Wikimedia Commons/Wilfredor
Wikimedia Commons/Wilfredor
Senate Bill 66, a bill to appropriate $250,000 to the Crime Victims Reparation Commission to help protect and give aid to trafficked youth passed the Senate Judiciary Committee Jan. 29.
The NM Political Report stated that the bill passed through the committee unanimously and would impact a large number of the homeless youth that is at risk for trafficking. The Report reported that nearly 5,000 children in Bernalillo County are homeless.
The bill, which would help fund social service agencies, will help to stabilize homeless children that may be vulnerable to the protection offered by traffickers, according to Lynn Sanchez, a victim's advocate.
The funding will apply to desperately needed items, such as clothing, food and shelter and access to replacing legal documents. The money can also go a long way in providing these children with medical attention, including counseling and access to dental care.
Alerts Sign-up