Page 5 - ODJFS Human Trafficking Response Summary 2017-2018

trafficking of youth. It looks at the number of total cases that involved internet-based grooming or exploitation and whether the cases were referred by ICAC. This information may be especially important if Alicia’s Law gets introduced in Ohio.
(for more information on Alicia’s Law see http://www.aliciaproject.org/alicias-law.html)
The last section gathers information related to each case including date of first service interaction and type of exploitation and/or risk factors. Next information which provides insight into accessibility of services is gathered buy determining the child’s county of residence relative to the county of service. Once sufficient information is gathered - in conjunction with information later gathered on who provided the referral and what services were provided - this data will help inform a model of how services are linked to CACs from underserved counties.
In the remainder of the survey other demographic factors are identified along with a key focus on special classifications such as LGBTQ, homelessness, drug use, disabilities, documentation statuses, and language barriers. This adds an extra layer of context to what life-factors may be targeted by traffickers. Also, information is gathered concerning collaborative work and MDT partnerships to provide insights into how each CAC may strengthen capacity both in terms of MDT responses to trafficking - and with partner resources and agencies throughout the community. The next component looks into involvement by law enforcement and implementation of Safe Harbor protocols. This is followed by an area to declare requests for reimbursement either at the full allowable amount or less. The final section seeks to gather information pertaining to the alleged offender(s), charges, prosecution and outcome, if known. (For further details see Appendix A)
To get a more complete picture, the End of Quarter Comprehensive Survey gathers data across multiple domains largely focused on training and coalition meeting activities. The survey begins with basic information from the responding CAC followed by the number of coalition and non-coalition human trafficking-related meetings that were attended. Opportunities are provided to expound on media outreach and public awareness activities that the CACs have participated in. An ongoing needs assessment follows to provide an opportunity for CACs to reach out for assistance if they have not yet done so through direct contact with ONCAC. Likewise, in the interest of collective learning and problem solving, any key achievements or barriers can be provided as they relate to MDTs and coalitions.
Next the survey shifts to identify any trainings facilitated by a CAC; providing information on when and where the training occurred, how many individuals participated, and to what target audience or professions was it delivered. Once all potential reimbursable meetings and trainings are entered, the survey provides a section to request lump sum reimbursements distributed once each year along with any associated mileage. Respondents can upload supporting documentation for these reimbursements. Lastly, CACs may voluntarily elect to provide information pertaining to their funding structure, which may aid in flushing out a more complete picture of how these services are supported and maintained financially. (For more information see Appendix B)
Response and Capacity Building Data Analysis:
Looking at trends presenting over the first State Fiscal Year of this grant, 2017-2018, we find that efforts outlined in this grant have increased the outreach, identification, and services available to youth survivors and those at high-risk of trafficking. Several intrinsic confounds in the data collection might cause variance in absolute values across metrics, including the shortened reporting period for the first quarter, variable response totals, and the introduction of new measures as the instruments are refined. Though it should be noted that trends show a significant upward pattern across most metrics, which exceeds those attributable to these confounds. Additionally by strategically focusing on descriptive statistics for this first year, results are internally consistent within each quarterly report. For the next State Fiscal Year, additional data collection and normalization will be possible thus allowing for more advanced statistical approaches as the database grows.
Reaching High-Risk Youth:
First let us look at some key trends observed in the End of Quarter Comprehensive Survey. One of our early moves in reaching more youth impacted by human trafficking included the establishment of parameters to aid in service linkage for youth presenting with a high prevalence life-factors commonly and disproportionately targeted for exploitation by traffickers (Fig.2). This was done under the consideration that disclosure of trafficking is an outcome of treatment, and thus we must be able to