Board discusses local response to human trafficking; chair asks staff to consult Nashville specialists

Chairman Harris told the board he wants the county to examine local services for human-trafficking survivors after a public comment highlighted people who had nowhere to go. Harris described contacting organizations and said the issue "touched me" and that the board should explore safe-house options and other supports.

Board members discussed whether existing grantees could expand services and suggested contacting experienced programs in Nashville. One board member recommended reaching out to Judge Anna Escobar and Grace Wilbright in Nashville for information about courts and specialized recovery-court resources; a county staff member offered to contact them and to collect information for the board by email. The meeting record names an organization that has reached out as "Ancora/Anacora Tennessee," but meeting participants said the group’s focus may be opioid-related; staff did not provide further verified details about that contact during the meeting.

Speakers raised definitions of trafficking and emphasized that local cases can include people who were prostituted or coerced by acquaintances, not just those brought in from other jurisdictions. One board member noted that treatments and safe houses for trafficking survivors require different resources—secure, unlisted residential placements rather than standard sober-living houses—and cautioned that mistakes in developing services could threaten survivors' safety.

The board did not authorize funding or adopt a formal program at the meeting. Chairman Harris directed staff to reach out to Judge Escobar and Grace Wilbright for resource and program details and to circulate what they learn to board members. Members suggested waiting until after the current application cycle voting to pursue any formal visits or presentations.

No formal motion or vote occurred on creating local trafficking services during this meeting.