engaging youth and strategic partnerships to prevent … · 2018-04-14 · outline/learning...
TRANSCRIPT
Engaging Youth and Strategic Partnerships to Prevent Commercial Sexual Exploitation in Youth
An outreach strategy using strategic partnerships and engaging those most affected
Outline/Learning Objectives
• What is human trafficking / commercial sexual exploitation?
• Learn about Minnesota Department of Health’s Safe Harbor for Sexually Exploited Youth Program (Safe Harbor Program)
• Share outreach strategy that used strategic partnerships and engaged those most affected by human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation – the youth themselves.
“Something becomes a public health issue when society ceases to view it as inevitable, and instead begins to see it as unacceptable.”
SAFE HARBOR & PUBLIC HEALTH /
Sexual exploitation and trafficking are public health issues
MDH’s Safe Harbor Program is changing the way we respond to sexually exploited and at-risk youth
Vulnerability and unreachability of youth
Sexually exploited youth
17 years old and under
can no longer be criminalized for engaging in prostitution but
should be referred to services.
Safe Harbor Law
Sexually exploited youth 24 years old and under
deserve and are eligible for specialized, trauma-informed services to heal and recover.
Implementation of Safe Harbor and No Wrong Door
Training and Protocols for professionals
Housing for sexually exploited youth
Services for sexually exploited youth
New* Federal Grant to strengthen services for sex and LABOR trafficked youth (age 24)
Reaching the Population?
Sexual exploitation and trafficking are public health issues
MDH’s Safe Harbor Program is changing the way we respond to sexually exploited and at-risk youth
Vulnerability and unreachability of youth
AT-RISK AND SEXUALLY EXPLOITED YOUTH OUTREACH PROJECT /
NEED: Create effective outreach materials that would…
Increase awareness of
the Safe Harbor Program
Enable youth to self-identify
their risk and/or own experience of exploitation
Have consistent information and region-specific
contact information
YOUTH OUTREACH PROJECT, cont. /
UNIQUE PROCESS: What was initially a barrier ended up providing us the opportunity to engage in a process that makes this project special
Strategic partnerships
Victim-Centered & Survivor Informed
Beyond one size/top down approach
PROCESS & KEY FINDINGS /
• Statewide focus groups with at-risk and sexually exploited youth, grantees, and youth advocates
• Youth developed and informed project branding, messages, and imagery
• Responsive to diverse populations and experiences
• Maintains consistency in messaging and link to local response (fillable space)
SAFE HARBOR PRIMARYMATERIALS /
5 X 7 Outreach Card
Primary Safe Harbor Posters (2 versions)
Sticker that will fit on a variety of outreach materials
Business card size outreach cards (2 versions)
Bracelet with text number
PARENTS & PROFESSIONALS HANDOUTS /
SAFE HARBOR POSTER EXAMPLES /
28 CUSTOM FILLABLEPOSTERS(7 TRANSLATED VERSIONS –HmongLatinoSomali)
SAFE HARBOR POSTER EXAMPLES /
SAFE HARBOR POSTER EXAMPLES /
SAFE HARBOR POSTER EXAMPLES /
SAFE HARBOR POSTER EXAMPLES /
SAFE HARBOR PROGRAM LOGO /
IMPACT /
• Effective statewide diverse materials
• Increased self-identification
• Trust-building
• Empowered youth involved
“Due to her trauma, Molly [named changed], would ordinarily never participate in a group activity. She came to the focus group because she wanted to be a voice for other LGBTQ youth of color. She was empowered when she learned that this outreach project would impact at-risk and sexually exploited youth like her across the state. She is now willing to consider coming back to group on a regular basis.”
CONTACT US /
Beatriz Menanteau, Violence Prevention Program Unit Supervisor, [email protected]
Heather Caillier, President & PrincipalAscend Consulting Solutions, [email protected]