Develop a multidisciplinary team approach for responding to child sex trafficking cases that result in prosecution. Discuss topics such as search warrants, what charges to bring and other considerations and/or prosecutions issues. Explore victim-centered approaches and strategies to deal with the unexpected.
Gain an understanding of NCMEC resources available to assist law enforcement with child sex trafficking cases.
Information about required self-paced modules for CST-FIT classes
Gain a basic understanding of gang dynamics and the movement of gangs into the trafficking of children. Recognize the similarities and differences between gang related and gang motivated child sex trafficking versus traditional sex trafficking models as relates to recruiting, victimization, control and the methods of combating gang trafficking.
Learn basic techniques and strategies to enhance the likelihood of obtaining information from possible victims of child sex trafficking. Compare and contrast typical child sexual abuse cases with child sex trafficking (CST) cases and address the different points of entry into the criminal justice and welfare system for CST victims. Understand various disciplines' roles and responsibilities and how they can contribute to a positive outcome of the CST case. Examine question strategy, interview dynamics, language use, and interview suggestions. Discuss the business model of child sex trafficking as it relates to a variety of crimes, including the use of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Gain an understanding of child sex trafficking victim dynamics, perspectives on sex traffickers and how human trafficking is the second most profitable crime in the world. Case examples will be utilized throughout the course to highlight real world examples of child sex trafficking.
Child Protective Services (CPS) case workers encounter child sex trafficking victims during and following missing events in which extensive exploitation is occurring or has occurred. Examine when CPS has jurisdiction and a duty to investigate trafficking cases, along with why and how children go missing from care. Identify vulnerabilities and recognize factors which indicate sex trafficking. Often these recovered missing or abducted children do not disclose their exploitation when recovered or encountered by CPS. Analyze the bond the victim has with the trafficker and discover why disclosing is difficult for children. Identify approaches to protect children when you suspect trafficking but have no disclosure from the victim. Lastly, develop opportunities to collaborate with law enforcement and other professionals to identify and support CST victims.
Child sex trafficking (CST) is like no other crime. Victimization may happen hundreds of times and can be difficult to identify due to the victims being missing children coupled with the trafficker’s hold on victims. Dissect the crime of CST, its complex nature, and discover how to investigate this crime fully. Develop trauma-informed approaches to ensure your victim interview does not retraumatize and you gain critical information to identify corroborative evidence. Examine the trafficker’s profile and motivation, how they impact your suspect interview, and proven suspect interview strategies. Recognize common evidence available, legal hurdles, and common defenses of traffickers.
Learn about the free analytical resources available to identify and recover victims of child sex trafficking. Gather information about the resources and services offered by the Child Sex Trafficking Team (CSTT) at NCMEC, such as providing analytical support and completing comprehensive reports regarding possible child victims and their traffickers.
Discuss examples of federal/state laws and policies that support coordinated responses to child sex trafficking, focusing on how legislation can promote prevention, protection, partnerships, and justice for survivors. Attendees will gain knowledge and training on comprehensive, trauma-informed, and person-centered approaches to effectively support minors who have experienced trafficking, ensuring their needs are met with compassion and respect. We will explore multidisciplinary collaboration among government agencies, community services, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to create a unified and effective response prioritizing minors’ safety, recovery, and empowerment.
