Unified Solutions staff member, Dianne Barker Harrold, Honored for 33 years of service at The National Crime Victims' Service Awards Ceremony; Unified Solutions Board Member, Rebekah Jones of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, Victim Services Program, also Recognized for Community Change at the National Crime Victims' Rights Week awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 24, 2013, in Washington, D.C.!! READ MORE HERE

 

National Crime Victims' Rights Week starts Sunday!  Are you ready?  If you have not visted the website and listened to the "How to Make the Most of National Crime Victims' Rights Week" webinar,  or downloaded the materials--why not do that right now?

Visit  www.VictimsofCrime.org/NCVRW, where you will find: 

• A recording of the webinar
• Presentation materials for download 
• Links to the NCVRW Facebook and Twitter accounts
• Please visit the NCVRW Facebook page to post your NCVRW photos, news, and anything you want to share. NCVRW wants to showcase how our colleagues nationwide are observing 2013 National Crime Victims' Rights Week. 
• Downloadable NCVRW Resource Guide

 

Attend the National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony on April 24, 2013, at 2:00 pm (ET) in Washington, DC.

"During this annual ceremony, OVC recognizes individuals, teams, programs, and organizations that demonstrate outstanding service in supporting crime victims and victim services. Register online by April 19, 2013 to attend. This event is free and open to the public but please note that government-issued photo IDs are required to attend the event. (Posted March 14, 2013)" For more information, visit OVC's website HERE

 

OVC Announces 2013 NCVRW Theme and Colors

"New Challenges. New Solutions." is the theme for next year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), which will be observed April 21-27, 2013. Download the color palette to view the poster artwork and theme colors (midnight blue and orange). (OVC)

 

Justice Department Announces Policy on Tribal Member Use of Eagle Feathers. Read the press release HERE. To read the full policy CLICK HERE. Tribal Member Use of Feathers or Other Parts of Federally Protected Birds: Fact Sheet on Department of Justice Policy - READ HERE

 

Web Site Supports Pediatricians’ Efforts To Assist Children Exposed to Violence

The American Academy of Pediatrics, supported by a grant from the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), has launched a new Web site that provides pediatricians the resources they need to modify the operations of their practice to identify, treat, and refer children who have been victims of or witnesses to violence.

Visit the new Web site here: http://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/Medical-Home-for-Children-and-Adolescents-Exposed-to-Violence/Pages/Medical-Home-for-Children-and-Adolescents-Exposed-to-Violence.aspx?nfstatus=401&nftoken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000&nfstatusdescription=ERROR%3A+No+local+token

Resources:
Learn more about the Defending Childhood Initiative at this link: http://www.justice.gov/defendingchildhood/about-initiative.html

 

FTC Releases Resource on Child Identity Theft

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has released “Safeguarding Your Child’s Future.” This resource guide offers steps to help parents avoid, recognize, and repair the damage that child identity theft causes. The U.S. Department of Justice is working with the FTC on child identity theft as part of its efforts under the Office of Justice Programs’ Working Group on Identity Theft.

Resources:

To view the FTC resource guide, go to www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/idtheft/idt08.pdf.

 

VIDEO: Check out the U.S. Department of Interior's @letsmove in Indian Country basketball workshop, getting kids active HERE!

 

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) posted study results rlated to Sleep Disorders and Law Enforcement Officers - The NIJ states, "With ever-changing schedules, overtime, and overnight shifts, it is not surprising that some police officers suffer from sleep disorders. Sleep disorders, which are typically associated with poor health, performance and safety outcomes, are twice as prevalent among police officers compared to the general public -- and a new study suggests that they remain largely undiagnosed and untreated." Read more HERE!

 

The staff at Unified Solutions is deeply saddened by the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, on Dec. 14, 2012. Our thoughts and prayers are with all at this time.

 

Disaster Distress Helpline Offers Immediate Crisis Counseling
Call 1-800-985-5990 or text "TalkWithUs" to 66746.

The recent shooting at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, continues to bring out strong emotions across the Nation. The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, can provide immediate counseling to anyone who needs help in dealing with the many issues and problems that might arise from this tragedy.

Sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Helpline immediately connects callers to trained and caring professionals from the closest crisis counseling center in the nationwide network of centers. Helpline staff will provide confidential counseling, referrals, and other needed support services.

The Disaster Distress Helpline is a 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week national hotline dedicated to providing disaster crisis counseling. The toll-free Helpline is confidential and multilingual, and available for those who are experiencing psychological distress as a result of natural or man-made disasters, incidents of mass violence, or any other tragedy affecting America's communities.

Our texting service also is available to Spanish speakers. Text "Hablanos" to 66746 for 24/7 emotional support.
TTY for Deaf/Hearing Impaired: 1-800-846-8517

The Helpline also can be accessed online at HERE

 

President Obama Speaks on the Shooting in Connecticut - CLICK HERE

Federal and Tribal Officials Mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month at Annual Violence Against Women Tribal Consultation in Oklahoma - Read the press release HERE.

 

NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, 2012
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

 

CLICK HERE to read or download a copy of the declaration.

 

READ the Statement from HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on National Native American Heritage Month

 

Check out what the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation's Tribal Victim Services Staff is doing for Domestic Violence Awareness Month!!! CLICK HERE

 

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) - For more information about DVAM click HERE

 

BJA announced the opening of the 2011–2012 Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor (Medal of Valor) nomination period. The highest national award for valor by a public safety officer, this medal is awarded annually by the President or Vice President of the Unites States to public safety officers who have exhibited exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety, in the attempt to save or protect human life.

How to Nominate an Officer
Nominations will be accepted between May 31, 2012 and July 31, 2012. Only applications submitted through the Medal of Valor Application System will be eligible for consideration.

 

To receive the Medal of Valor, public safety officers must be nominated by the chief executive officer of their employing agencies; recommended by the bipartisan Medal of Valor Review Board; and cited by the Attorney General. Those interested in nominating an officer must submit their application through the online Medal of Valor Application System. All applications are limited to acts of valor that occurred between June 1, 2011 and May 31, 2012.

 

For questions about the award or how to nominate a public safety officer, please contact BJA at medalofvalor@usdoj.gov

 

Tribal Lands Day - CLICK HERE and tell them how your Tribe is making a difference!

 

Justice Department Recognizes Efforts to Rescue Children from Abuse and Prosecute Predators READ MORE

 

Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs Mary Lou Leary Speaks at the Justice Department’s National Missing Children’s Day Ceremony READ

 

Acting Associate Attorney General Tony West Speaks at the Department of Justice Sexual Assault Awareness Month Event READ ABOUT IT

 

Read the Statement of the Attorney General on the Passage of the Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act HERE

 

Congratulations to 2012 NCVRW Honoree Roi Holt for receiving the Federal Service Award!! CLICK HERE

https://ovcncvrw.ncjrs.gov/Awards/AwardGallery/gallerysearch.html

 

Attorney General Eric Holder Speaks at the White House Event on the Violence Against Women Act READ HERE

 

An Unwavering Commitment to End Violence Against Women

 

A Commitment to Serving Justice: Enhanced Discovery and Training Resources - READ JUSTICE BLOG POST

 

Click the following link to read about Safe Schools for All Students

 

Defending Childhood: Every Child Deserves a Safe Home, School and Community CLICK HERE to read The Justice Blog post.

 

On Tuesday, March 20, 2012, Attorney General Eric Holder Spoke at the White House LGBT Conference on Safe Schools & Communities READ HERE

 

Bison Return to Fort Peck: A Special Day, 200 Years in the Making

READ HERE

 

National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) is April 20-28, 2012. You can obtain a NCVRW Resource Guide and/or Campaign Materials HERE

 

Sex Trafficking Rampant in Indian Country; Pimps on Prowl for Native Girls - READ

 

Eliminating Barriers to Economic Growth in Indian Country -

Read article

 

From the Cradle to the Career: Improving Education for American Indians and Alaska Natives. Click HERE to read White House blog post.

 

Building a Fair and Stable Economy for Indian Country - Read article

 

Take the FREE online course, The Use of Technology to Stalk HERE!

 

International Women’s Day: Sexual Violence Against Indigenous Women and Girls. Click HERE to read the article.

 

Attorney General Urges Professionals To Take Action on Children’s Exposure To Violence. For more information about the Defending Childhood Initiative GO HERE and to view the Take Action Web Page click HERE

 

Attorney General Eric Holder’s Task Force Examines Children’s Exposure to Violence in Rural and Tribal Communities CLICK HERE to read the press release.

 

READ about President Obama's Blueprint for an America Built to Last and Indian Country

 

The National Citizen Review Panel Advisory Board is pleased to offer a limited number of scholarships to attend the 2012 National Citizen Review Panel conference in Washington, DC on April 15-17, 2012. For scholarship information, or to register click here.

 

Child Maltreatment 2010 Report Shows Decrease in Victims of Child Abuse and Neglect. Access a copy of the report HERE.

 

US Senate Indian Affairs Committe Legislative Hearing: SAVE Native Women Act Read More

 

January 11 is Human Trafficking Awareness Day in the United States go HERE for more information on human trafficking.

 

NEW! Attorney General Eric Holder Announces Revisions to the Uniform Crime Report’s Definition of Rape. Click HERE to read the National Press Release.

 

Access the Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance issued in October 2011 to view and or download a copy.

 

Click here to read Dr. Wingo's article Geographic Variation in Trends and Characteristics of Teen Childbearing among American Indians and Alaska Natives, 1990–2007

 

Access the TVA Resource Book and OCFO 2011 Financial Guide and more on the TVA Project Page.

 

Coping with the Holidays After the Death of a Loved One or When You Are a Victim/Crime Survivor

 

Holiday Personal Safety & Security Tips

 

Holiday Home Safety Tips

 

Holiday Safety Tips for Pets