Supporting Sexually Exploited Minors Through the Criminal Process Human Exploitation and Trafficking (HEAT) Unit Victim/Witness Division Alameda County District Attorney’s Office

What is the H.E.A.T. Unit? Vertical Prosecution Unit for entire Alameda County 2 Deputy District Attorney’s Victim/Witness Consultant Inspector

How are these cases different? CSEC often lack stable home environment Victims often in Juvenile Hall, out of county, or missing. Young victims may not accept their victimization, “I chose to do this.” Vulnerable- recent victimization just one of many layers of trauma Impressionable- fear threats, don’t want to be labeled a snitch by exploiter or even friends PIMP is the boyfriend Relying on various community partners for their support and guidance (e.g. testifying) Communication is different- texting!

Links of Trust Goal: For minor to have wealth of support by the time testimony is required. First time meetings (accompanied by therapists/advocates/ law enforcement) Additional team of court support could include: Family, Advocate, Therapist, Defense Attorney, and even Law Enforcement We are all a testimony to the minor’s worth & value

What is the Victim/ Witness Program? Unit with the DA’s office ~ 15 Victim/Witness Consultants Work with victims, witnesses, & their families to provide support through the criminal process Liaison between Deputy District Attorney’s and victims/witnesses Only one assigned to work with sexually exploited minors in Alameda County

When does a V/W Consultant Get Involved? Victim MUST be minor. Defendant (Exploiter/Pimp) MUST be charged NOT assigned to work with identified CSEC- must be identified as victim or witness in criminal case in Alameda County CSEC might be victim in our case, juvenile offender in their own case

What services can V/W consultants provide? Crisis Intervention/ Emergency Services Resource & Referral Assistance Orientation to Criminal Justice System Case Status and Update Court Support and Escort Property Return Victim Impact Statement Victim’s Compensation Program

Crisis Intervention and Emergency Services Primary Question: Is victim safe? Any immediate danger? Threats by defendants, their families, or friends? Any immediate medical needs? Meet minor as soon as possible after case is assigned.

Resources and Referrals Education Appropriate Counseling/ Case Management Medical Appointments Teen Employment Housing and stability (for minor and family)

Orientation to the Criminal Justice System Remain with victim from the start of the criminal case until case resolves “I reported to the police…Now what?” “What if I don’t want to press charges?” Explain the steps in the criminal process “Will I have to testify?” Simple meet & greet, without case details

Case Status and Update Notify victims and family/caretakers of case updates Criminal Protective Orders Dispositions Preliminary Hearings Many case updates are done in person, with V/W consultant and HEAT team- goal is to keep minor as informed as possible. Court Tour

Court Support and Escort V/W present for all meetings with DDA for support and information V/W present for all court appearances (Preliminary Hearing/Jury Trial/Sentencing) Ensure minor has safe transport to and from court, company in car rides V/W support on the stand If possible, offer court support for minor’s own court date in Juvenile Hall

Property Return, Victim Impact Statement, and Restitution Phones, phones, phones! Victim Impact Statement - Assistance with writing letter to the judge Restitution for minor or family or minor

Victims Compensation Program (VCP) Imperative that victims apply for services VCP determines eligibility for payments of: Medical/Dental Bills Counseling Relocation Wage loss for parents/caretakers

How are you involved? Minors that are part of this fragile population need all the support they can get. Shared Common Goal- physical & emotional well being of minor What role do you/have you played? Minors have often been let down, deceived, betrayed- RAPPORT & TRUST they have in you can help them trust the Criminal Justice System

Ongoing V/W Support SAFETY is our #1 priority! Testimony is ONLY 1 part of support. Referral & VCP support for long-term counseling services Support for families of victims- many parents desperate, without hope or solutions Assure that minor has necessary support even AFTER case resolves.

National Human Trafficking Resource Center & Hotline: or text BeFree 17 Thank You! Human Exploitation & Trafficking (H.E.A.T.) Watch -Main Website: -Online Toolkit: Toolkit.heat-watch.org -Facebook.com/ AlamedaCountyDAHEAT -Twitter.com/HEATWatch