Optimizing Tribal Youth Outcomes for Leas & Legal Professionals
Official title: Optimizing Tribal Youth Outcomes: First Face for Law Enforcement & Legal Professionals
Funded at Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations · NIH-11366300 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A culturally grounded training program for Tribal law enforcement and legal professionals to better support youth with mental health and substance-use challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Spokane Valley, United States) |
| Project start | September 11, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,538 |
| NIH project number | 1S06GM164729-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11366300 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable for this grant.
✕Less likely to help
This grant does not involve direct patient participation; it targets professionals serving youth.
What this research studies
This grant adapts an existing First Face for Mental Health training to be used by Tribal police and courts, focusing on de-escalation, adolescent development, and culturally informed approaches. The project uses an iterative development process to tailor content and then test its effectiveness in real-world settings. By improving interactions between law enforcement, the legal system, and Tribal youth, the program aims to reduce trauma and improve outcomes for individuals and communities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the training could lead to safer, more compassionate responses to youth in crisis and stronger partnerships between Tribal communities and law enforcement.
How similar studies have gone: Prior training adaptations have shown promise in improving crisis-intervention outcomes, but Tribal-specific implementations require contextual tailoring.
Where this research is happening
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Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations
Spokane Valley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nelson, Sarah E — Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations
- Study coordinator: Nelson, Sarah E
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.