More than 100 organizations received funding for grants and programs designed to support victims of human trafficking in the U.S.[1] The funds were dispersed through the Office of Justice Programs’ Bureau of Justice Assistance, the National Institute of Justice, and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, as well as the Office for Victims of Crime.
Human trafficking has become a focus of regulation, enforcement, and government resources due to a growing recognition of the large scale and widespread nature of the problem. Programs funded by the Office of Justice Programs include services for adult and child victims, technical assistance and training to law enforcement agencies and other individuals involved in helping victims, and further research into the challenges posed by human trafficking throughout the United States. Among other initiatives, funding went to:
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The Direct Services to Support Victims of Human Trafficking program, which gives nearly $53 million to 77 organizations to enhance the quality and quantity of services available to victims of all forms of trafficking.
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The Integrated Services for Minor Victims of Human Trafficking program, which awards more than $15 million to 32 programs to provide minors who are victims of trafficking with high-quality services that are developmentally appropriate and tailored for their individual needs.
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The Improving Outcomes for Child and Youth Victims of Human Trafficking program, which gives more than $6 million to four organizations to integrate human trafficking policy and programming at the state level and to enhance coordinated, multidisciplinary, and statewide approaches to serving trafficked youth.