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

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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…

5. 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

6. 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.

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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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…

11. 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

12. 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

13. Contact Information
Tammy M. Sneed Director of Gender Responsive Adolescent Services Cell: Connecticut’s HART page: