Governor Abbott Awards Grant To Establish “Crimes Against Children Unit
Governor Greg Abbott today announced a grant award from the Office of the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division to the Dallas County District Attorney’s office to support the establishment of the new Crimes Against Children Unit. The grant of more than $260,000 will fund the hiring of prosecutors within District Attorney’s office to specifically handle cases involving juvenile victims of human trafficking and sex crimes.
“Protecting innocent victims from the horrors of human and sex trafficking is one of my top priorities as Governor,” said Governor Abbott. “This grant will directly fund efforts to find and arrest those who perpetrate these heinous crimes against our children. I will continue to do all I can to work with our local and federal partners to put an end to these horrific crimes.”
The Crimes Against Children Unit will aim to streamline the prosecution of human trafficking cases of both traffickers and those who purchase sex from children. Additional goals are to provide early and consistent communication and support for victims already dealing with traumatic life-altering events.
The prosecutors hired to establish the Crime Against Children Unit will:
- Work with local law enforcement, school districts, and agencies to provide a coordinated approach in fighting human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
- Provide legal advice and technical assistance on matters relating to human trafficking cases; Assisting with pre-trial investigations; acting as lead or associate counsel; preparing briefs, legal memoranda and other pleadings for use at hearings, trials or appeal of such cases.
- Handle specialized Sexual Assault cases and interact with human trafficking victims.
- Represent the state in plea negotiations, trials and other hearings.
Participate as a partner in the Human Trafficking Community Response Multi-Disciplinary Team.