Governor Kathy Hochul has issued a proclamation designating January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in New York State and highlighting ongoing efforts to raise awareness of human trafficking. Throughout the month, state agency members of the Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking are sharing information on social media to raise awareness of human trafficking and the critical services available to support survivors. Human trafficking refers to the use of force, fraud, or coercion to make someone engage in labor or commercial sex.
The 11 state agencies that are part of the Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking, which is co-chaired by OTDA and DCJS, all play a critical role in working to prevent trafficking and identify and assist survivors of human trafficking.
The agencies involved in the task force use data-driven approaches to identify those with increased vulnerability to being trafficked and implement targeted prevention strategies. This work includes creating an outreach poster—that includes examples of trafficking and is available in 12 languages—to help individuals recognize tactics that have been used to force labor and inform them of service providers who can provide assistance. A Youth Working group, co-chaired by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and DCJS, has also been established to target the recruitment and trafficking of minors. The task force routinely provides training to organizations throughout the state to raise awareness of human trafficking and to help ensure services are client-centered and trauma-informed.
OTDA and DCJS play a key role in helping trafficked individuals access services. DCJS receives referrals from law enforcement agencies and established social and/or legal services providers and, in consultation with OTDA, confirms individuals as having been trafficked. The confirmation process links individuals with access to critical services and support.
In 2024, 404 individuals were confirmed, 192 for sex trafficking, 166 for labor trafficking, and 46 for both sex and labor trafficking.
In addition to collaborating with state partners, OTDA and DCJS provide training and technical assistance to law enforcement and other stakeholders on human trafficking.
OTDA also manages the Response to Human Trafficking Program (RTHP), which allocates nearly $2.4 million annually to community-based providers for culturally appropriate, trauma-informed services for trafficked persons, including emergency needs, such as food or clothing; shelter/rental assistance; medical and mental health care; and legal services. RHTP focuses on those individuals who would otherwise not have access to needed services, including those who are not eligible for public benefits.
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