The purpose of this program is to enhance the capacity of applicant organizations to respond to the needs of child victims of commercial sexual exploitation (CSE)/domestic sex trafficking (DST). Under this initiative, OJJDP expects successful applicants to develop or enhance mentoring service models and mentor training based on best practices to focus on the needs of youth who are at risk or are victims of CSE/DST; develop or update strategies to recruit and maintain mentors to serve under identified and underserved populations; begin or enhance efforts to identify and enroll youth who are in need of services; and provide needed services to these youth. There are two categories of funding available under this solicitation.

Category 1: Mentoring Project Sites. This program supports the efforts of eligible applicant organizations to develop or enhance their mentoring capacity, facilitate outreach efforts, and increase the availability of direct services for child victims (younger than age 18) of CSE/DST, including children who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.

Category 2: Training and Technical Assistance. In addition to supporting program implementation and direct service activities, the initiative will fund a training and technical assistance provider to support the Category 1 project sites.