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Carroll County proclaims January Human Trafficking Prevention Month; CARE Healing Center outlines services
Summary
The Carroll County Board of Commissioners proclaimed January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month and heard from the CARE Healing Center about its regional navigator program, case volume, outreach and a 24-hour helpline.
The Carroll County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 9 proclaimed January 2025 as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and received a presentation from the CARE Healing Center on local services for trafficking survivors.
The proclamation notes that since the CARE program began in 2023 the center has provided services to 31 survivors; Melinda Boyer, CARE’s regional navigator, told commissioners the program has handled about 33 human-trafficking or high‑risk cases in the county. The center offers case management, counseling, a regional navigator program and a 24‑hour helpline (410‑857‑7322). CARE staff also described a countywide multidisciplinary response team that meets about once a month and plans to stand up a county human‑trafficking task force.
Why it matters: County officials and CARE said trafficking affects people across age groups and income levels and that earlier identification and local coordination can connect victims with counseling, medical and legal services and reduce harm. CARE staff emphasized that trafficking can include labor trafficking as well as sex trafficking, that it often develops through relationships built online, and that many incidents go unreported.
Stephanie Powers, executive director of CARE Healing Center, summarized the center’s work since Maryland passed the Child Trafficking Screening and Services Act (state legislation referenced by CARE) and said the center provides therapy, financial assistance and support groups free to Carroll County residents. Melinda Boyer described the navigator program’s role in early intervention and in coordinating the county’s Human Anti‑Trafficking Response Team (H.E.A.R.T.).
Commissioners asked about reporting and resources. CARE staff said the national human‑trafficking hotline can connect callers to local services and reiterated the county 24‑hour helpline number; staff also advised people to call 911 if they believe someone is in immediate danger. CARE representatives said outreach—billboards, Spanish‑language materials, radio advertising and school programs—has led to spikes in calls and encouraged continued community awareness efforts.
The board adopted the proclamation declaring January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month and posed for a photo with CARE staff following the presentation.
