The South Carolina General Assembly legislatively mandated the State Task Force to certify service providers who work directly with human trafficking victims and survivors. In March 2025, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, Chair of the South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force, announced a new partnership with Safe House Project, a national non-profit providing certification, survivor support, and safe housing options for those that have been trafficked.
South Carolina became the first state in the nation to require Safe House certification as the State Task Force strives to ensure victim-centered, trauma-informed services. The program will include certification of up to 20 organizations per year.
In March 2025, the State Task Force and Safe House Project extended the first round of invitations to eight (8) non-profits, working solely or primarily with human trafficking victim/survivors, to participate in the certification process. The organizations that received an invitation include the following:
Per the General Assembly, South Carolina service providers that receive Safe House Certification will be included in the Task Force’s online resource directory. Those certified will also be added to the National Human Trafficking Hotline victim and survivor care referral list.
Safe House Certification is more than a credential; it’s a comprehensive process that assesses and elevates the quality of services for trafficking survivors. SHC ensures programs empower survivors, meet national standards, and build credibility with donors, foundations, and government agencies. By aligning with these standards, your organization demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in care.
The Certification process includes the submission of an application form evaluating key organizational and programmatic elements, and a program site visit. Each program undergoes staff interviews and a site tour to assess compliance with key areas: organization structure and compliance, executive leadership, service provision, and financial management. Program information is reviewed by the Certification Review Board, who determine each program's level of certification.
For more information, please email Kathryn Moorehead, Task Force Director, [email protected] or Liberty Sarkar, Safe House Certification Manager, [email protected].
Once certified, Safe House Project will provide you with an official badge you can proudly display on your website, in documentation, in email signatures, and any other promotional materials to reflect your commitment to providing the best aftercare support to trafficking survivors in South Carolina.
Gold Safe House Badge
Gold badges are reserved for programs offering the highest level of survivor care. Programs with a gold badge are meeting industry best-practices overall, and continually pushing themselves through self-assessment and survivor feedback to continue elevating their program. Certification is held for 3 years.
Silver Safe House Badge
Awarded to programs providing the second highest level of care. Programs with a silver badge are offering program and services that meet many industry best-practices, with notable room for improvement. Silver badge recipients are committed to serving survivors and working toward continuous improvement in their standard of care. Certification is held for 2 years.
Bronze Safe House Badge
Bronze badges are awarded to organizations achieving the industry's basic level of survivor care, but reflects minimal best-practices and has marked room for improvement. Certification is held for 1 year.
Specialized Care Badge
Specialized Care Badges are awarded to programs seeking to serve all survivors, including those requiring specialized care. This badge is reserved for programs equipped to assist survivors with disabilities and other complex physical and mental health needs. Specialized Care Badge recipients are committed to providing special needs survivors care that meets industry best-practices.
Emerging Leader Badge
Emerging Leader Badges are awarded to programs who have been operating a residential program for less than one-year and who have undergone a baseline review of their organization. Certification is held for 1 year.
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