Human Trafficking Initiative.

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 FY2010 Department of Justice Appropriations Act.

The St. Thomas University will use the grant funds to support the Academy on Human Trafficking to reach multiple targets through education and training of those involved in the investigation and the prosecution of human trafficking. The training of teachers and religious groups will simultaneously raise awareness of this problem, contribute to the prevention of the trafficking crime, and reduce juvenile vulnerability and delinquency in South Florida. It will contribute to victim assistance by empowering service providers to rescue, rehabilitate, and reintegrate those seriously impacted by this crime. The Academy on Human Trafficking will be a virtual Academy with numerous activities organized throughout the life of the grant, but its highlight will be a two-week condensed training and education to be held in the summer of 2011. The two-week training academy will teach and train professionals in the field. The project goals are to raise awareness of the issue of human trafficking throughout the state of Florida; train participants to identify victims and potential victims; assist participants to explore and develop the necessary means and methods to provide applicable services to the identified groups; educate the South Florida community-at-large with new insights on human trafficking; provide tools that will increase cooperation of victims in prosecuting trafficking cases; and ensure that appropriate follow-up procedures are conducted to assess the academy's effectiveness and to allow for improved reporting standards.

NCA/NCF