, stronger collaboration among child welfare partners, enhanced legal representation, increased compliance with applicable child welfare requirements, and greater tribal capacity to address child welfare matters within their communities.
