State Representatives Sandra G. Scott, Viola Davis, and Kim Schofield are calling on the Georgia General Assembly to allocate $500,000 for positions under the proposed Georgia Trauma Informed Child and Youth Trafficking Response Act. This act aims to create Georgia’s first statewide, trauma-informed system to protect children and youth who have been victims of human trafficking.
Rep. Scott stated, “Georgia cannot continue to fight child trafficking with a fragmented system and expect different results. Children who have been trafficked are not criminals—they are victims of unspeakable trauma. The $500,000 we are requesting is not about bureaucracy; it is about coordination, protection and accountability. This funding will save lives, prevent re-traumatization and finally bring Georgia’s response into the 21st century.”
Rep. Davis added, “We know trafficking is happening in our communities, in our neighborhoods and, too often, within families. Doing nothing—or doing too little—comes at a far greater cost. This modest investment gives Georgia the structure it needs to identify victims early, intervene safely and stop children from falling through the cracks of disconnected systems.”
Rep. Schofield concluded, “Every time a trafficked child is arrested, ignored or shuffled between agencies, the system has failed. This funding is about changing that reality. With $500,000, Georgia can put trained coordinators in place to ensure trauma-informed responses, stronger investigations and real protection for our most vulnerable children.”
The proposed legislation would establish the Georgia Child and Youth Trafficking Care Coordination Office within the Department of Human Services. The requested funds would support regional navigators and coordination roles in this new office. The bill focuses on improving coordination rather than expanding existing programs or penalties and includes annual public reporting for accountability purposes. It also specifies that child victims would be protected from prosecution for offenses resulting from their trafficking experiences.
Jon G. Burns was elected as a Republican representative for Georgia’s 159th House District in 2005.
