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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Contact: ACF Press Office
(202) 401-9215
HHS Awards Contract to Support Human Trafficking Victims
Catholic
bishops will partner to help restore victims’ lives
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) today announced a contract award to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) to provide comprehensive support services to victims of human trafficking. Awarded through ACF’s Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), the contract is designed to centralize services while maintaining a high level of care for victims of human trafficking.
“This contract award reflects President Bush’s commitment to assist victims of human trafficking,” said HHS Assistant Secretary for Children and Families, Wade F. Horn, Ph.D. “The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is uniquely qualified to fulfill this commitment because of its history of service, community involvement and national presence.”
Differing from other contract arrangements, USCCB will be provided with resources for each victim actually being served. This per-capita contract will ensure efficiency and the best possible services to victims of human trafficking. It will also streamline support services to help victims of human trafficking gain access to shelter, legal assistance, job training and health care to establish lives free of violence and exploitation.
“Human trafficking is at the forefront of social issues addressed by the Catholic Church and the U.S. bishops,” said Bishop Gerald R. Barnes of San Bernardino, California, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Migration. “We recognize the depth of this challenge and are honored to continue serving in this important work.”
The contract will work in concert with HHS’ ongoing campaign, Rescue & Restore Victims of Human Trafficking, which educates Americans about human trafficking and how they can help victims in their own community. A key component of the campaign is the 24/7 toll-free trafficking information and referral hotline, 1.888.373.7888. Victim service needs that originate through the hotline will be served through the USCCB contract.
To learn more about HHS’ efforts to provide support to trafficking victims, visit www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/programs/astvict.htm. To learn more about HHS campaign to rescue and restore victims of human trafficking, view: www.acf.hhs.gov/trafficking/.
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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at www.hhs.gov/news