The Link Safe Harbor Programs for Minor Victims of Sex Trafficking

The overarching goal of The Link’s Safe Harbor Program is to provide a safe place for youth who are trafficked to heal from the trauma and build their protective factors to ensure that they can transition into a healthy and stable future that is free from exploitation. The intent is to increase young people’s connections to school and employment, enhance social and emotional wellbeing, self-sufficiency, and help them build permanent connections with families, communities, schools, and other positive social networks. The programs utilize a Comprehensive Youth Centered Service Model based upon Evidence Based Practices such as Positive Youth Development and Trauma Informed Care.  While in the program, youth participate in specialized services specific to the trauma of sex trafficking that allow the young person to make informed decisions about their future. The Link ensures that minors who have been trafficked are identified and referred for appropriate services and create client centered goals plan that document the progress of the youth and the program. 

The Link’s Safe Harbor Programs ensure youth are safe, can heal from the trauma of sexual exploitation and/or trafficking, and become more empowered to accomplish the goals and dreams they have for themselves. The Link submits this request to expand its supportive services team to include one additional FTE Mobile Case Manager to focus on boys and LGBTQ youth. Additionally, they will add 1.5 FTE’s Outreach positions which would also focus on identifying minor youth, boys and LGBTQ youth. A new component will be a Parent Support Specialist to assist with family reunification and ongoing support for the parents/guardians. Finally, they will add one FTE to Our Aftercare team to help minor youth transition out of shelter and provide support and relapse/crisis prevention services.