IRC Abilene Enhancing Access to Comprehensive Services for Human Trafficking Victims 2022

Under this project, IRC will expand and continue providing comprehensive services to victims of trafficking (VOTs) in 19 counties of Big Country and West Texas from identification to self-sufficiency, build community capacity to increase identification and collaboration, accurately connect VOTs to necessary referrals and services, and track programmatic impact through data and ongoing evaluation. Comprehensive services to all VOTs, regardless of citizenship, type of trafficking, gender and age, will be provided by an Anti-Trafficking Caseworker, utilizing trauma-informed, victim centered services that preserve the autonomy of VOTs and seek to empower clients in rebuilding their lives. The 19 counties to be covered by the project are Brown, Callahan, Coke, Coleman, Comanche, Eastland, Ector, Fisher, Glasscock, Howard, Jones, Midland, Mitchell, Nolan, Runnels, Scurry, Shackelford, Sterling, and Taylor. Previously designed referral mechanisms will be refined as new community partners are identified, ensuring that all VOTs are provided access to wraparound services that address the complex needs of VOTs. Regional Victims Crisis Center (RVCC) will be a subgrantee of the award and will provide court and medical accompaniment to VOTs. Community capacity will be built through extensive trainings on human trafficking identification and response, targeting service providers across sectors and law enforcement. Additional capacity will be built through direct outreach to marginalized and under-served high-risk populations, Cuban entrants, and undocumented migrants. Data will be tracked throughout the course of the grant using confidential practices that protect the anonymity of clients and evaluation will occur through ongoing and targeted monitoring activities. Through these activities, IRC will generate outcomes that increase the safety, self-sufficiency, and wellbeing of VOTs, greater and easier access to community services, stronger community knowledge on how to identify and refer potential human trafficking cases, and accurate data collection on trends and successes.