The crisis of accessibility in our supportive services. 


** The Crisis of Accessibility Survivors Face
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ECPAT-USA is honored to recognize January as National Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month. ([link removed]) Throughout the month, we'll be raising awareness of issues related to child sex trafficking and exploitation and highlighting ways you can join us in our child protection work.
Click here to learn more. ([link removed])

Federal safety-net programs are a crucial opportunity to prevent child trafficking by reducing vulnerabilities such as poverty, food insecurity, and homelessness. For survivors, these programs are pathways to healing and financial stability after they’ve experienced extreme violence. However, less than half ([link removed]) of survivors can access these systems, and many are left without the basic necessities needed to survive. Government data suggests that only 20.1% of all poor children ([link removed].) eligible for cash assistance receive it.

Survivors of human trafficking often face a multitude of roadblocks and obstacles when trying to access these programs, including the psychological, learning, and compliance costs that individuals experience whenever they interact with the government ([link removed]) . These obstacles, termed “administrative burdens,” are built into our bureaucratic structure. Imagine the frustration that many have experienced in renewing a drivers’ license. Now, imagine that the benefit is not just a license, but health care, housing, food, and the person seeking those benefits cannot read, does not have access to identity documents or suffers from trauma-related injuries that complicate the ability to complete an application.

Since the 1996 welfare reform legislation, eligibility and program requirements have centered on reducing fraud and incentivizing work. Even though fraud is rare and overstated ([link removed]) , public benefit offices are heavily biased ([link removed]) against applicants. As a result, families, particularly Black and Brown mothers ([link removed]) , face harsh and wrongful punishments. Research ([link removed]) reflects that marginalized groups are disproportionately affected by administrative burdens. Immigrants, LGBTQ+, and those with mental health issues face even greater challenges. When they are at their most vulnerable, survivors must complete complicated forms and comply with difficult requirements.

Survivors with children are also receiving less and less assistance every year. Since 1994, Congress has failed to increase funding for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, leaving vulnerable families with 38% less assistance ([link removed]) in 2020. In response, ECPAT-USA will continue to advocate for the expansion of supportive programs for human trafficking victims across the country, allowing for greater access to urgently needed services they rightfully deserve. Until the United States reforms its approach to safety net programs, this crisis of accessibility will continue, and survivors will continue to face the potential of extreme poverty, hunger, and a cycle of violence because of overly complicated and flawed social welfare systems.

Learn more about cases related to these issues across the country that recently made headlines:
* Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to Increase Awareness of Resources for Human Trafficking Victims ([link removed]) : A new law in New York requires law enforcement and district attorney's offices to advise human trafficking victims of the availability of social and legal services.
* The Powerful Message Behind 'Maid' ([link removed]) : The hit Netflix show, ‘Maid’ has brought the United States’ welfare system to the mainstream.
* How Tech Is Helping Poor People Get Government Aid ([link removed]) : New apps are helping low-income individuals obtain and retain their benefits.

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ECPAT-USA is the leading policy organization in the United States seeking to end the commercial, sexual exploitation of children through awareness, advocacy, policy, and legislation. Join us ([link removed]) .

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