This engaging journey will provide a greater understanding of how childhood sexual abuse, the foster care system, and human trafficking are all connected. Amy’s personal testimony will leave you inspired and hopeful for a future without human trafficking.  Amy explains how her own experience with abuse, severe disassociation, substance abuse, and cognitive issues set her up to be a target for predators. Children in foster care, runaways, throwaways, and homeless are at a much greater risk of being trafficked than the typical child in America. Preventing human trafficking has proven to be a difficult endeavor, but do not lose hope. Through holistic approaches in mental health, intervention and restoration are possible. This session will explain the physical, emotional, and spiritual impact that trauma in childhood had on Amy’s life and how her experiences can be used to identify and respond to victims, and potential victims, of human trafficking.

Presentation Objectives:

• Describe the connection between children in foster care, runaways, throwaways, and homeless children and sex trafficking
• Describe how early intervention, support systems, and holistic therapy options can prevent sex trafficking through case studies and the presenter’s personal testimony

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People use shame to stigmatize and classify social behavior. The presenters are interested in addressing why “slut shaming” is still acceptable within our system. People hear and experience slut shaming from law enforcement used as a tool to dehumanize others; from the rescue industry and health care professionals who should be part of our support system; from a legal system which divides people by class and demographic; and, most surprising, from peers in sex work as part of the whore-archy. In sharing the presenters’ experiences, they hope to identify opportunities for conversations about the harm that slut shaming does within our systems. The presenters feel that awareness of language used is a step towards educating others to be conscious of offensive slut shaming terminology and behavior. Everyone can work to reduce shaming as a tool, and increase constructive interactions in our systems.

Presentation Objectives:

• Define “slut shaming”
• Identify user groups of slut shaming
• Review steps for educating others of the effects using derogatory language has on individuals
• Increase constructive interactions

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This presentation includes detailed information of what the sexual assault nurse examiner is able to do for victims of sexual assault. There will be an explanation of the extensive training the nurse must complete to be considered SANE-trained, how the patient benefits from a sexual assault exam completed by a trained SANE nurse, and explanation of the team approach, and what is included in a forensic exam. The presentation will conclude with a few case studies of patients that were seen and treated by SANE-trained nurses.

Presentation Objectives:

• Explain SANE nurse extensive training
• Provide information on the patient benefits from a sexual assault exam being completed by a trained SANE nurse
• Discuss the team approach and what is included in a forensic exam

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How to avoid burn out as a social service worker will provide practical steps you can use immediately in order to prevent or reset from burnout. If you are experiencing physical, mental, or emotional burnout or if you want to prevent future burn out, this session is designed for you.

Presentation Objectives:

·       Teach participants to identify early signs of burnout

·       Explain the art of listening to oneself

·       Discuss how to measure self-progress

·       Describe the 7 principles from the acronym "L.E.T. I.T. G.O."  in order to live a balanced healthy life

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As sex worker advocates and clinical social workers, these presenters aim to challenge the victim-centered approach to working with people in the sex trade. The presenters work from a harm-reductionist/risk-management perspective, drawing from experiences in community mental health and sex worker advocacy to better educate the audience on what the experience of sex work looks like for individuals of different race, gender, and economic status. Drawing on interviews, advocacy, and counseling with sex workers, the presenters will discuss how intersectionality and type of work influences people's experiences in the sex trade. As both sex worker rights organizers and clinical practitioners, they will highlight the challenges and successes they have had in providing direct services to individuals who have engaged in sex work. They will also use these experiences to critically consider the trafficking narrative and explore how that narrative may hinder our society's approach to supporting clients who have sex trade experience.

Presentation Objectives:

·       Outline optimal interventions both clinically and as a larger society to address issues in the sex trade.

·       Educate the audience through self-awareness and reflection exercises to improve their understanding of how their inherent feelings and thoughts influence their opinions and work with people who have experience working in the sex trade

·       Provide social service professionals practical and effective ways they can assist individuals impacted by the sex trade by spotlighting free legal services, housing, support groups, counseling, and street outreach efforts

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This session will present an overview of Project NO REST, a five-year effort funded by VOCA the Children’s Bureau, and its approach to strengthening and supporting North Carolina’s infrastructure for addressing the trafficking of vulnerable youth in the state, especially those with a child welfare connection. The session will cover the project’s development of a comprehensive plan to address both sex and labor trafficking. The session will discuss the creation of the plan by approximately 100 stakeholders from state and county agencies, non-profits, the faith community, and advocates. It will review the plan’s recommendations for prevention, youth engagement and outreach, screening and intake for victims of trafficking, services and practices for trafficking survivors, funding, and data gathering. The session also will describe the recruitment of five communities across the state to build and develop collaborative networks to implement the comprehensive plan. The session will describe the initial activities of each site and plans for the future.

Presentation Objectives:

·       Overview of Project NO REST

·       Review of the projects comprehensive plan to address sex and labor trafficking

·       Discussion of recommendations for prevention, youth engagement and outreach, screening and intake, services and practices, funding, and data collection for victims and survivors

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Although health care workers are one of the few professions to interact with girls who have experienced sex trafficking, and as many as 50% of girls seek medical attention during their time in the sex trade, health care workers are often unprepared to identify and appropriately treat them. In a recent study of emergency medicine residents, Emergency Department (ED) attending's, ED nurses, and hospital social workers, only 4.8% felt some degree of confidence in their ability to identify and 7.7% to treat a trafficked patient. Because there are several complex health issues associated with sex trafficking, healthcare professionals need to know how to identify and treat these girls. In addition, there needs to be better methods established to gather data in the clinic, hospital, urgent care, and ER settings.

Presentation Objectives:

·       Present the current research literature as it applies to the intersection of health care and sex trafficking

·       Describe our current research projects in this area and preliminary findings

·       Provide next steps and future directions in this area

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This presentation seeks to destigmatize mental illnesses for employers and employees. Most mental illnesses are impairments that affect an employee in at least one major activity that (s)he must do daily. Therefore, discrimination or harassment based on a mental illness likely violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Employees will learn about their legal rights if they have a mental illness including anxiety, depression, bipolar, ADHD, autism/Asperger’s, schizophrenia, OCD, and others. The presenter will discuss using hypotheticals, why employees should document discussions and request reasonable accommodations before they have performance or conduct problems. In addition, the presenter will review what to do if they were discriminated against or harassed based on their mental illness. Employers with more than 15 employees are required under the ADA to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities, unless doing so would impose an undue burden.  If an employee tells a supervisor that (s)he has a mental illness, the employer has an ongoing duty to engage in a discussion with the employee about the illness; how (and if) it limits the employee’s performance; reasonable accommodations to aid the employee to perform the essential functions of the job; and medical documentation needed, if any. Employers must have a “no tolerance” policy for employees or third parties (e.g., vendors, customers) who discriminate or harass other employees because of their mental illnesses. The presenter will discuss how to have these conversations, and learn tips for employers, like having clear policies, training supervisors and HR, and documenting discussions with employees to mitigate risk.

Presentation Objectives:

• Destigmatize mental illness for employers and employees
• Review how affected employees will learn about their legal rights
• Explain the importance of documentation of accommodation requests
• Discuss how to legally handle discrimination/harassment

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Through the story of a survivor of human trafficking, the impact of occupational therapy as a form of innovative treatment will be shared. A journey that includes breaking free from human trafficking, recovering from addiction, addressing and moving past life traumas, and learning how to live a new and successful life will be shared from a survivor and her occupational therapist. The most effective treatment for survivors of human trafficking include treatment involving but not limited to job placement, independent living skills, housing, basic needs being addressed and met, health education, educational opportunities, trauma specific treatment, social skills, and any other needed skill building areas in a person’s life (Johnson, 2012). These areas can be addressed by an occupational therapist from assessment to treatment as part of the team for a holistic approach to sustained success for survivors. Survivors of human trafficking benefit from skill development and according to the occupational therapy practice framework, many areas fall into the scope of practice for occupational therapy, including but not limited to: self-care, financial management, employment, meaningful activity, meal planning and preparation, community mobility, relationship development, problem solving, impulse control, and many other areas (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2014).
Presentation Objectives:

·         Discuss the role of Occupational Therapy in treatment for individuals in human trafficking

·         Explain the holistic view on survivors and how occupational therapy can play a role in recovery

·         Assist participants in developing empathy through the sharing of a survivor’s story

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The evolution of technology is opening doors for human sex trafficking using an online commercial advertising environment. The internet has enabled traffickers to advertise the services of their victims via web and cell phone dating, classifieds, and commercial sex platforms. This presentation is designed to aid public safety partners in identifying the current most popular sex trafficking web sites and cell phone applications, terminology used by victims and pimps, tattoos that may be identified in sex advertisement photos, the use of the Spotlight Program, how to safely navigate sex trafficking platforms, and what to do if you identify a possible trafficking situation. Topics that will be covered in this presentation include Backpage adult services section closure and its effects on the industry, a review of the top trafficking sites (Backpage, Craigslist, Locanto, Erotic Mug Shots etc), an overview of tattoos/branding and terminology, what to do when a suspected sex trafficking advertisement or internet application is found, and open source websites that can provide information and programs that can assist in investigations.

Presentation Objectives:

·       Brief overview of human trafficking

·       Discuss online and cell phone application commercial sex advertisement

·       Present examples of advertisements

·       Review the indicators of a possible trafficking victim ad

·       Discuss the terminology and symbols associated with these sites

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Multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) exist in a variety of different settings. The question is how well developed is the team and how effective does the team function? Some teams suffer from barriers such as professional mistrust, issues with confidentiality, lack of support from administration, and overall lack of knowledge of what team members may bring to the table. In this interactive workshop, participants will examine the strengths and barriers of MDTs, how improved communication and collaboration foster a healthy environment for team collaboration, and help team members navigate tough discussion that have the ability to impact the client population served.
Presentation Objectives:

·       Explain the members and roles of an MDT and how a lack of communication and/or collaboration can affect clients

·       Explore the strengths and weakness of the MDT model

·       Explain the process of forming an MDT

·       Describe ways communication and collaboration can assist in the development of effective teams for the safety of the client

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In this session, initial findings from the Michigan Human Trafficking Resource Survey (MHTRS) will be presented. A comprehensive statewide survey of public service agencies and advocates was conducted from May to August 2017 in order to assess the state of anti-trafficking resources in Michigan. Human trafficking is a pernicious problem whose harms are exacerbated by inadequate data, a lack of interagency collaboration, and persistent misconceptions about factors that make individuals vulnerable to exploitation. Despite increasing public awareness and a rise in the number of anti-trafficking humanitarian organizations, survivors and advocates report significant barriers to accessing help they need. Based on data from the MHTRS, this session explores this problem by examining gaps and redundancies in anti-human trafficking resources in Michigan: what services are being offered, by which types of organizations, and for which groups of individuals. The MHTRS research sample consisted of 317 organizations identified through referral lists provided by members of the Joint Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (JATT), ethnographic research, and a purposeful sampling of organizations identified as geographically and culturally representative of service providers in the state: government agencies, health and human service providers, advocacy groups, and allied agencies in education and the faith-based community from throughout Michigan and Indian Tribal Nations. As of July 2017, 195 organizations completed the survey for a response rate of 62%.

Presentation Objectives:

• Present findings from the Michigan Human Trafficking Resource Survey (MHTRS)
• Explore the barriers, redundancies, and gaps in anti-human trafficking services
• Identify culturally appropriate interventions, trauma-informed approaches, trafficking terminology, and best practices involving survivor-leaders in the design and delivery of care.

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The rape of children in America is shared every day in videos, photos and live-steams. Evidence of this crime is often displayed on the internet and in high volume. These types of crimes against children continue, in part, because of our collective denial and inaction. This presentation will provide an overview of over 1,000 child pornography arrests that will appear in Lori’s upcoming book, "Epidemic: America’s Trade in Child Rape." Findings from analyzed data include a common predator profile and themes of common responses from the institutions in which these predators worked. The presenter will provide information on the steps institutions and organizations need to take to ensure sexual predators are held accountable, and to decrease the likelihood that predators are hired. Discussion about preventing this type of child abuse will also take place. 

Presentation Objectives:

• Provide an overview of child pornography arrests
• Review common predator profiles
• Discuss steps necessary to ensure predators are held accountable
• Explore ways to decrease the likelihood predators are hired
• Discuss ways to prevent child abuse

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This presentation aims to analyze trends in maritime-based and coastal human trafficking and smuggling in sub-Saharan states, specifically in East and West Africa. The presentation is part of a long-term collaborative research project of the One Earth Future Foundation that examines the extent of criminal maritime activities off coastal sub-Saharan African states. Mixed maritime migration has garnered attention in recent years in the Mediterranean Sea, but the Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions have largely been neglected. This presentation goes beyond an analysis of trends in maritime migration by examining whether increased security measures, including naval patrols by littoral states, have encouraged potential victims of smuggling to take more perilous routes through the Sahara Desert to reach their European target destination, during which their vulnerability to trafficking increases. The presentation, thus, offers a new perspective on how security policy has altered, rather than prevented migration. First, the presentation will examine historical regional routes in terms of frequency and destinations. Second, the presenter will discuss if and how security policy has altered routes to increase trafficking victim vulnerability. The presentation will assess whether a more nuanced security structure is needed to address the prevention component of trafficking. Lastly, linking changes in routes to illicit migration patterns will be explored.

Presentation Objectives:

• Present a perspective that can inform strategies to innovatively address existing responses to human trafficking
• Contribute to a larger discussion on localizing approaches to human smuggling and trafficking

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This presentation will provide an overview of the political framework that has surrounded human trafficking in South Dakota and the many ways that it is currently being changed through the passing of new legislation. The male-dominated government positions typically have more influence and decision-making power. Women in government are challenging this, and are working to bring people to the table for conversations that challenge their long-held beliefs. Creating alliances of women from all socioeconomic backgrounds is important in order to partner together to combat trafficking. Additionally, it is important to utilize the current systems in place, including government programs, to use a systemic approach in identifying and combating trafficking in the Midwest.

Presentation Objectives:

• Discuss the political framework that has surrounded human trafficking in South Dakota
• Explain the importance of alliances by women of all socioeconomic backgrounds to partner together to combat trafficking.
• Discuss the importance of utilizing the current systems in place

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The PATH (Partners Against Trafficking in Humans) Project is a community-wide, coordinated, transparent, and data-driven response to serve victims of human trafficking. The PATH Project was developed using a combination of the Office for Victims of Crime Comprehensive Services Model, the Pathways Model (a successful model used to increase the healthy births of high-risk babies), and elements of social work practice. The goal is to provide intensive and comprehensive services that move victims to survivors and survivors to thrivers. The vision is for the PATH Model to become an evidence-based model to be shared with other communities. Attendees will learn the components of the model and the experience of practitioners that are implementing the model.

Presentation Objectives:

·         Describe the components of the PATH Project and the PATH Model

·         Explain the continuum of care (including conceptual definitions of a victim, survivor, and thriver)

·         Present the basic findings from PATH Model data analysis

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Goodwill has been awarded a $1.36 million federal grant to provide training, case management, mentoring, and employment services to incarcerated adults transitioning back into the community. Goodwill will serve approximately 170 men and women who are in work release programs, recovery houses, and residential release centers. They have placed many individuals back into the work force. In addition, the program is operated by all restored citizens who have served time incarcerated.

Presentation Objectives:

·         Describe the program that Goodwill will introduce as a result of federal grant funding

·         Describe the reasons and importance of effectively integrating citizens returning from prison back into the community

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The mental health concerns among sex trafficking victims include emotional, behavioral, social, and spiritual ramifications (Clawson, Dutch, Solomon, & Grace, 2009; Hodge, 2014; Zimmerman, Hossain, & Watts, 2011). The Changing Actions to Change Habits (CATCH) specialty court provides human trafficking survivors charged with a crime, the opportunity of comprehensive assessment and treatment services. With no evidenced-based treatment interventions for survivors of human trafficking, it is important that people glean best possible practices from what is already available. Trauma-competent interventions and experiences will be discussed.

Presentation Objectives:

·       Overview of CATCH Court

·       Review of best practices that are currently available

·       Discussion of trauma-competent interventions

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This presentation will discuss methods for educating healthcare professionals to recognize and respond effectively to suspected victims of human trafficking. The presentation consists of a one-hour film outlining the guidelines developed for the four Cleveland area health systems (Cleveland Clinic, MetroHealth, Sisters of Charity Health System, and University Hospitals). This resource, along with a manual, were created in response to the need for common guidelines among the health systems in order to assure improved quality of care and interdisciplinary communication among area healthcare providers, law enforcement, and social service providers. The film features local physicians, nurses, a social worker, law enforcement personnel, and a survivor.

Presentation Objectives:

·         Define the role of the healthcare professional in responding to human trafficking

·         Discuss the guidelines for responding to potential victims of human trafficking who may be encountered in local health facilities

·         Present the community partners with whom health providers need to establish strong working relationships

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The purpose of this session is to present the current literature on global labor and sex trafficking among refugee and asylum-seeking populations, as well as the conditions that contribute to sex and labor trafficking risk among refugees/asylum-seeking populations. This presentation establishes a baseline of knowledge regarding what is currently known about sex and labor trafficking in refugee/asylum-seeking populations, and seeks to start a conversation and an agenda for further research, as well as for policy and practice.

Presentation Objectives:

·       Present current literature

·       Discuss the conditions among special populations

·       Start a conversation and agenda for further research, policy, and practice

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