Commission advances housing and supply‑kit strategies; Children's Network to partner on foster recruitment

Members of the Hillsborough County Commission on Human Trafficking voted Jan. 23 to move forward on two priority strategies from the commission’s strategic plan: evaluating existing providers and partnering with the Children’s Network on supportive housing and foster recruitment (Strategy 1), and revising distribution and content of supply kits for survivors (Strategy 2).

Terry Balliet of the Children’s Network told the commission the agency is lead for child welfare locally and has about 2,300 children in its broader system; she estimated the number of verified human‑trafficking youth in the system was under 10. Balliet asked for assistance recruiting trauma‑informed foster homes and said the Children’s Network will send materials outlining partnership opportunities.

In a broader discussion, law enforcement and partner agencies said existing "go bags" and comfort kits are often available but may lack critical items such as prepaid phones or store cards for immediate needs when survivors’ phones are retained as evidence. Commissioners discussed coordinating rather than duplicating supply efforts and instructed the steering committee to produce options and likely budget requests for consideration. The motion to proceed with Strategy 1 and Strategy 2 passed by voice vote.