Victims of Human Trafficking in Native Communities Demonstration (VHT-NC) Program

MODIFICATION: OTIP has modified this forecast from its original version to reflect a change in project objectives. The originally proposed third objective (training) was replaced with public awareness. This is the only modification to the forecast. The Office on Trafficking in Persons (OTIP) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is announcing funds for the Victims of Human Trafficking in Native Communities (VHT-NC) Demonstration Program. The VHT-NC Demonstration Program’s goal is to directly fund organizations that will build, expand, and sustain organizational and community capacity to deliver services to Native American (i.e., American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and/or Pacific Islanders) adults and minors who have experienced a severe form of human trafficking as defined by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000, as amended, through the provision of direct services, assistance, and referrals. Under the VHT-NC Demonstration Program the following activities are required: 1) provision of comprehensive, culturally and linguistically responsive, case management to Native Americans who have experienced sex and labor trafficking; 2) increase identification of Native Americans who have experienced sex and labor trafficking through outreach; and 3) public awareness activities for the local community and organizations that may encounter individuals who have experienced sex and labor trafficking. The VHT-NC Demonstration Program is informed by a whole family approach that focuses equally and intentionally on services and opportunities for clients and their immediate family members living within their households. OTIP is encouraging the establishment of community partnerships, meaningful engagement of Native American individuals who have experienced trafficking, and the hiring of qualified professionals that reflect the communities being served in all project implementation strategies under the VHT-NC Demonstration Program. Under the VHT-NC Demonstration Program, there is a 12-month project implementation period for the prime recipient to facilitate optional partnerships, on-board new staff, and develop service protocols specific to Native Americans who have experienced human trafficking. However, clients must be served during the 12-month project implementation period. Under the VHT-NC Demonstration Program, the prime recipient must provide a statutorily mandated 25 percent match (cash or in-kind).