Direct legal services for victims of human trafficking and service provider training program

The goal of the FY 2019 Direct Services to Support Victims of Human Trafficking Program is to enhance the quality and quantity of services available to victims of human trafficking, as defined by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000, as amended. Funding through this program supports specialized services to victims of sex and labor trafficking, as well as for efforts to increase the capacity of communities to respond to human trafficking through the development of interagency partnerships, professional training, and public awareness activities over a three-year project period. This award made to Amara Legal Center (Amara) is funded under Purpose Area 2 which is designed to provide free civil legal services to victims of sex trafficking in the DC Metro Area, with a focus on Maryland and Northern Virginia; increase potential clients’ access to services; and provide training sessions to local service providers and law enforcement officers. The project will fill gaps in services by increasing potential clients’ access to intake services, raising awareness among area service providers about services, and training those service providers on properly identifying victims of sex trafficking. As a result, clients will receive tailored, wraparound assistance: trauma-informed, culturally competent civil legal services from Amara and referrals to social service providers with knowledge and experience in trauma-informed service provision. With project funding Amara will: 1) establish 3 new intake locations, 2) provide civil legal services to 106 clients, 3) make 50 social services referrals, 4) provide victim advocacy to 25 clients, and 5) provide trauma-informed, culturally competent training to 12 area social service organizations. Grant funds will be used to partially support seven staff members, training expenses, office supplies, equipment, and an external action research consultant. CA/NCF