Title:
Grant Application: NC Human Trafficking Commission - Human Trafficking Collaboration
Summary
ACTION:
1) Affirm submission of a grant application for a total of $80,680 for the term of January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019 to the North Carolina Human Trafficking Commission in support of a Human Trafficking Collaboration
2) Recognize, receive and appropriate awarded grant funds
Staff Contact: Peggy Eagan, Director Department of Social Services
Presentation: No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
In Mecklenburg County, statistics show that on average at least one call a month at Youth and Family Services (YFS) is a referral that will get screened in for human trafficking and child exploitation. With the implementation of the new intake and assessment policy, the numbers will certainly increase. According to the Human Trafficking Coordinator at Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center, 24 minor victims of human trafficking were identified in Mecklenburg County in the second quarter of 2018. These cases will now be referred and substantiated within YFS and are now worked through a multi-agency collaboration to include Mecklenburg County Law Enforcement, Pat’s Place, local hospitals, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, and other participating agencies. Mecklenburg County YFS serves as the nuclei to serving youth that have been identified as victims of human trafficking and exploitation. Serving youth who have been victims of human trafficking can be complex and requires a specific skill set. The needs of these youth have historically overlapped with the child welfare system. As a result, Youth & Family Services (YFS) will need to increase their capacity to serve this population. Specialized professional development sessions will be required. Additionally, for those who have been victimized, enhancement of the clinical service continuum will be beneficial. This funding will support strategic collaborations with local and national experts within this specialized field which will assist with both efforts.
PROCUREMENT BACKGROUND:
N/A
POLICY IMPACT:
Service provision to victims of human trafficking and exploitation is an expanded requirement from the state for all 100 county Departments of Social Services. Receipt of this grant does not impact policy negatively but will allow for Mecklenburg County to expand our collaborative work with local stakeholders through developing policy and practice change to serve child victims of human trafficking and their families.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no impact on county funding. There is an increase in state revenue and associated expenses in the amount of $80,680.