CHICAGO (AP) — A half-million dollars in federal grant money means a program to combat human trafficking can continue in Cook County.

Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez's office said Friday it would receive $500,000 for the project from the U.S. Justice Department. The money applies to the next two years and will provide training, programming and help for at-risk children and the victims of trafficking.

Alvarez's office will work with federal prosecutors to investigate and prosecute human trafficking cases. The money also pays for a staffer to monitor trafficking cases in the courts and make sure victims are connected with counseling and support services.