The McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center was recently awarded a three-year grant in the amount of $462,329 from the U.S. Department of Justice for Services for Trafficking Victims. This grant will be used for expanding advocacy and case management services to victims of human trafficking, with a primary target audience of LGBTQ youth, homeless youth, runaway youth, and victims of sex trafficking within Onondaga County.
The nonprofit organization plans to use the money with a two-tiered approach. The first tier will provide direct services to the victim, including a needs assessment, and victim advocacy services. The second tier will focus on community awareness and education efforts. This grant will provide law enforcement, educators, service providers, faith-based and community-based organizations, and those most likely to come into contact with victims, the tools necessary to identify trafficking and provide appropriate referrals and services.
McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center’s application had the support of Rep. John Katko.
“The McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center provides vital services to children and families in Onondaga County and throughout Central New York. This funding from the U.S. Department of Justice will allow the advocacy center to expand upon its current programming and offer specialized services to victims of human trafficking. I was pleased to be of assistance to the McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center in obtaining this important funding and look forward to continue working together to serve children and families in Central New York,” Katko said.
The project will be implemented by McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center, a nationally accredited child advocacy center and services will also be provided by the project partner, Center for Court Innovation.
The McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center is dedicated to ending child abuse through prevention, intervention, and education. The state-of-the-art facility offers a safe, child-friendly process for abused children and their families, supported by a committed multidisciplinary team specializing in the investigation, prosecution, and treatment of child abuse victims in Onondaga County.
