Comprehensive Legal Services for Victims of Trafficking

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 Legal Services of New Jersey is funded under Purpose Area 2 which is designed to address the high rates of human trafficking and the critical need in New Jersey for a coordinated response to civil legal problems of victims. While there are efforts underway to identify and assist victims of sex and labor trafficking, gaps remain, notably within the provision of civil legal assistance. Under this project, Legal Services to Trafficking Victims (LSTV), will implement a new statewide initiative of legal assistance, outreach, and training to enhance the quality and quantity of services available to human trafficking victims. To do this, LSNJ will: 1. provide a comprehensive array of direct services for trafficking victims, in-house and through the development of formal community partnerships and additional pro bono legal support. 2. Collaborate with federal, state, and local law enforcement, local service providers and community- and faith-based organizations to develop and implement referral plans and protocols. 3. Conduct training and public awareness activities for service professionals and community agency staff and volunteers. 4. Collect relevant data and conduct action research activities. LSNJ will provide culturally appropriate, comprehensive assistance with all civil legal issues, a supportive and trauma-informed approach, and a commitment to client safety and privacy that has been honed by their work with crime victims. CA/NCF