Program for Victims of Human Trafficking Receives Federal Funding

SPRINGFIELD — Dr. Jessica Wozniak, clinical research and development manager of Baystate Health’s Family Advocacy Center, recently received a multi-year, $600,000 grant for One Mission: A Comprehensive Service Program for Victims of Human Trafficking.

This is a specialized service-provision program funded by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime. One Mission will serve human-trafficking victims ages 3 to 24 in Hampden County and their families.

The aim of this project is to increase access to, and coordination of, evidence-based, trauma-informed services for victims of human trafficking by providing specialized and comprehensive case coordination and victim advocacy.

“We have seen more and more families struggle with the various emotional and practical barriers to accessing treatment and services necessary to move forward after victimization,” noted Wozniak and her colleague, Dr. Stephanie Daly, in their grant application.

The Family Advocacy Center is a nationally accredited center designed to help children and families affected by child abuse, family violence, or homicide.

Wozniak is assistant professor of Psychiatry at UMass Medical School – Baystate and one of fewer than 100 trainers in trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy in the country. She also recently received a $2 million federal grant for mental healthcare for children and families who are experiencing trauma and loss.