43
Funds will help fight ‘modern day slavery’
By Marc Kovac
COLUMBUS
State officials have announced two more initiatives in their fight against human trafficking.
More than half a million dollars will go to advocacy centers around the state to provide services to minor victims, while nearly $300,000 will be used to expand prevention efforts in the Toledo area.
The outlays are the latest in a series of law changes, task force studies and executive orders aimed at combatting “modern day slavery” — men and women trapped in prostitution and forced labor.
Over the past several years, state officials have adopted policy changes and passed legislation to increase criminal penalties and institute mandatory prison sentences against pimps and offer counseling and better services to victims.
Earlier this year, the state hired its first-ever human trafficking coordinator to spearhead additional efforts.
On Tuesday, the state’s departments of Job and Family Service and Public Safety announced $523,200 in funding for the Ohio Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers to provide services to children who are victims of human trafficking.
The funds also will bolster law enforcement efforts in more than two dozen counties, including Columbiana, Guernsey, Henry, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, Tuscarawas and Wayne.
“Medical professionals, law enforcement officers and social workers at Ohio’s 26 children’s advocacy centers will provide victims and their families with a broad range of services, including medical screenings, forensic interviews, case management and trauma-focused mental health services,” Michael Colbert, director of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, said in a released statement.
On Monday, the state Controlling Board signed off on $290,223 to support human trafficking projects at two Toledo-area nonprofits.
According to documents, “Children under the age of 18 are the largest group of trafficking victims in the United States. Ninety percent of runaway children become involved with the commercial sex industry, with many approached by a trafficker within 48 hours of running away.”