Responding to Human Trafficking in Public and Private Social Impact Organizations

U.S. law defines human trafficking as the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel a person into commercial sex acts or labor or services against their will. The one exception involves minors and commercial sex. Inducing a minor into commercial sex is considered human trafficking regardless of the presence of force, fraud or coercion. Although Social Impact Organizations typically are not the first place victims and survivors of human trafficking turn to for support, it is incumbent on organizations to apply social work ethics to provide a culture and an atmosphere that intentionally supports victims and survivors.

Using a macro practice lens, this webinar will begin with an understanding of the types and venues of human trafficking in the United States, how to identify victims of human trafficking in health care and community settings, an awareness of warning signs of human trafficking in health care settings and community organizations for adults and minors, as well as how to report suspected human trafficking. We will discuss how to cultivate trauma-informed care and practices into your work, and the manifestation of complex trauma in clients. This interactive workshop will explore ways for practitioners to nurture an organizational culture that supports victims and survivors, whether they make their experiences known or not. With a special focus on youth who identify as homeless and LGBTQ+ youth who experience a particularly high risk of exploitation and trafficking, we will use the voices of survivors and victims to inform practices that support and empower clients. Participants will share their own trauma-informed practices with each other and develop goals for their organizations.