Survivor Advocates in Healthcare

Through the FY 2019 Field-Generated Innovations in Assistance to Victims of Human Trafficking solicitation, OVC will support projects that enhance identification of and services for victims in order to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving anti-trafficking field, and to best serve victims of human trafficking. Projects will develop or enhance promising practices, models, and victim-centered programs, or apply them in innovative ways, to build the capacity of victim service providers to close gaps in assisting all victims of sex and labor trafficking in the United States. Specifically, under this project, Dignity Health Foundation will partner with the Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking (CAST) and Journey Out on an innovative practice to bring a survivor advocate onsite when a potential trafficking victim is identified. The project aims to expand the promising practice of this survivor advocate model that was piloted last year in two hospitals, extending to community clinics, and sharing findings nationwide. The goal of the project is to demonstrate that the inclusion of a survivor advocate in a victim response team improves referrals between healthcare facilities and community-based organizations, with more victims identified and receiving services. Findings will also be used to develop guidelines for healthcare and social service agencies on how to employ survivor advocates in a manner that promotes safety and empowerment for all involved, including patients, healthcare staff, social service agency staff, and survivor advocates. This project will serve Los Angeles County, with a specific focus on the service areas of California Hospital in downtown Los Angeles and Northridge Hospital Medical Center’s Center for Assault Treatment Services. The project will enhance safety in federally designated Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZs) by serving trafficking victims in these areas, including the 10 QOZs immediately adjacent to California Hospital. CA/NCF