South Carolina has launched a new statewide certification program for service providers working with human trafficking victims. The initiative, announced by South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, is in partnership with Safe House Project, a national non-profit organization that offers certification, survivor support, and safe housing options for trafficked individuals.
Attorney General Wilson emphasized the state's pioneering efforts: “South Carolina’s efforts to better protect human trafficking victims began with the 2019 launch of a Victim Service Provider Certification for Human Trafficking Professionals, the first of its kind in the nation,” he stated. He added that the state will now mandate Safe House certification for residential and community-based programs, marking another first at the national level.
The program aims to certify up to 20 service providers each year within South Carolina. Eight non-profits will participate in the initial cycle. These certified programs will be listed in both the State Task Force's online resource directory and the National Human Trafficking Hotline victim services referral list.
Kristi Wells, CEO of Safe House Project, noted South Carolina's leadership role: “South Carolina will become the first state to require Safe House Certification for both residential and community-based services supporting survivors of trafficking.”
Brittany Dunn, COO of Safe House Project, highlighted the broader implications: “As we work to expand Safe House Certification across the country, partnerships like South Carolina’s will serve as a model for other states,” she said. “Our goal is to strengthen survivor care nationwide by ensuring every program has the tools, training, and resources to provide the highest level of trauma-informed, survivor-centered support.”
For further information on anti-human trafficking initiatives in South Carolina, individuals can visit the State Task Force website at humantrafficking.scag.gov. To report incidents or access victim services, contact can be made through the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. The hotline is available confidentially around-the-clock.