The big picture
The Care Coordination team’s ultimate goal is to eradicate commercial youth sexual exploitation in Texas, according to a county news release. The program is funded through the Office of the Texas Governor’s Child Sex Trafficking Team and does not receive funding from Williamson County, a county official said in an email to Community Impact.
The program partners with over a dozen local organizations and agencies composed of members united in supporting survivors, per the release.
Williamson County was unable to provide data about human trafficking in the county, as individual agencies currently identify and handle cases independently, the official said. As agencies begin working together, the Care Coordination team will now be able to collect countywide human trafficking data.
"The work on behalf of a vulnerable population will undoubtedly change lives and strengthen our community,” 277th District Court Judge Stacey Mathews said in the release. “I am thankful for each and every individual and organization involved in this important endeavor.”
About the program
Care Coordination team members will ensure the needs of child survivors of sex trafficking are met through professional assessments, counseling, prosecution and long-term support, per the release.
On Jan. 24, officials held a launch event for Care Coordination at the Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center.
“Care Coordination’s mission is clear: identify the kids who are being trafficked and swiftly ensure wrap-around services, sustained safety and care,” said Kaylee Wolf, Unbound Now care coordinator, in the release.
