Palmetto State News

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, who chairs the South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force, has announced a new grant program worth $6.5 million. The funding, provided by the General Assembly, aims to develop and expand specialized residential services for trafficked children and adolescents.

"South Carolina lacks adequate resources to support minor victims of both sex trafficking and labor trafficking," said Attorney General Wilson. "The $6.5 million grant program is the first step in ensuring that children receive the services they need to recover from their victimization."

The Task Force has issued a Request for Intent Application on its website as part of the grant process. Interested organizations must submit their applications by 5 PM on February 14th.

"We encourage non-profits and state agencies with the capacity to work with minor victims to apply for the funding," stated Task Force Director Kathryn Moorehead. "These children are incredibly vulnerable and need programs that can provide an array of services to treat trauma, substance use disorders, and physical injuries."

Further details about the grant program can be found on the State Task Force website at humantrafficking.scag.gov. To report incidents or seek victim services, individuals can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888, which operates confidentially around-the-clock.