The Collaborative’s goal is to strengthen Louisiana’s human trafficking response in four core areas:
Collaboration:
Utilize the MDT model and case coordination to improve communication across agencies.
A Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) is a group of professionals from specific, distinct disciplines that collaborates from the point of report and throughout a child and family’s involvement with the CAC.* MDTs coordinate intervention to reduce potential trauma to children and families and improve services overall, while preserving and respecting the rights, mandates and obligations of each agency. The LCYTC builds upon the MDT model to more effectively meet the emergent and long-term needs of exploited children and youth.
*This definition is based on the 2017 NCA Accreditation Standards for Members.
THE ROLE OF THE COORDINATOR
Each Regional Child and Youth Trafficking Coordinator serves as one of 10-key positions established to execute The Collaborative. These positions are housed in Children’s Advocacy Centers (CAC) across the state and are liaisons with law enforcement partners, judicial partners, and victim service partners in the regional area, as well as support and improve the multi-disciplinary response to child and youth trafficking. The LCYTC Coordinators serve as central points of contact for agencies and victims for a more coordinated and effective system response; provide direct service for victims in the form of screening, case management, and advocacy; and facilitate training and outreach to build infrastructure and community capacity.
Advocacy:
Ensure access to high-quality care centered on victim healing.
The LCYTC uses Case Coordination to address the direct needs of victims and survivors of trafficking. The LCYTC’s MDTs can take referrals for trafficking victims who need case coordination, investigative support, or direct services. These MDTs utilize a multi-disciplinary approach to improve service coordination for clients in their communities. LCYTC Coordinators may also provide direct service for victims in the form of assessment, case management, and family advocacy.
Screening:
Utilize a validated screening tool to identify child and youth trafficking victims.
The LCYTC utilizes the Commercial Sexual Exploitation Identification Tool (CSE-IT tool) created by Westcoast Children’s Clinic to screen to improve early identification of sex trafficking of youth. This tool is narrative-based, meaning that it does not require interviews or direct questions asked to the youth. This minimizes the trauma of retelling their story. This tool is designed to be cross-sector, and is used by CACs, service providers, juvenile services and other partner agencies across Louisiana to improve community screening and identification of potential victims.
Outreach:
Provide trauma-informed, victim-centered training to improve identification and response to human trafficking.
The LCYTC Coordinators offer human trafficking training to community partners within their service region. The LCYTC offers free training and outreach to communities throughout Louisiana. This includes community events, vulnerable communities, and professionals who work with vulnerable communities. These trainings have been developed, screened, and approved by local, state, and national experts including survivors to ensure high-quality content.