Cognitive Prevention and Intervention for Trafficking

With funding through the OVC 2024 Preventing Trafficking of Girls program, Roca, Inc. proposes a project titled, “Cognitive Prevention and Intervention for Trafficking.” The primary purpose is to implement its proven 4-year, trauma-informed behavior change model to address extreme levels of trauma and victimization experienced by these young women and help them achieve physical and emotional safety and economic stability. The primary activities include (1) providing cursory trafficking information to 700 high-risk young women; (2) providing trauma-informed, intensive, long-term services, including relentless outreach and case management to 150 women at the highest risk (3) providing advocacy, support with basic needs, access to comprehensive services, and assistance with navigating systems; (4) utilizing cognitive behavioral supports, harm reduction programming, and restorative justice practices to ensure measurable improvements in behavioral, mental, and relationship health; and (5) providing comprehensive programming including life skills, education, and employment to increase economic stability. Through this work, Roca will help these young women meet their basic needs and provide a combination of intensive case management, victim advocacy, CBT, service referral, transitional employment, and workforce development services. The expected outcomes include improved emotional regulation, improved mental health, reduced levels of distress, reduced drug/alcohol use, cognitive and behavioral gains, employment retention, no new arrests, and no new incarcerations. The geographic service area includes the Massachusetts cities and surrounding communities of Boston, Chelsea, Springfield, Holyoke, and Lynn with a target audience of with youth and young adult females between the ages of 14 and 24 who are at extremely high risk of trafficking. There is one subrecipient for this award: Procurement Legal Services (Chelsea, MA).