2012 Trafficking In Persons Final Report.pdf - NCJTC Home

Trafficking in Persons symposium
exploitation. The compounding effect of these issues on the individual makes treatment incredibly complex.
Overlapping medical issues, cultural barriers and self-perception further complicate the development of effective
treatment models. While most experts agree that long-term services are needed, there is less agreement on successful
treatment models. Street and field outreach, drop in centers and residential facilities are current approaches
to voluntary victim services, with a strong emphasis on providing youth with information on how to get help when
they are ready to do so. Survivor informed or lead programs also show promise, especially for those ready for
treatment. Finally, more research is needed on how improve treatment readiness, and intervention effectiveness.
Child welfare and juvenile justice programs need to ensure that specialized programs are in place for trafficking
victims; and community programs need to understand the unique needs of trafficked youth.
Helping victims’ transform into survivors, and assisting them with reintegration rests, in large part, upon
victim readiness. Trafficking programs have high relapse rates and more research is needed to understand the
factors that make this transition successful. Programs need to assess youth risk and needs, and provide services
accordingly. Further, voluntary services need to be put into place to meet the basic needs of victims and begin the
trust building process necessary for successful treatment. In mandatory placement situations, facilities need to be
appropriate for the youth and special training should be mandatory for all who work with child trafficking victims.
Finally, victims should not be negatively impacted by legal records, financial problems or issues that arose as a
result of their exploitation. Criminal charges, credit issues and a lack of opportunities can all hinder restoration
efforts long after rescue. Policy makers and should carefully consider these issues when drafting trafficking legislation.
Finally, the survivor perspective is critical to all anti-trafficking efforts: identification, investigation, prosecution,
response and restoration. Trafficking survivors understand the methods used by traffickers and exploiters,
and have first hand insight into the victim/offender relationship that is invaluable to combating this problem. Survivors
also know the psychological issues that hinder victim self-identification and cooperation with authorities,
and can offer input on how to overcome these limitations. In addition, many successful rescue and restoration
programs are lead by former victims. These survivor lead programs understand the importance of giving victims a
choice, and not forcing them into treatment before they are ready to engage that process. Survivors are ready and
capable of taking on more of a direct role in addressing trafficking and helping victims; and strongly promote the
use of survivor-based knowledge in all anti-trafficking agendas.
Child sex and labor trafficking is a very serious issue. While experts disagree on the scope and scale of
the problem; all child advocates understand that even one victim of sex or labor exploitation is too many. Understanding
the scope of the problem is essential for policy-makers tasked with responding to the issue; but first
responders, educators, medical personnel, and the public should focus on improving and enhancing their role in
combating child trafficking. Those systems most closely related to child trafficking (child welfare, law enforcement,
immigration, juvenile justice) should thoroughly review their policies and procedures to ensure that effective
interdiction and prevention programs are in place. Treatment providers should also work towards establishing
evidence-based models that specifically address the unique needs to child trafficking victims. Finally, trafficking
survivors are a valuable source of information on this problem and their knowledge should be put to work in the
fight against child exploitation
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