specialized services Archives - Page 4 of 4

April 21, 2015 by Linda Smith

For a Bullseye: Keep your Eye on the Target

Today, after over a month of debates surrounding the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (JVTA), members of the Senate announce a bi-partisan agreement. Thankfully, Senators from both sides of the aisle repeated calls for negotiations and persevered to find a creative solution. With the proposed amendment, critical protections for survivors contained in this important bill can proceed, including increased funding for victim services and prevention efforts and clarification that the offenders who drive the demand for sex trafficking victims are committing the crime of sex trafficking.

While the bill has received unwavering support from many advocates and survivors, recent controversies arose regarding the funding mechanism, particularly as it relates to application of the Hyde Amendment, which only allows federal funds to be used for abortions when the life of the mother is threatened or when the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest. The new agreement proposed by Senator Cornyn and Senator Reid was reached with bipartisan support and is expected to satisfy concerns on both sides of the debate. In this agreement no medical services will be provided through monies collected for the Domestic Trafficking Victims’ Fund, but instead these services will be provided through matched financing from another, recently created fund, established last week in the ‘doc fix’ bill. By adding matched funding, the proposed agreement will actually increase funds available for victim services and law enforcement training but will neither increase or decrease federal funding for abortions specifically, nor will it widen or restrict access to abortion. But, with respect to collecting and designating new funds towards restoration for survivors and prevention of human trafficking, the JVTA makes dramatic changes as it ushers in landmark advancements for anti-trafficking efforts.

The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act accomplishes exactly what its name suggests, increased justice for victims. For 15 years now, advocates have rightfully and loudly criticized empty promises in the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 because its aspirational authorizations receive little or no funding. The JVTA offers a revolutionary solution to generating this desperately needed funding by levying significant fines on convicted perpetrators and funneling the income to victim services and prevention efforts. Programs need increased financial support to meet the needs of sex trafficking victims from investigations and identification to restoration. Survivors should be offered comprehensive services, such as medical treatment, shelter options, and counseling. Particularly, youth who have survived sex trafficking crimes are often in need of specialized services, including access to multidisciplinary services and residential placement options that are designed to help break trauma bonds. This bill also provides for direct services through Children’s Advocacy Centers for victims of child pornography. In addition to increased fines, the bill also facilitates asset forfeiture, the proceeds from which would have to be prioritized for victim restitution, because victims often never see the results of asset forfeiture.

Justice is better served through the victim-centered construct presented in the JVTA, which increases financial penalties for perpetrators by requiring payment for the harms they’ve inflicted, which would then help fund restoration for survivors and enable law enforcement entities to continue complex investigations.

The JVTA also clarifies that individuals are liable as participants in the crime of sex trafficking if they knowingly purchase sex from a trafficking victim or “in reckless disregard of the fact” that the other person is a sex trafficking victim. This provision echoes federal appellate case law interpreting the federal sex trafficking law as applicable to the acts of culpable buyers. This provision in the JVTA reflects wide support for focusing anti-trafficking efforts on demand.

The recent standoff has been threatening to abandon victims of human trafficking by neglecting to fund and secure needed services for restoration and justice systems. But, now is the time! The Senate must accept a bi-partisan agreement so that the JVTA’s groundbreaking improvements for increased, funded services for human trafficking survivors are not lost. We call members of the Senate to do now, what they just did with the ‘doc fix’ bill — that is consider and accept a bi-partisan solution.

Thankfully, the JVTA will likely not be the last bill to address victim services, but it makes key advancements that are needed right now. It will increase accountability for those who exploit sex trafficking victims. It will provide much needed, yet currently missing services for survivors.

To contact your Senator and encourage support for this bill, visit Shared Hope’s Legislative Action Center today and sign the letter.

March 12, 2015 by Eliza Reock

Just Response State Mapping Report & Experts Council; The Interrelationship of Statutes, Systems and Services

The JuST Response Report: Analyzing state statutory protective responses

Shared Hope International’s JuST Response is a survivor informed, protection-oriented research project that combines research on services for domestic minor sex trafficking victims with an analysis of state statutory protective responses. It serves to deepen knowledge of the interrelationship of statutes, systems, and services in developing state level responses to juvenile sex trafficking victims. By merging research on implementation and policy analysis, the JuST Response seeks to broaden the research in this emerging area to inform legislative efforts and the implementation of existing responses.

“The JuST Response is bringing two very important initiatives for trafficked women and children together…What we are looking at today is this:Should we have to lean towards giving her protection or should we have to lean towards giving her restoration. We are saying we want both. A JuST Response says both. Let’s have a system that protects her. That makes sure she gets the services she is entitled to as a victim of a violent crime, but let’s make sure also that the justice system, the courts, the court room system, all of those things are aligned to protect her and give her justice. We believe a just response harmonizes those two vital, important issues in this fight against child trafficking.”

– Linda Smith, President & Founder of Shared Hope International, JuST Response Experts Council 2015

Experts Council

Last week, Shared Hope International assembled nearly forty experts, advocates, and survivors of sex trafficking from around the country at the George Washington University Library in the heart of Washington, DC. In its inaugural JuST Response Experts Council meeting, Shared Hope previewed the JuST Response State System Mapping Report that will be released next week (view the webcast). The all-day event allowed the country’s foremost experts to join Shared Hope in identifying priority issues that need to be addressed to provide those victimized through sex trafficking a chance at restoration.

Federal laws, including the Trafficking Victims Protection Action (TVPA) of 2000, deem any minor engaged in a commercial sex act as a victim of sex trafficking. In some states, state laws are only beginning to recognize the crime of sex trafficking as it applies to minors. The JuST Response project merges Shared Hope International’s Protected Innocence Challenge research, the 2012 and 2013 National Colloquiums, the resulting Traffic Stop and National Colloquium 2012 reports and findings from the field, including Shared Hope partners and the Restorative Services Working Group. The JuST Response research identifies common barriers and emerging trends in service responses to juvenile sex trafficking victims by examining noteworthy statutory responses and implementation of these statutes to connect youth to services. Three critical elements comprise a JuST Response: Statutes, Systems and Services.

Statutes: Should direct survivors away from delinquency outcomes, make them immune from prostitution charges, and offer access to specialized services
Systems: Interagency collaboration, specialized training, identification and immediate and ongoing assessments are vital
Services: An array of specialized services, safe and nurturing environments, and individuals wrap-around continuum of care should be available for survivors

The JuST Response State Mapping report analyzed eight states separated into four categories:

States that have statutes that allow for immunity from prostitution related charges and mandatory referral to an alternate process: Illinois and Kentucky
States that provide immunity from prostitution related charges without a referral to an alternate response: Minnesota and Tennessee
States that do not provide immunity buy require a law enforcement referral to a specialized response: Kansas and Florida
States that do not provide immunity but specialized diversion process for juvenile sex trafficking victims: Washington and Ohio.

The JuST Response State Mapping Report further recognizes that many states and jurisdictions are implementing components of a JuST Response while still lacking protective response laws. Two main goals of a JuST Response are to avoid re-traumatization and guarantee that survivors have access to appropriate services. Expert Council member discussion reflected the reality that providing a full JuST Response will be an ongoing process, and that there are very few, if any, states that have identified a flawless continuum of care. Instead, the report and ongoing discussions seek to highlight promising practices to support incremental change as we seek to provide justice, safety and restoration to juvenile sex trafficking victims. By strengthening statutes, systems and services, Shared Hope, with the support of the Experts Council, seeks to empower youth and inspire policy makers and service providers to take on the challenge of implementing a JuST Response for those individuals who have survived sex trafficking.

February 16, 2015 by Eliza Reock

Discussions on Foster Children Aging Out of System & Holes in Current Support Networks

Discussion on Support

On January 30, 2015, the American Youth and Policy Forum (AYPF) held a panel discussing the issue of foster care children emerging from the system at 18 and how organizations and departments in the United States can go about helping to prepare and support them during the transition. The panel included Michael Leach, Director of Independent Living within the Department of Children and Families in Tennessee; Cecilia Tran of California, Policy Analyst for The John Burton Foundation; and Ann Rossi, Department Analyst for the Michigan Department of Human Services.

According to AYPF, over 26,000 youth turn 18 and age out of the foster care system each year. Among them, 40% will experience homelessness and less than 10% will complete a four year college education . They will also deal with financial and emotional struggles. This makes these youth susceptible to trafficking.

AYPF found that 43 states have additional service for foster care kids to the age of 21, three states to the age of 19, two states to the age of 20 and 22, and only one state to the age of 23.

Working at the State Level

Michael Leach spoke about how Tennessee is working with foster kids at an earlier age so they are better prepared once they age out. They are developing better training for foster parents to properly care, educate, and help the kids who come into their home. For those who are exiting out of the foster care system in California, The John Burton Foundation provides housing and helps them learn how to live independently. During this time, some foster kids attend college. Ann Rossi is working in the state of Michigan to help those who enter college from foster care to adapt, do well in academics, graduate, and find employment.

What Can Be Done

We can help foster kids in our communities by simply reaching out to them; being a source of support and encouragement so they do not feel alone. Second, we can share our experiences, knowledge, and resources so they can learn from people they trust. Third, help direct youth by showing them opportunities that are available to them, including education, clubs, athletics, and jobs; activities and roles that are designed to encourage interests and prepare them for life beyond foster care and college.

Shared Hope International partners with Mission 21, an organization that provides training and support to therapeutic foster families who will provide specialized services to youth who have been trafficked. With programs like these and the help of the community, foster kids that age out of the system can be better prepared to live a life where they feel supported by those around them and pursue their goals.

April 8, 2013 by Samantha

Raise Your Grade! Massachusetts Put to the Test

In 2011, the state of Massachusetts received an “F” in Shared Hope International’s Protected Innocence Challenge report. It received a final score of 45, with especially low scores regarding the criminalization of domestic minor sex trafficking and protective provisions for child victims.

Just a year later, Massachusetts has been named the Most Improved State, raising its score by nearly 30 points! It’s an exciting accomplishment about which state lawmakers and advocates should be very proud. But how did they do it? Here’s an overview.

In 2011, the state received just 2.5 out of 7.5 points for its domestic minor sex trafficking laws. In 2012, it increased that score to 7.5 out of 10. It’s a more than 30% improvement that happened mainly because Massachusetts passed its first-ever sex trafficking law. The law not only addresses sex trafficking specifically, but does not require victims under 18 to prove force, fraud or coercion.

In addition, the new laws distinguish between buying sex with an adult and buying sex with a minor, and make it possible for purchasers to be charged with trafficking crimes as well.

Massachusetts also recognized that the internet has changed the way human trafficking crimes are committed. In response, state lawmakers passed legislation that imposes a five year sentence, and/or a fine of $2,500 for anyone convicted of “human trafficking or commercial sexual activity by electronic communication.” There is also a mandatory five year sentence and minimum $10,000 fine for any subsequent offense.

But they didn’t stop there! Massachusetts also took significant steps towards protecting child trafficking victims. The state enacted laws specifically designed to provide specialized services to all sexually exploited youth, and allow trafficking victims to use trafficking as a defense against prostitution charges. The laws also allow victims under 15 years of age to testify via closed-circuit television. And finally, the statute of limitations was extended to 15 years for human trafficking charges, and eliminated entirely for sex trafficking of minors.

Governor Deval Patrick has high hopes that the new laws will serve Massachusetts well, saying that it will “protect innocent victims, and give Massachusetts the tools to prosecute the criminals committing these egregious crimes to the fullest extent.” Also showing optimism is Representative Eugene L. O’ Flaherty, who says the new laws “give law enforcement and prosecutors the tools they need to combat this issue that is often hidden from society and provides victims, particularly young children, with the safety and services they need to get their lives in order.”

July 21, 2012 by Guest

Operation Cross Country – 79 Children Rescued, 104 Pimps Arrested

In a collaborative measure between the FBI, state and local law enforcement and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children this past June, 79 children were rescued and 104 pimps were arrested. The operation encompassed a three-day attack on child sex trafficking that stretched across 57 cities in the nation.

This was the sixth Operation Cross Country conducted by the FBI’s Innocence Lost National Initiative.

Innocence Lost National Initiative: Task Force

There have been 47 Innocence Lost Task Forces which have recovered over 2,200 children and have arrested 1,017 pimps and their associates. These arrests have resulted in long sentences; some pimps have been sentenced to 25 years up to life in prison. Additionally, law enforcement has seized more than $3 million in assets from the human trafficking criminals.

Victims and Pimps

Chart showing the number of children and pimps apprehended by city during Operation Cross Country VI.

FBI Division	Juvenile	Pimp
Albuquerque	0	0
Atlanta	3	5
Baltimore	0	1
Birmingham	0	0
Boston	1	3
Chicago	3	3
Cleveland	0	1
Dallas	6	0
Denver	2	3
Detroit	6	3
El Paso	1	1
Houston	0	1
Indianapolis	0	0
Knoxville	0	0
Las Vegas	4	4
Los Angeles	5	3
Miami	2	4
Milwaukee	6	0
Minneapolis	0	4
Newark	0	3
New Orleans	3	10
New York City	1	1
Oklahoma City	3	7
Omaha	0	2
Philadelphia	2	2
Phoenix	2	1
Portland	3	6
Richmond	0	2
Sacramento	6	6
St. Louis	2	2
San Antonio	0	2
San Diego	2	7
San Francisco	6	7
Seattle	6	7
Tampa	3	3
Washington Field Office	1	0
Totals	79	104

Chart Source

What happened to the buyers?

The information released by the FBI does not address any investigation into the “buyers” of sex with minors. The Operation was focused on victims and pimps. However, DEMAND/buyers are an issue that Shared Hope International believes must be addressed in stings such as this. The men who pay for sex with minors, or the “market-fuelers” of domestic minor sex trafficking need to be arrested and prosecuted along with the pimps. It is, of course, illegal to pay for sex with a child yet the buyers often get away with nothing more than a fine, if arrested at all. This practice must stop and be replaced with harsher penalties if sex trafficking is to be eliminated in the United States.

Without buyers buying the “product” the industry itself would cease to bring profit and children will no longer be sold for sex.

What happens to the victims?

There are a handful of shelters in the U.S. specifically designed for victims of sex trafficking where they can receive protection, restorative care and education. However, the need greatly outweighs resources. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) takes the responsibility for offering counseling and assistance to these children so they can adjust back to normal life. However, Ernie Allen of NCMEC says that many of the rescued children could go back to their traffickers; “these kids are really damaged…it is not only important that they get help – but they need a specialized kind of help.”

Following Operation Cross Country, Ernie Allen and FBI acting executive assistant director Kevin Perkins called for an increase in comprehensive social services. Allen told a story from an earlier Operation Cross Country, “I was called by a prosecutor who said, ‘I know I’m not supposed to lock her up but my domestic violence shelters won’t take her, the runaway shelters won’t take her so I have no choice but to put her in secure detention for her own protection.” Allen says he hopes that America is waking up to the need for restorative and secure care for these victims.