Youthworks Enhanced Youth Service Model for Victims of Trafficking

The goal of the FY 2020 Services for Victims of Human Trafficking Programs 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 direct services to victims of sex trafficking 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 Mountain Plains Youth Services, Inc is funded under Human Trafficking Services Solicitation. The project is designed to Mountain Plains Youth Services Inc. dba Youthworks, a non-profit agency with 33 years’ experience providing youth services in North Dakota (ND), will enhance services for identified victims of human trafficking, aged 0-24. Youthworks is a leading provider of anti-trafficking services throughout ND, and has extensive experience serving runaway, homeless and trafficked youth. Youthworks will use OVC funding to provide the services within the Enhanced Youth Service Model (EYSM) to minor victims of trafficking directly. When service referrals are appropriate, staff will utilize already established service linkages with trauma-informed service providers. The project includes replacement funds for two Human Trafficking Youth Specialists (HTYS) responsible for coordinating the comprehensive services identified within the TIMS data reporting system, funding for enhanced Survivor Leadership including opportunities to support victim voice, funding to hire the state’s first anti-trafficking individual and family therapist, with a contract for clinical consultation, and funding for nights of emergency shelter in Youthworks Short Term Care and Assessment Center. CA/NCF