OVC FY 2018 Non-Competitive Human Trafficking Enhanced Collaborative Model (ECM) Invitation to Apply

administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) and OVC. Each applicant was eligible to apply for between $600,000 and $900,000 with a combined level of federal funding for each task force not to exceed $1.5 million. In FY 2016, OVC made 22 grant awards to victim service organizations, and BJA made 22 awards to corresponding law enforcement partner agencies that demonstrated a history of providing services for victims of human trafficking. Specifically, these organizations, including Alamo Rape Crisis Center, received awards to support the development and enhancement of multidisciplinary task forces that implement collaborative approaches to combating all forms of human trafficking within the United States including sex trafficking and labor trafficking, of foreign nationals and U.S. citizens of all genders and ages. Alamo Rape Crisis Center is the victim service partner in this FY 2016 ECM award. Other partners within the task force include the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas, San Antonio Police Department, Bexar County District Attorney Office, Bexar County Sheriff's Office, Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Texas Department of Public Safety, U.S. Border Patrol, Bexar County Adult Probation Department, Bexar County Juvenile Probation Department, and members of the Alamo Area Council of Government law enforcement representatives. The mission of the task force is to facilitate strategic operations in protecting and identifying victims of human trafficking; fully investigate all reports of human trafficking; prosecute cases of human trafficking; and provide victims with information and referrals to trauma-informed, victim-centered community organizations and human health services that offer support, medical care, restoration, and rehabilitation. The Alamo Rape Crisis Center has established partnerships with other community agencies to provide a variety of victim services, including medical and mental health services, victim legal services, housing, interpreter/translation services, culturally appropriate services, support for LGBTQ youth, and substance abuse recovery. The purpose of the FY 2016 award was to provide an opportunity for the task force to assess their current procedures and functions regarding formation, operations, and maintenance. This continued funding will enable them to meet this goal.