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DOJ task force calls for tribal jurisdiction in child abuse cases

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Cover sheet for new report: Attorney General’s Advisory Committee on American Indian/Alaska Native Children Exposed to Violence: Ending Violence so Children Can Thrive

After a year of work, the Task Force on American Indian and Alaska Native Children Exposed to Violence is releasing its report today.

The task force held a series of hearings around Indian Country to learn about issues facing American Indian and Alaska Native children. The group's members say Congress must recognize tribal jurisdiction over non-Indians who commit crimes against Native children.

"It is troubling that tribes have no criminal jurisdiction over non-Indians who commit heinous crimes of sexual and physical abuse of AI/AN children in Indian country," the report states.

Congress has recognized tribal authority over non-Indians who commit domestic violence offenses under S.47, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013. The law does not cover child abuse or sexual crimes against children.

The task force will be making its public presentation of the report today in Washington, D.C. The webcast will start at 10:30am Eastern time at doj.capitolconnection.org.

Get the Story:
Native American kids need more protection, advisory panel tells Holder in new report (The Washington Post 11/18)

Get the Report:
Attorney General’s Advisory Committee on American Indian/Alaska Native Children Exposed to Violence: Ending Violence so Children Can Thrive (November 2014)