Survivors of Trafficking Empowerment Program (STEP)

The primary goal of the FY 2018 Comprehensive Services for All Forms of Victims of Human Trafficking Program is to enhance the quality and quantity of services available to assist victims of human trafficking, as defined by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000, as amended. The Program provides funding to victim service organizations with a demonstrated history of providing comprehensive services for victims of human trafficking. Funding also supports efforts to increase the capacity of communities to respond to human trafficking victims through the development of interagency partnerships, professional training, and public awareness activities.

With this award, Refugee Services of Texas, Inc., of the Rio Grande Valley (RST RGV) will implement a collaborative and comprehensive service model to enhance the quality and quantity of services available to assist victims of human trafficking. To accomplish program goals, services will be implemented in alignment with the following objectives: 1) provide high quality case management services that address the individualized needs of victims of all forms of human trafficking in the RGV region; and 2) enhance interagency agency collaboration and coordinated response systems in the RGV region. Key deliverables will include the enhancement and sustainment of the on-call response capacities for the National Trafficking Hotline and other local law enforcement and social service agencies; sustained intensive case management services for victims, including foreign-born clients waiting for ORR certification; coordinated response systems for domestic trafficking victims; and continued and expanded education, awareness, and training for the local communities and law enforcement agencies on the identification and reporting of labor and sex trafficking in the RGV region.
CA/NCF