Behavioral Health: HHS and DOJ Offer Grants to Help Human Trafficking Survivors

Why It Matters

Effective funding and performance tracking are critical to delivering mental‑health and substance‑use treatment to a vulnerable population, directly influencing survivor recovery and public‑health outcomes. DOJ’s metric gap could hinder accountability and limit the impact of its larger budget.

Key Takeaways

• HHS awarded $7.5 million in FY 2025, serving ~2,600 survivors
• DOJ granted $45 million, reaching over 11,300 survivors
• HHS set measurable near‑term goals; DOJ lacked them for adult program
• Provider shortages and specialized training gaps limit survivor access
• GAO recommends DOJ adopt target‑based metrics for adult survivor program

Pulse Analysis

Human trafficking remains a pervasive crime in the United States, with the National Human Trafficking Hotline reporting nearly 12,000 cases in 2024. Survivors often endure severe psychological trauma, making access to behavioral health services—such as therapy and substance‑use treatment—essential for long‑term recovery. Recognizing this need, HHS and DOJ channel federal grant dollars into programs that connect survivors with qualified providers, aiming to bridge a critical service gap that has historically been underfunded.

A GAO review highlights divergent approaches to program oversight. HHS’s grant framework incorporates clear, measurable near‑term goals—exemplified by a target of serving 50 survivors per fiscal year—allowing the agency to monitor progress and adjust resources efficiently. In contrast, DOJ’s adult survivor assistance program lacks comparable performance metrics, limiting its ability to assess effectiveness despite a substantially larger budget. This discrepancy underscores the importance of data‑driven accountability, especially when federal funds are directed toward vulnerable populations.

Beyond funding mechanics, systemic challenges impede service delivery. A shortage of clinicians trained in trauma‑informed care for trafficking survivors, coupled with uneven geographic distribution of specialists, restricts access for many victims. Both departments have responded by expanding training initiatives for behavioral health providers, yet the scale of need outpaces current capacity. GAO’s recommendation for DOJ to adopt target‑based metrics could catalyze more strategic investments, fostering a coordinated national response that improves outcomes for both minor and adult survivors.