Oklahoma Department of Mental Health receives $ 600,000 grant to provide trauma-informed services to victims of human trafficking

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services will dedicate three-year federal grant to provide safe housing and metal health support to young victims sex trafficking.

The $ 600,000 grant will fund the RISE Above (RAP) project.

RAP will provide victims with “physical and psychological safety through transitional housing with supportive services and short-term housing assistance, as well as a link to a range of comprehensive support services.”

Restoring Identities After Sexual Exploitation (RISE) – a non-profit organization that provides girls with long-term residency, comprehensive and one-on-one services and mentorship to permanently escape the world of the sex trade and become adults independent and responsible – is the project’s lead partner, according to an Oklahoma Mental Health and Addiction Press Release.

“This RISE Above project will address some of the gaps in housing and support services that exist for these vulnerable young Oklahomans,” said Carrie Slatton-Hodges, ODMHSAS Commissioner. “Safe and stable housing is a critical part of their recovery, as is addressing the impact of trauma on mental health. “

RISE is the only housing service provider that focuses exclusively on young victims of human trafficking in Oklahoma.

Other partners include the Oklahoma Coalition Against Human Trafficking, The Red Cord, the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, and the ODMHAS Community Mental Health Center Network, which provides services. taking trauma into account.

The project will be designed to help victims improve their social and emotional well-being by connecting them with safe and stable housing and a wide variety of support services.

“Other goals are to help young victims of sex trafficking find or strengthen existing connections and supports to lead healthy and successful lives in the community; increase self-reliance through support for the acquisition of professional skills; and increase collaboration and provide training to all partners and stakeholders to identify and work with victims through a trauma-informed approach and a coordinated referral system, ”the press release said.

The project will provide access to transitional housing and short-term rental assistance in 75 counties in Oklahoma. At least 75 people will be served over the three-year life of the grant.

“But we plan to serve more,” Slatton-Hodges said.

Visit www.odmhsas.org for more information on ODMHSAS services