A new provider takes charge of the National Human Trafficking Hotline, addressing past failures under the Biden administration.
Story Overview
- Trump’s HHS selects Compass Connections as the new hotline provider.
- Previous provider criticized for missed calls and long wait times.
- A $35 million grant aims to improve hotline operations.
- Focus on enhancing law enforcement coordination and survivor support.
HHS Awards New Contract to Compass Connections
The Trump administration has made significant changes to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, selecting Compass Connections as the new operator. This decision comes after numerous complaints regarding the previous provider’s inefficiencies under the Biden administration, which included missed calls and long wait times. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded a $35 million grant to Compass Connections to ensure better responsiveness, improved coordination with law enforcement, and enhanced support for trafficking survivors.
Since its inception in 2007, the National Human Trafficking Hotline has become a crucial resource for victims, offering 24/7 confidential crisis intervention and information. However, under the previous provider, the hotline faced criticism from state attorneys general and victims for failing to deliver timely support, with critical tips not reaching law enforcement swiftly. This prompted the Trump administration to seek a new provider, ensuring that future operations would meet higher standards of service and efficiency.
Operational Challenges and New Mandates
The transition to Compass Connections marks a pivotal change in hotline operations. With a five-year contract and an increased annual funding of $7 million, the hotline aims to reduce wait times and improve the flow of crucial information to law enforcement. The new provider is expected to implement stricter requirements for engaging with law enforcement and offer annual training to ensure that all staff are equipped to handle sensitive cases effectively.
Acting ACF Assistant Secretary Andrew Gradison emphasized the need for improved responsiveness and coordination, highlighting the Trump administration’s commitment to combating human trafficking. The hotline will prioritize calls from individuals in immediate danger and minors at risk, reinforcing its role as a vital link between victims, service providers, and law enforcement agencies.
Impact and Future Prospects
The immediate impact of this transition is expected to be an improvement in call responsiveness, reduced wait times, and better law enforcement coordination. In the long term, these changes could lead to increased trust among victims, more effective investigations, and higher rates of trafficking intervention. This shift not only sets new standards for hotline operations but also underscores the administration’s prioritization of anti-trafficking efforts, potentially influencing future policy discussions.
The decision to replace the previous provider with Compass Connections reflects a broader trend of holding federally funded programs accountable for their performance. As the transition progresses, other federal hotlines may review their own performance metrics and protocols, ensuring that they meet the evolving needs of the communities they serve.
Watch the report:Grassley Asks Trump Official About Allegations Trafficking Hotline Contractor Isn’t Reporting Tips
Sources:
The Daily Signal (exclusive report, direct HHS statements)
KULR8 (news coverage, HHS statements)
HHS is investing $35 million in a National Human Trafficking Hotline provider.