[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6102796,"mediaKeyId","2803315-f705e31e45013c009c017f3231af3c78","parentId",2803315,"title","Meeting roundup: commission approves meeting recap, disbands legislative subcommittee, vests RFP decisions to steering committee","audioSeconds",4203,"startMs",870000,"endMs",5073000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2803315-f705e31e45013c009c017f3231af3c78&start=870&end=5073","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2803315-f705e31e45013c009c017f3231af3c78/thumbnail_870000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6102796/Hillsborough-County/Florida/Meeting-roundup-commission-approves-meeting-recap-disbands-legislative-subcommittee-vests-RFP-decisions-to-steering-committee","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6102796-6a51d1026febbf3ba34f0dc4c818be3d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771023719&Signature=QrPUjwJLlw6TStPG2N9oExO2h-zRHMYYn0iQAP2gPU8IF6iEK1~C8adY36e~YWP-YD~zcI-lR8JTHrlcgdh87iv~7Ddk9DigOhcG-rCvX53o7keSG73Vx58DfA3UAedAyd9qLclBXGOrJCXaTofC~8mPGMtZRhCUAID-0LOadWH1r7kKmkvpRx-Aqevjp1CYQV20cstgjFd1Kj9OpRT23jheHNs~3Wox9nXYOfwk7u5zsHEcm~8hjqtetgKZaxIxpclHX6gMkji7uKuanrLy4Z1tyeus-YIIJ2TK00EWrzBg7UW3LFxosJwxuM3lW62otW0QmOnlAL-2Km~4FrZ-mw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hillsborough County, FL ","date","2025-03-28T02:29:06.99Z","article","At its March meeting the Hillsborough County Commission on Human Trafficking took several procedural and governance votes and issued direction to staff and the steering committee.

Key votes and outcomes

- Approval of meeting recap: The commission approved the January 23, 2025 meeting recap on a voice vote.

- Disband legislative and judicial subcommittee: Commissioners voted to disband the legislative and judicial subcommittee and asked staff to continue providing legislative updates at full meetings.

- Vest RFP/procurement authority in steering committee: The commission voted to authorize the steering committee to advance procurement steps, including issuance and scoring of RFPs for remaining commission funds, to meet procurement timelines. Staff noted a typical RFP procurement timeline can take 90 days and emphasized the need for timely decisions.

Other items discussed

- Public art (mural) installation: Staff reported that the Florida Department of Transportation reviewed and moved the installation locations; the artwork will remain unchanged but panels will be installed at alternate FDOT‑approved locations near the transit area. Staff said FDOT is pricing options and the Tampa Foundation is managing the project schedule.

- Public comment and steering committee scheduling: Several items, including public comments, were deferred to the April steering committee meeting to allow more detailed review and procurement planning.

No roll‑call tallies were recorded in the public audio for these procedural votes; outcomes were recorded as voice votes in the meeting minutes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Commission on Human Trafficking - 3.27.25","oneSentenceSummary","At the Hillsborough County Commission on Human Trafficking meeting commissioners approved the January meeting recap, disbanded the legislative and judicial subcommittee and directed remaining RFP and procurement decisions to the steering committee; several other items were discussed and referred to the steering committee.","taxTitle","Hillsborough County, Florida","taxId",2865,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6102801,"Lotus Coalition describes $100,000 county grant to open drop‑in center, expand safe housing and outreach",3419,3732000,7151000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2803315-f705e31e45013c009c017f3231af3c78&start=3732&end=7151","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2803315-f705e31e45013c009c017f3231af3c78/thumbnail_3732000.jpg","/articles/6102801/Hillsborough-County/Florida/Lotus-Coalition-describes-100000-county-grant-to-open-dropin-center-expand-safe-housing-and-outreach","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6102801-dab432bb87dace5efdf40a20775d866d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771023719&Signature=J-GWApLa5nstuhuOQ83g6wRMpUAy6K5bPY52vsam61QwmjDYJX6v1YrfyfsADpo4zd-naXPb3XYnPOerPUKpAkgBwHL4TV2cegNDfhZeP3v2~L-ADTDFoeohxBCGtnPxx5TOmUjHP0D3iIyZP-eq9mrax08cRHAb1bRzhQx9sWbcEDhidR0VY2ZnPvGJI~NqQSYdiCzypNjt2DUg3ekwMjXeB8gkY2Z6tjkehydFm~Nk3sqRqN-O1q8ivmIWRE2viO0VsJwn~8Xo8O2rMw~HnGuBrrQudQN4oSeCIZJ5sZZ7PSKhmp6KJcGNKJBv1gcjTN9Uv~9iIdRuyDbmW3KNug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lotus Coalition told the Hillsborough County Commission on Human Trafficking it has been awarded $100,000 in one‑time county funding to expand safe housing, operate a drop‑in center and scale mobile outreach services across the Tampa Bay area.

Paula LaRue, director of the Lotus Coalition, and April Arnold, an outreach coordinator and survivor leader with the organization, described planned uses for the funds: operating a drop‑in center at 2208 E. Columbus, increased safe‑housing capacity (including men’s and LGBTQ‑specific beds), mobile outreach teams, Narcan distribution and training, and case management to connect survivors and other underserved residents to services. LaRue said the agency already runs outreach trips and three extended‑foster‑care houses for 18‑ to 24‑year‑olds and that the county award will allow the organization to scale its existing work.

April Arnold, a survivor leader who described 14 years of exploitation and more than 18 years working on outreach and survivor services, told the commission that stable housing and a place to shower and receive immediate services were decisive in her own recovery and are central to the Lotus Coalition’s approach. “Housing is a very, very important part of getting out of human trafficking,” Arnold said. She said the drop‑in center will provide showers, clothes, GED services in partnership with local funders, phone charging, case management and referrals; she added that Lotus already accepts referrals and runs multiple monthly outreach events.

Commission members praised the organization’s hands‑on approach. A commissioner who volunteers with Lotus called the award “money well spent” and commended the group’s boots‑on‑the‑ground model. LaRue said that, while some county money has been received, Lotus also relies on other grants and donations to sustain longer‑term operations.

LaRue and Arnold encouraged referrals and volunteers and asked stakeholders to share the new center’s contact information with partners who may refer survivors or people at immediate risk.

","The nonprofit Lotus Coalition told the commission it has received a one‑time $100,000 award from the county to open a drop‑in center at 2208 E. Columbus and to expand safe housing, mobile outreach, Narcan distribution and peer supports for survivors and people at risk of homelessness.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6102806,"USF BRIGHT conference proposal sent to steering committee after debate over research budget",3196,2872000,6068000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2803315-f705e31e45013c009c017f3231af3c78&start=2872&end=6068","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2803315-f705e31e45013c009c017f3231af3c78/thumbnail_2872000.jpg","/articles/6102806/Hillsborough-County/Florida/USF-BRIGHT-conference-proposal-sent-to-steering-committee-after-debate-over-research-budget","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6102806-8084afb598f0f6fa9f4ee0e1409605c6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771023719&Signature=COjSe~bgN8vKEKMtWlKEXL0rlzfCWKtx3YeCuksG2zDVsomUeQ5oaLvr0DEMiYOFgyUHGRZyKds1~ZMor~HYIUCHk3wjIk2KhklQ2YlkZvXSQR2EwgsywbYRjzYX9KI4na5dSDqZLHhWTco0zrBsL3welSkYqSDJ-5uof1sQ47p6ABjWzqfIUVi6ifkJukcs5LAbBrCc-gPdXAVnnrvA1F78Me7KQa7Zm8cIK2sQ~zEGvO6-VH2skB1K2wIaA~qtOxpEQNf-25IRDD~GvPZ0Re~KzMYHbYunGBd9KAi7sTmKEIc7vM7qDkDeumxCUTJEkiQmu~acqY1x~MWy0-Ze2Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A proposal from the University of South Florida to fund a research‑based conference and to develop a county‑level response model for human trafficking was discussed at length and referred to the commission’s steering committee for further review.

Dr. Shelley Wages (presented as “Doctor Wages”), lead researcher for the proposal, told the commission the project combines qualitative research, a training and networking conference, and development of a prototype response model informed by law enforcement, court actors, survivors and nonprofit service providers. “We conducted initial work with Hillsborough County to pilot our platform and we would build on that here,” she said, describing a front‑end needs assessment and focus groups that would inform a conference and recommendations.

The proposal included a budget request of about $181,000; presenters said personnel and event costs were the largest lines and that research personnel and graduate assistants accounted for roughly $106,000 of the ask. Several commissioners and stakeholders questioned the scale and timing. One commissioner said the county had yet to hold a local conference and questioned whether the research line was necessary before testing a smaller event. Others noted the state‑level Florida Alliance Against Human Trafficking and an existing national investigators’ conference as overlapping resources.

Commission members also discussed survivor engagement and honoraria. Dr. Wages said the budget includes honoraria and travel for lived‑experience experts and said some survivor leaders would be contracted as personnel for facilitation and recruitment.

After extended discussion about scope, cost and timing — commissioners expressed concern that the proposed timeline was tight for an August–September conference — a motion to forward the proposal to the steering committee for additional vetting and potential refinement passed on a voice vote. Several members said steering committee review would allow staff, procurement and stakeholders to refine scope, examine possible cost reductions and, if appropriate, authorize contract action before the full commission’s next meeting.

Dr. Wages and her staff said they have existing partnerships and research experience in the county, and they acknowledged they would adjust the budget if the county asked for a more limited initial scope.

","The commission discussed a USF proposal for a research‑informed conference and pilot response model for human trafficking; members questioned the $181,000 total and $106,000 research line and voted to send the proposal to the steering committee for further vetting.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6102810,"Commission approves $182,253.50 for Children’s Network to expand foster supports for trafficking‑vulnerable youth",689,983000,1672000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2803315-f705e31e45013c009c017f3231af3c78&start=983&end=1672","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2803315-f705e31e45013c009c017f3231af3c78/thumbnail_983000.jpg","/articles/6102810/Hillsborough-County/Florida/Commission-approves-18225350-for-Childrens-Network-to-expand-foster-supports-for-traffickingvulnerable-youth","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6102810-f57f275e65589597cd0c125ebd8bcdf7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771023719&Signature=ctc1oLazn54G5TSKqO3RiBtEQ1BOZJYLLdwKe73JGDD~dEHncQnqEsjoxA-hQgntC9bAftPf-Pb85xxDa8P58EP3o1vKel2krwrwvIEtBIBzbC26WJrlwu5ijphr6IOb-YTbY5jTSocjV3P9XCuLNhnmVPVLhkinHxLJgs60QMx~62ckUcQJ6jjRpK3pMxoTsFGFmL7J-B5QbWOd-agEcOPNwenEJfx9Itoy6ekwUp8oDr2hWYEzM8aBWbU3aNGziuX~5jxeAqmpbKY~zTtMTF1ue18OWDa9CrUjuc66r7M94NhnFg1FMFDKGBl~yxbacg1aTm5epQpAib2Dtp2F6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hillsborough County Commission on Human Trafficking voted to approve $182,253.50 to the Children’s Network of Hillsborough County to fund a three‑part program aimed at preventing trafficking and supporting children in the dependency system.

The Children’s Network proposal, presented by Terry Ballot and Kimberly Williams of the network, requests funds for targeted marketing, a train‑the‑trainer program conducted in partnership with the No More Foundation, and enhanced subsidies and stipends for foster parents and youth. Kimberly Williams, identified in the meeting as the Children’s Network chief operating officer, said the program is meant to “support and prevent our most vulnerable population, which is our children in the dependency system.”

The network told the commission the proposed enhanced foster subsidy would add roughly $45 per day to the current daily board rate for 13‑ to 17‑year‑old youth (the presenters said the current board rate is about $25 a day), bringing foster parent compensation for those placements to about $70 a day. The proposal also would provide a youth incentive stipend of up to $100 a month for individualized positive‑behavior plans. Williams said the budget and service model were based on an initial cohort of 10 youth; presenters told the commission there are six verified youth currently in dependency who meet the program’s criteria and that additional youth would be identified to reach the ten‑youth pilot size.

Commission members and stakeholders pressed for implementation details. Celeste Williams of Redefining Refuge asked how the $100 monthly stipend to youth would be disbursed; Williams (Children’s Network) replied the money would be managed by foster parents and tied to individualized behavior plans. Natasha Nascimento of Redefining Refuge and others raised concern about oversight and suggested tangible incentives (outings, services) rather than cash or easily resold gift cards; the presenters said oversight would occur through foster parents and case management and that alternatives such as supervised savings accounts could be used.

Questions also addressed training and licensure. The presenters described the No More Foundation as a prior partner and said No More agreed to provide train‑the‑trainer sessions; several commission members urged exploring Devereux (a contracted therapeutic foster care provider) or other experienced therapeutic providers for training and noted that any licensure changes would proceed through the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Director Patrick Mincey of Children’s Services and procurement staff said procurement and contract guardrails would be needed to ensure reimbursement and compliance.

After discussion, a motion to approve the budget as presented was made and seconded; the commission then voted in favor. The record shows a voice vote of “aye” and no recorded nays. The presenters and staff said procurement would now begin work to finalize contracts and scopes of work.

The commission discussed routing contract decisions through the steering committee when timelines for procurement require faster action; presenters and staff said they would work with procurement and Children’s Services to develop the contract and implementation timeline.

The Children’s Network presentation in the packet lists a total ask of $182,253.50 and includes a 10% indirect rate; presenters said that amount was a prorated figure for the county fiscal period and that they could begin training and program activities as soon as contracts were in place.

The commission’s action moves the program into procurement and contract development; the presenters said they would return with more details on eligibility and oversight measures at subsequent steering committee or full‑board meetings.

","The Hillsborough County Commission on Human Trafficking on a majority vote approved $182,253.50 for the Children’s Network of Hillsborough County to fund marketing, train‑the‑trainer sessions and enhanced stipends for foster parents and a small youth incentive pilot aimed at children in the dependency system at risk of trafficking.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Meeting roundup: commission approves meeting recap, disbands legislative subcommittee, vests RFP decisions to steering committee

Lotus Coalition describes $100,000 county grant to open drop‑in center, expand safe housing and outreach

USF BRIGHT conference proposal sent to steering committee after debate over research budget

Commission approves $182,253.50 for Children’s Network to expand foster supports for trafficking‑vulnerable youth