Freedom Network USA (FNUSA), the nation’s largest coalition of service providers and advocates working directly with human trafficking survivors in the United States, is pleased to announce the launch of the Standards of Care for Anti-Trafficking Service Providers (Standards of Care) Project. FNUSA was competitively awarded a 3-year cooperative agreement by the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC). FNUSA will work in partnership with OVC and the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Trafficking in Persons (OTIP) to lead the development of the Standards.
The Standards of Care will provide guidance on the development and implementation of services for survivors of human trafficking. Through the creation of Standards of Care, FNUSA, OVC, and OTIP intend to promote uniform service standards that will ensure consistent quality and reduce harm to trafficking survivors. FNUSA is committed to the human rights-based approach to human trafficking, placing the expertise, priorities and choice of trafficking survivors at the center of anti-trafficking services. As the principal federal agencies supporting services and assistance to human trafficking survivors in the United States, OVC and OTIP are best positioned to support the development of Standards of Care that individuals who experience trafficking can expect to receive when seeking help from OVC and OTIP funded programs.
FNUSA will convene a technical working group, comprised of service providers, survivor leaders, and subject matter experts with diverse perspectives and expertise to codevelop the Standards of Care. FNUSA and the technical working group will leverage OVC’s Model Standards, incorporate new evidence-based practices, and address service considerations specific to human trafficking. The Standards of Care will encompass a comprehensive array of services, including case management, housing, legal services, behavioral health, and economic empowerment. The public will have opportunities to provide feedback on draft standards. More information about this multi-phase initiative can be found on the OJP Grant Awards Page.
For inquiries about the Standards of Care for Anti-Trafficking Service Providers contact Freedom Network USA at standards@freedomnetworkusa.org.
About Freedom Network USA: Freedom Network USA is the nation’s largest coalition working to ensure that trafficked persons have access to justice, safety, and opportunity. Established in 2001, the network is comprised of trafficking survivors, legal and social service providers, researchers, and advocacy organizations. Freedom Network USA is dedicated to a human rights-based approach to human trafficking.