The utah trafficking in persons (utip) task forces goal is to implement a coordinated victim-centered, trauma-informed approach through multidisciplinary collaboration to combat human trafficking in…

This $999,994 Cooperative Agreement award from the U.S. Department of Justice's Office for Victims of Crime (CFDA 16.320 - Services for Trafficking Victims) will fund the Utah Trafficking in Persons (UTIP) Task Force. The goal of the UTIP Task Force is to implement a coordinated, victim-centered, and trauma-informed approach to combat human trafficking throughout Utah. Key objectives include identifying victims, investigating and prosecuting trafficking cases, providing comprehensive victim services, and increasing awareness and community outreach. The project will target both sex and labor trafficking, and the intended beneficiaries are all Utah communities. The Attorney General of Utah Office will serve as the primary awardee, working with a range of state and local government partners as well as community-based service providers. The project period runs from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2027.

The utah trafficking in persons (utip) task forces goal is to implement a coordinated victim-centered, trauma-informed approach through multidisciplinary collaboration to combat human trafficking in utah through 1) identifying victims of all human trafficking; 2) investigating and prosecuting all forms of trafficking cases; 3) providing comprehensive services to all trafficking victims; and 4) providing training, increasing awareness and community outreach. To accomplish this goal the utip task force will 1) develop, sustain, and strengthen CO-leaders structure and coordination of ECM task force partnerships and activities; 2) develop, implement, or revise a set of written protocols to guide overall task force functions; 3) collect data and conduct ongoing assessment activities; 4) implement victim-centered, trauma-informed, and collaborative approaches; 5) investigate, refer, and prosecute both SEX and labor trafficking cases at local, state, tribal, and federal levels; and 6) assist victims of SEX and labor trafficking in achieving increased safety, independence, self-sufficiency, and well-being by providing appropriate services. The project will target human trafficking throughout the entire state of utah. The intended beneficiaries are all utah communities. Through this project, the utip task force aims to expand task force effectiveness and build on current momentum to make statewide strides in will and capacity to address SEX and labor trafficking.