US PACT (Policy Advocacy to Combat Trafficking) - The National Institute on State Policy on Trafficking of Women and Girls

The Congressionally Recommended Awards Program, authorized by the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2010 (Pub. L. 111-117), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects recommended by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-117, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 2010 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY 2010 Department of Justice Appropriations Act.

The Center for Women Policy Studies (The Center) will continue to implement strategies and activities to achieve the objectives of the US PACT (Policy Advocacy to Combat Trafficking) Project. The Center will convene and participate in briefings, conferences, and other meetings on international trafficking in partnership with state legislators, community organizations, and colleges/universities. The project will provide individualized technical assistance to help state legislators and community leaders in at least five states to develop state initiatives to address international trafficking of women and girls in their states and communities. The Center will convene regional summits to educate new groups of state legislators and community leaders about international trafficking of women and girls as a global women's human rights crisis. They will also convene the fourth GlobalPOWER® (Partnership of Women Elected/Appointed Representatives) program bringing a new group of women members of Parliament and Ministry officials to Washington, DC. The Center will maintain and update an online clearinghouse on trafficking policy as a comprehensive repository of data, research, legislation, and other materials on trafficking.

NCA/NCF