The International Rescue Committee in Sacramento's Integrated Services for Minor Victims of Human Trafficking Program 2023

Proposal Abstract

The International Rescue Committee, Inc. in Sacramento (IRC), in partnership with Wind Youth and The Sacramento LGBT Community Center, requests $950,000 in funding from the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) to expand and develop a comprehensive response to Minor Victims of Sex & Labor Trafficking (MVOSLT) and their families and strengthen the quality and quantity of services throughout Northern California.

This project aims to deliver a trauma-informed, evidence-based approach through providing wraparound services including intensive and comprehensive case management; immigration/legal relief; interpretation; health, psychosocial, and wellness support; employment and education readiness and enrollment; cultural orientation; and financial literary services. IRC in Sacramento will provide assistance enrolling in benefits, referrals to services, advocacy with law enforcement to minor and transecting victims of human trafficking, and, where applicable, their guardians. Through this project, IRC in Sacramento will continue expanding its network of child service providers and provide technical assistance regarding identification and response of MVOSLTs.

This program seeks to build on the foundation laid from previous work in the region and enhance the scope and depth of services provided, specifically targeting high risk vulnerable minors, including unaccompanied, homeless and runaway minors. Over the project period, the IRC in Sacramento will provide case management and referrals to 60-75 minor victims of human trafficking; facilitate 20-24 training events reaching 450 individuals; host and facilitate a Child Trafficking Conference; provide 15 stakeholders with technical assistance; develop comprehensive response protocols for identification and referral; and complete a comprehensive external program evaluation.