Sojourner House Enhanced Services for Victim of Human Trafficking

The overall purpose of Sojourner House’s Enhancing Services for Victims of Human Trafficking in Rhode Island program is to enhance and expand trauma-informed services for victims of human trafficking to help them achieve increased safety, independence, and well-being. Under this program, the Sojourner House will implement the following activities: 1) provide a broader range and greater intensity of trauma-informed direct services to meet the individual needs of victims of trafficking in RI; 2) collaborate with and provide training for local partners (service providers, law enforcement, community and faith-based organizations, etc.) to ensure trafficking victims are properly identified and referred for appropriate services; 3) provide referrals for victims and warm hand-offs to other essential services; and 4) collect accurate data and participate in evaluation activities to determine if the project is meeting the stated goals. The enhanced services for victims will include: case management, peer support for substance abuse recovery, substance abuse counseling, immigration legal assistance, financial education, assistance with basic needs, housing support/assistance, and clinical counseling and support groups. The intended outcome is enhanced access for victims of human trafficking to the diverse services they often require to achieve increased safety, independence, and well-being. This program will have statewide reach throughout RI, with targeted focus in Providence, Woonsocket, and Central Falls. In addition, the program will serve those from other states when referred due to safety concerns or a lack of available services. The intended beneficiaries are adults (over age 18) who are victims of human trafficking for sex and/or labor. This program will target young people ages 18-25, undocumented and refugee victims, and victims who are LGBTQ+. Sojourner House already has programming specifically dedicated to these vulnerable populations and staff who are knowledgeable about their unique needs.