Training and Technical Assistance
The New York State Safe Harbour for Exploited Children Act recognizes that minors who are commercially sexually exploited are victims – not perpetrators of crimes.
If you work with vulnerable children and youth, it is highly likely that you are already working with young people who have been commercially sexually exploited or trafficked. We can help.
The Child Advocacy Center of Niagara’s Safe Harbour Project has tools and resources to assist organizations and front-line professionals to identify and respond to children and youth who have been trafficked or who are at a high risk of being trafficked.
We will provide customized, on-site training to:
- define CSEC (Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children) and trafficking including Federal and New York State legal definitions
- recognize red flags and indicators of trafficking and CSEC
- utilize tools to screen and assess youth and assign risk levels
- engage potentially trafficked youth
- conduct safety planning and identify service needs
- complete the confirmation process administered by the New York State Office of Temporary Disability (OTDA) and the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).
There is no charge for training. Resource materials and tools will be provided. If you know a youth who you suspect may be experiencing trafficking, the Safe Harbour Project can help.
Call the Safe Harbour Project Coordinator at (716) 285-0045 for information and assistance.
Referrals
The Safe Harbour Project provides intensive case management services for child survivors of trafficking and at-risk youth. Services include safety planning, needs assessment and service planning, linkages with external service providers, and emergency wrap around services.
Safe Harbour also provides “safe packs” for boys and girls to provide support items and necessities and to encourage the youth to remain in contact with staff.
Professionals who are referring a youth to Safe Harbour must fill out the referral form and email it to dayna.starks@nfmmc.org. Other individuals who are not be eligible to make a referral (parents, teachers, etc.), are welcome to get in touch with the Safe Harbour Project Coordinator directly using the information provided below:
Dayna Starks, Safe Harbour Project Coordinator
(716) 285-0045
dayna.starks@nfmmc.org
