YouthWorks, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating youth trafficking in North Dakota, is urging the House Appropriations - Education and Environment Division to approve an increase of $500,000 to its funding, bringing the total to $1.6 million for the upcoming biennium. This request was presented during a recent committee meeting, where the program manager highlighted the critical need for enhanced resources to support vulnerable youth across the state.

In the last biennium, YouthWorks utilized over $482,000 in state funds to provide essential services to trafficking victims, reaching 32% of North Dakota counties and all five Native American reservations. The organization has been a key player in the North Dakota Human Trafficking Task Force since 2015, collaborating with various agencies to ensure comprehensive support for victims.

Despite the significant impact of state funding, YouthWorks faced a reduction of nearly $154,000 in the current biennium, which has strained its ability to maintain services, particularly in rural areas. The program manager emphasized that without additional resources, the organization may have to forgo federal funding opportunities, which could total nearly $2 million if matched with state dollars.

The proposed funding increase is seen as vital not only for sustaining current services but also for expanding outreach to isolated communities where youth are particularly at risk. The committee's decision on this funding request will have far-reaching implications for the support and resources available to trafficking victims in North Dakota.