STATE OF CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES CHILD WELFARE RESPONSE TO DOMESTIC MINOR SEX TRAFFICKING

The Role of Child Welfare Until recently there has been virtual silence of child welfare systems leaders across the United States on this issue. Three systems most likely to intersect with domestic minor victims of sex trafficking (DMST) and have the mechanisms to identify, report, and intervene most effectively with youth victims, have been absent from the conversation (child welfare, juvenile justice and law enforcement). Recent focus of ACF: “Professionals in child welfare are in a position to lead efforts in strengthening the identification, prevention, and early intervention in child trafficking cases” (ACF, 2013, p. 1). Raphael & Ashley, 2010; Smith, et al, 2009, In Cole & Anderson, 2013

Human Trafficking of Minors is a Child Welfare Issue The Department of Children and Families is charged with and responsible for protecting ALL children under the age of eighteen from harm. This includes victimization through means of human trafficking.

Connecticut Referrals…. 2008 to present – Approximately 450 youth referred Trafficking type: DMST/CSEC Vulnerability: Majority of victims were on runaway/AWOL status; Majority of victims had experienced sexual abuse and/or neglect. Age range: 2 – 18 Referrals: DCF Social Workers, Law enforcement, EMS, congregate care facilities, Courts, public defenders’ office, NGOs, etc…

Referrals by Year January 1, 2008 – December 31, 2015 (N=432) Introduction to CSEC and DMST in CT September 2015 T.Sneed Introduction to CSEC and DMST in CT September 2015 T. Sneed

Policy 31-10-6.1 INTAKE AND INVESTIGATIVE RESPONSE TO HUMAN TRAFFICKING OF CHILDREN The Department of Children and Families is committed to the identification of, rescue and protection of, and providing services for children who have been identified as victims of human trafficking.

Connecticut DCF Framework Identification and Response Awareness and Education Restore and Recovery

Identification and Response DCF Careline developed identification codes; tracking system. Every possible trafficking case should be accepted! HART (Human Anti-Trafficking Response Team) MDT (Multi Disciplinary Team) Designated Emergency Department(s) across the state DCF Response Practice Guide Relationships established with FBI, United States District Attorney, Homeland Security, State and local law enforcement.

Awareness and Education DCF Academy offers 3-days of specialized trainings; Day 1, Day 2 and Demand. Introduction to CSEC and DMST (2 Hour Training). DCF awareness efforts on DMST include Chief of Police/ roll call trainings, juvenile and adult judges, emergency medical providers, MDT teams, service providers, educators, medical providers, foster parents, etc… Education to Connecticut young people: service providers, schools and community. Specialized curriculum for girls; My Life My Choice (JRI). New curriculum for girls and/or boys: Not a #Number (Love 146). National consultation on best practices for child welfare systems and provider networks. Newest curriculums and Model: 1) Foster Care Training and Model, 2) Boys and DMST Training and 3) Mentor Training.

Restore and Recovery Provider Network “Trained Up”/ “Trafficking Informed” Services Specialized services including foster care and mentoring Rapid Responses / Survivor Backpacks Survivor Care/ Love 146 Victim advocacy; prosecutions, restorations, etc…

HART Leadership Specialty Member: DCF Medical Director Tammy M. Sneed, Director of Gender Responsive Adolescent Services And Yvette Young, HART Coordinator Specialty Member: DCF Medical Director Regional HART Liaisons (14) MDT Coordinators (3) Director of CT Children’s Alliance Specialty Member: DCF Careline

HART Services Committee Service Providers and Advocates Tammy M. Sneed, Director of Gender Responsive Adolescent Services Caroline Diemar, New Haven MDT Coordinator Melanie Kmetz, Regional Supervisor for Region 1 Law Enforcement HART Regional Liaisons MDT Coordinators Forensic Interviewers Attorneys HART Coordinator Credentialing Committee Communication Committee Law Enforcement Training Committee Forensic Interview Committee Connecticut’s Laws Committee Training Committee Services Committee

Contact Information Tammy M. Sneed Director of Gender Responsive Adolescent Services Cell: 860-462-4314 Tammy.Sneed@ct.gov Connecticut’s HART page: http://www.ct.gov/dcf/cwp/view.asp?a=4743&Q=562246