Poster #10
Challenges of Building Capacity to Increase Identification of Victims of Human Trafficking
By: Kristin Stout and John Weil
Abstract:
According to Polaris Project, North Carolina had 853 identified victims through the National Human Trafficking Hotline (NHTH) in 2019. This number represents an increase over the number of victims reported in 2018. While the increase in trafficking victims identified by the NHTH is likely related to an actual increase in the number of victims being trafficked, it can also be linked to an increase in education and awareness of human trafficking leading to better identification of trafficking victims by community members, law enforcement, school personnel, parents, students, and others. Expanding awareness and prevention education related to human trafficking has been a specific focus in North Carolina for the North Carolina Network for Safe Communities (NCNSC) for over ten years in different capacities. We will use foundational information to provide an overview of human trafficking and transition to the practical application of interventions that have been implemented in eight underserved counties in North Carolina. These interventions will include activities that increase awareness of human trafficking and identification of potential victims. We are hopeful that this session will introduce vital education and potential program implementation strategies to victim service agencies. As indicated in the Shared Hope report card for North Carolina, the state received an F in Prevention and Training. North Carolina also received an F in Identification of and Response to Victims. By discussing the connection between training and victim identification, we can work together to raise the grades on the next state report card.
Biography:
Kristin Stout is the Program & Implementation Coordinator with the North Carolina Network for Safe Communities (NCNSC). Currently, the NCNSC team is providing implementation & sustainability oversight to agencies in Eastern North Carolina working to increase capacity and human trafficking victim identification. She has over 20 years of experience in case management, case oversight, and advocacy. The past 10 years have been spent in program development, research, data evaluation, and program implementation. She has facilitated trainings on trauma informed programs & services. As an improvement advisor, she has worked with schools, community mental health agencies, and juvenile justice systems to successfully implement trauma informed practices and treatment models. She is currently a rostered Resource Parent Curriculum Facilitator through the North Carolina Child Treatment Program. In addition, she is a contracted Parenting Curriculum facilitator working with court involved parents.