Human Trafficking Education, Awareness, Response and Timely Support (HEARTS) Program

Through the Human Trafficking Education, Awareness, Response and Timely Support (HEARTS) program, the International Rescue Committee in Maryland (IRC-MD) will enhance access to trauma-informed, culturally appropriate, and survivor-centered case management services to victims of human trafficking across the suburban Washington area. The program will be offered regardless of victim demographics, status, or geographic location, helping to remove barriers to receiving services and support survivor autonomy. As a population specific organization, IRC will enhance access through its support to historically underserved, marginalized, adversely affected foreign born populations. Particular attention will be made to male victims of trafficking and those victims of labor trafficking and IRC-MD will offer services in the Suburban Washington area with focused services to meet the demand in the most populous regions (Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Howard County, Baltimore County, and Baltimore City), as well as services to address gaps in other parts of the state and surrounding areas on Washington, DC and Northern Virginia. Victims will access comprehensive services and referrals to meet their individualized needs and community partners will access training, technical assistance, and shared data. IRC-MD’s one-stop service locations in Baltimore and Silver Spring offer expertise in housing, casework, education employment services and supporting at-risk individuals. Staff will leverage established regional networks to connect victims to comprehensive services including public benefits, medical and mental health care, education, and legal support with the goal of achieving increased safety, independence, self-sufficiency, and well-being for victims of human trafficking. IRC-MD will also build the capacity of Maryland stakeholders to support victims by providing training and technical assistance and by collecting and sharing data. IRC will train community partners and provide technical assistance to individuals, improving knowledge of human trafficking, victims’ rights, available services, and referral mechanisms. The HEART program will prioritize client voice, utilizing client engagement surveys to help identify needs and ensure client voice is reflected in the activities and outcomes to be achieved. IRC will collect, evaluate, and share data, providing stakeholders with information on victim needs, services provided and program effectiveness, potentially improving service quality statewide. Additionally, IRC-MD will collaborate with the state and local trafficking task forces, with the goal of building and maintaining a coordinated and data-driven regional response to trafficking.