Continued from July 2025 blog article

While those numbers are meaningful, the real measure of success is how the system works in moments like Rebecca’s. What matters most is ensuring the system gets survivors the support they need as soon as possible.

At ACF, we evaluate the Hotline’s performance continuously and push for better coordination at every step. During the first 100 days of the President Trump Administration, ACF took immediate action to enhance the Hotline’s operations and improve coordination with federal, state, tribal, territorial, and local partners. This includes strengthening interagency collaboration, addressing missed reports, improving the flow of information between the Hotline and law enforcement, and ensuring accountability at every level. Some of the key actions taken include:

Piloting a new law enforcement tip form: Developed in collaboration with law enforcement partners nationwide, this form aims to streamline the process of sharing information and ensure it is most useful to those responding to trafficking situations.

Increasing frequency of data quality assurance: ACF worked with the Hotline to conduct daily quality assurance reviews and weekly audits.
Introducing a comprehensive law enforcement engagement plan: The FY 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) requires the Hotline to create a comprehensive plan that standardizes tip-sharing with law enforcement at all levels, ensure proper information-sharing protocols are in place when engaging law enforcement and child welfare agencies, and conducting annual trainings.
Enhancing funding for future operations: Through the FY 2025 NOFO, ACF increased the award ceiling to $9 million to increase the Hotline’s capacity to respond to increased volume of calls, texts, and online chats and strengthen the delivery of quality services.

We take seriously our responsibility as the Hotline’s federal funder and oversight agency. And we value the long-standing partnership between the Hotline and the law enforcement professionals who show up — day in and day out — to protect victims and hold traffickers accountable.To survivors: You are not alone. The Hotline is here to support you — safely, confidentially, and without judgment.

To families, caring professionals, concerned community members: Your calls make a difference. Please keep reaching out when someone needs help.

To law enforcement and frontline responders: Thank you for showing up. We’re committed to strengthening our partnership with you.

And to those with questions about the Hotline or our oversight: We’re listening. You can reach OTIP directly at EndTrafficking@acf.hhs.gov.

The National Human Trafficking Hotline remains active, responsive, and committed to helping people in crisis. As its federal funder, we remain equally committed to ensuring it works the way it’s supposed to — every single day. We will continue working closely with our federal, state, and local partners to protect victims, strengthen access to services nationwide, and disrupt trafficking networks. We’re not just funding the system — we’re invested in making it stronger, smarter, and more survivor-centered every day.