Freedom Network USA (FNUSA) spent time this month responding to challenges with the Trafficking Victims Assistance Program (TVAP). This grant program is administered by the Department of Health and Human Services and funds comprehensive case management and cash assistance for foreign-born human trafficking survivors. This community is particularly vulnerable, as they are not eligible for many other supportive services that other survivors might have access to. In early October, FNUSA began to receive reports from service providers across the country that their clients were losing access to funding and services through this program. A new grant cycle had begun and providers had no way to transition them to the new service period. Our staff quickly convened listening sessions with our members and submitted a letter outlining our concerns. We were able to communicate challenges reported by our members directly to agency staff at the Office for Trafficking in Persons and the primary grantee. In the end, all survivors who were receiving services before the grant's end, are eligible to be re-enrolled. If you are a service provider who administered this program in September and is experiencing issues, please contact Melinda Smith at [email protected].

FNUSA also responded to an open comment period about the TVAP program's data collection practices. We are very concerned about some of the requirements that may prompt survivors to report detailed accounts of their trauma history and trafficking experience to enroll in the program. This can lead to unnecessary re-traumatization and is not grounded in best practices. 

These are both an example of the unique role that FNUSA plays in the anti-trafficking space. We leverage the knowledge and experiences of our members to respond to real challenges that survivors face in systemic ways. Together with these communities, we will continue to work toward a positive and permanent impact on the lives of survivors.

This year, Freedom Network USA has set a goal to inspire 65 friends and allies to make a gift. Why 65? It’s to celebrate the 65 survivors our Survivor Reentry Project is currently working with to get their criminal records cleared. Survivors should not be punished for crimes they were forced to commit and we want to support their transition to safety and stability. Can you help us hit our goal for human trafficking survivors? Make a gift today to help us hit our goal!

The FNTI Housing Team visited the Ali Forney Center in November to hold a discussion about the voluntary services model for anti-trafficking housing providers. Our Housing Project provides training and resources on housing options for survivors of human trafficking. This includes guidance for advocates in accessing appropriate emergency, transitional, or long-term housing options for survivors. For this meeting, staff did a deep dive into what the model is, how to implement it, and how to begin thinking about a shift to incorporate it within housing programs. Thank you to the Ali Forney Center for hosting us!

Join us on April 17 - 18, 2023 for the annual Freedom Network USA Human Trafficking Conference. The year's event, “Calling In: Centering Survivors & Impacted Communities,” will be hosted at the Washington Hilton in Washington, DC. Space is limited so register now to secure your seat!
 

Are you interested in partnering with us for our 2023 conference? Now is the time to get involved! Our conference welcomes anti-trafficking professionals from across the country including service providers, survivors, directors, managers, and senior government representatives for multiple government agencies. It is one of the best ways to gain visibility in this space. If you are interested in discussing partnerships, please contact Erika Palacios, our Development Specialist, at [email protected].