DEVELOPING COMMUNITY AWARENESS: HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY. A Project Presented to the Faculty of California State University, Stanislaus

Transcription

1 DEVELOPING COMMUNITY AWARENESS: HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY A Project Presented to the Faculty of California State University, Stanislaus In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Social Work By Elizabeth Velazquez May 2016

2 CERTIFICATION OF APPROVAL DEVELOPING COMMUNITY AWARENESS: HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY by Elizabeth Velazquez Signed Certification of Approval page is on file with the University Library Dr. Katie Galvin Assistant Professor of Social Work Date Dr. Jane Rousseau Assistant Professor of Social Work Date

3 2016 Elizabeth Velazquez ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

4 DEDICATION I dedicate this project to my family: Mom, Dad, brothers Adrian and David, my sisters Susana and Alejandra. For supporting my academic goals, standing by my side in my failures and celebrating my successes. I would also like to dedicate this project to my extended sisters Ysaura, Marivel and Mary Carmen because family isn t always blood. Thank you for your continuous years of friendship, and your kind words of encouragement in believing in myself. To my boyfriend Joshua for your unconditional love, the late night stress releasing conversations and reminders that God has a grandiose plan for me. For with God nothing will be impossible Luke 1:37. iv

5 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE Dedication... Abstract... iv vi Introduction/Background... 1 Human Trafficking in California... 2 Human Trafficking in San Joaquin County... 3 Description of the Project... 5 Objectives of the Project... 8 Significance/Distinctiveness of the Project... 9 Literature Review Criminal Justice Human Services Methodology Conclusions and Recommendations References Appendix: Human Trafficking Prevention Presentation Survey v

6 ABSTRACT Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal activity in the United States (U. S. Department of State, 2014). The majority of victims of human trafficking globally originate from the United States. In the Unites States, California leads in economic growth and job creation. This strong economy makes California s businesses, communities and people s targets for transnational organized crime (Harris, 2014). Nationally, California has become the leader in regards to the import and export of narcotics, weapons and human trafficking. Los Angeles is one of the main points of entry into the United States for victims of sex trafficking and San Francisco is among the cities that are experiencing an increase in the number of sex trafficking cases (retrieved from HumanTrafficking.org, 2006). San Joaquin County is centrally located along this critical corridor that traffickers use to transport women across California. This project was developed in response to the above statistics in order to increase awareness and education among the general public of San Joaquin County in regards to the growing problem of human trafficking. This population includes high school aged students, parents, non-profit organizations, educators, government employees, and community members. vi

7 INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND The control and exploitation of any human being for the purpose of profit has been on the rise (National Conference of State Legislature, 2014). American society has become complacent to the trafficking on drugs, firearms, and cash. These crimes typically end in violence, homicides and kidnappings (Harris, 2015). In the last decade, awareness of crimes to not only include the transportation of drugs, firearms and cash, but of human beings have increased (Harris, 2015). Human trafficking has become the second highest money-making form of organized crime in the world. It is estimated to be a thirty-two billion dollar per year industry (Harris, 2015). Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal activity in the United States (U. S. Department of State, 2014). The majority of victims of human trafficking originate from the United States. Females are twice as likely as men to be reported as victims. Each year there has been an increase in the number of open cases being investigated for offenses related to human trafficking. The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Human Trafficking Unit reported an increase of human traffickingrelated cases worldwide from 95 cases in 2012 to 159 in the fiscal year of It is important to note that these cases are reported and not actual cases. The DSS is one of multiple agencies that collaborate in the investigation of possible human trafficking cases at the federal level (U. S. Department of State, 2014). The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is another agency that collaborates at the federal level in the investigation of possible human trafficking cases. The FBI s most recent 1

8 2 Trafficking in Persons Reports (2015) states that human trafficking investigations increased from 734 in the fiscal year of 2013 to 835 in Human trafficking has been defined under US federal law as, the control and exploitation of any human being for the purpose of profit. This includes children involved in sex trade, adults over the age of 18 who are coerced or deceived into commercial sex acts and anyone compelled into forced labor, (National Conference of State Legislature, 2014). Criminals view human trafficking as a lower risk crime for detection, over drugs, and thus a more profitable industry (National Conference of State Legislature, 2014). Criminals have innovative ways of conducting these crimes. The accessibility of technology allows criminals to recruit their victims, and find customers thousands of miles away including across international borders (National Conference of State Legislature, 2014). Human Trafficking in California According to a report by the California National Human Trafficking Resource Center, the State of California received the highest call volume of all 50 states in 2014(National Human Trafficking Resource Center, 2014). As stated in California Attorney General Kamala Harris report Gangs Beyond Borders: California and the Fight Against Transnational Organized Crime California is a leader for international import and export of goods (March, 2014). California has large ports and a massive interstate system. In the United States, California leads in economic growth and job creation. It is up to date with the digital world and innovative ways of how to conduct business.

9 3 These are all great attributes that make it a desirable place in which to reside and conduct business. Yet, the same attributes have made California a state in which transnational organized crime takes place; crimes that have evolved with the digital world. California s strong economy makes its businesses, communities and peoples targets for transnational organized crime. As such, California has become the leader of the import and export of narcotics, weapons and human trafficking in the United States. Attorney General Harris, defined transnational organized crime as any type of criminal activity carried out by anyone who lives outside of the United States but whose crimes occur across international borders (Harris, 2014). California is among the top four destination states for human trafficking, nationwide (retrieved from HumanTrafficking.org, 2006). Human Trafficking in San Joaquin County San Joaquin County is centrally located along the corridor that traffickers transport women across California. Los Angeles is one of the main points of entry into the United States for victims of sex trafficking and San Francisco is among the cities that are experiencing an increase in the number of sex trafficking cases (retrieved from HumanTrafficking.org, 2006). San Joaquin County is located 80 miles east of San Francisco, 50 miles south of Sacramento and 221 miles from Los Angeles. It has an active inland port, a county regional airport and several major freeways (San Joaquin County, 2016). The exact number of cases of sex trafficking in San Joaquin County is unknown given that very little data has been collected, until recent years. However, we do know that victims from the Central Valley are brought

10 4 into the industry by either being kidnapped from various communities across the region or sold and recruited by family members (retrieved from HumanTrafficking.org, 2006).

11 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT The overarching goal of this project is to increase awareness and education among the general public of San Joaquin County in regards to the growing problem of human trafficking. Human trafficking has been occurring in San Joaquin County neighborhoods for years; yet many community members are completely unaware of the problem. Some community members might acknowledge hearing about cases of human trafficking in San Joaquin County but deny it happening in their neighborhoods. Still other community members are concerned and would want more information but do not know where they can educate themselves on the issue of human trafficking. In response to the growing problem of human trafficking in San Joaquin County, a coalition of organizations and individuals was started in This coalition was comprised of roughly 50 individuals representing government and nongovernment organizations, as well as other community entities, all collaborating in the fight against human trafficking. Some of the organizations included law enforcement, legal and immigration, family justice, shelters, counselors, and elected officials. The San Joaquin Women s Center Youth and Family Services was announced as taking the lead role of the San Joaquin County Human Trafficking Task Force. From this large group, smaller work groups were developed to make the work more focused and manageable. The Outreach and Education work group was 5

12 6 developed and centered its mission on brining visibility to and increasing awareness of human trafficking across San Joaquin County. In doing community outreach at the beginning of this project, to identify what role I might play, I had the pleasure of meeting Suzanne Schultz. Mrs. Schultz is the Family Crimes Unit Outreach and Training Program Coordinator at the San Joaquin County District Attorney s Office. Mrs. Schultz is also the lead person to the Outreach and Education work group for the San Joaquin County Human Trafficking Task Force. I met with her in person and shortly thereafter, I became a member of the San Joaquin County Human Trafficking Task Force Outreach and Education work group. Focused on addressing the problem of human trafficking in San Joaquin County, I collaborated with a variety of community leaders and community organizations. I worked with Senator Cathleen Galgiani s office. Senator Galgiani represents the 5 th District in the State of California, which includes San Joaquin County. She plays a crucial role in the possible implementation of new or existing laws pertaining to human trafficking in California. Another organization that is part of the Education and Outreach Workgroup and is working to raise awareness on the issue of human trafficking in San Joaquin County is Tracy Crime Stoppers. Tracy Crime Stoppers are proactive in their community and I have worked closely with this organization to educate Tracy constituents on the issue of human trafficking. A third agency that I worked closely with is the San Joaquin County District Attorney s Office. The San Joaquin County District s Attorney s Office collaboration ensures

13 7 that victims are not seen or tried as criminals but rather referred to the appropriate agencies that will help provide the services they need. Another agency that I have worked with is the San Joaquin Women s Center Youth and Family Services as part of the Anti-Human Trafficking Education and Outreach Workgroup. The work with San Joaquin Women s Center Youth and Family Services is vital in helping victims take the first step in accepting the help they need. My collaboration ensures that the public becomes aware of the services offered by the San Joaquin Women s Center Youth and Family Services to victims of human trafficking. Lastly, San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD), plays an essential role in the fight against human trafficking in the San Joaquin County. RTD is responsible for transporting a victim of human trafficking who seeks help to for a safe place. A victim of human trafficking can stop a bus and request help. RTD protocol is to allow the victim of human trafficking to ride the bus and at the end of their shift drop them off at a safe place with no questions asked. The collaboration amongst these agencies is important in the fight against human trafficking in San Joaquin County.

14 OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT 1) Create a workshop presentation for high school aged students, parents, non-profit organizations, educators, government employees, and community members aimed at increasing community awareness of human trafficking and community resources available to victims of human trafficking in San Joaquin County. 2) Design a follow-up questionnaire for purposes of presentation improvement. 3) Coordinate community presentations that will raise awareness on the issue of human trafficking throughout San Joaquin County and ensure agency collaboration between Senator Galgiani s office, Tracy Crime Stoppers, San Joaquin County District Attorney s Office, San Joaquin Women s Center Youth and Family Services and San Joaquin Regional Transit District. 8

15 SIGNIFICANCE/DISTINCTIVENESS OF THE PROJECT This project will raise awareness of the fight against the growing problem of human trafficking in San Joaquin County by educating the public as well as possible future young victims who may be at risk for becoming involved in a life of sexual exploitation. Specifically, this project focuses on promoting social justice and collaboration. Advocating for social justice is central to the role of a social worker. As stated in the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics (2008), social workers have an ethical responsibility to the boarder society and should promote the general welfare of society.social workers should ensure that all people have equal access to resources, services and opportunities they require to meet their basic needs and to reach their maximum potential, (National Association of Social Workers, 2008). Additionally, the mission statement of the department of Social Work at California State University, Stanislaus states that collaboration contributes to the change in conditions that lead to privilege and oppression (California State University, Stanislaus, 2014). Until 2014, there had not been a comprehensive approach articulated for how organizations across San Joaquin County would collectively approach the growing problem of human trafficking. Specifically, agencies in San Joaquin County did not have protocols in place to effectively provide services to this population. In response to this situation, the San Joaquin County Human Trafficking Task Force was developed in The Human Trafficking Task Force was developed as a first-step 9

16 10 towards addressing the increase in human trafficking cases being encountered in San Joaquin County by various area agencies. The San Joaquin County Human Trafficking Task Force approach is victimcentered. The task force is comprised of multiple government, non-government organizations and other entities working to serve victims of human trafficking in San Joaquin County. One function of the San Joaquin County Task Force is to educate and reach-out to community members in San Joaquin County regarding the problem of human trafficking. This is in addition to the Task Force goal of building strategic alliances with organizations and other entities across the county that are working to serve victims of human trafficking. Thus, creating formal policies and protocols to respond effectively and comprehensively to the needs of survivors of human trafficking. The Task Force also aims to track, from a criminal justice point of view, how human trafficking cases in San Joaquin County are identified, investigated and prosecuted. The Education and Outreach Workgroup of the Human Trafficking Task Force aims to decrease the number of victims of human trafficking by reaching out to community members who are influential in preventing future victimization of children and teens. This includes parents, teachers, peer groups, counselors, law enforcement, and community leaders. The identification of organizations working to serve survivors of human trafficking and building strategic alliances with other organizations working to help survivors of human trafficking will promote the general welfare of San Joaquin County.

17 11 For the purposes of this Masters in Social Work (MSW) project, I joined the Human Trafficking Outreach and Education Workgroup. We meet once a month to discuss progress made during that month. Part of my contribution to the group has been to build and foster the relationships between agencies. One of my roles has been to make calls and schedule meetings with the sole purpose of working together to achieve the goal of increasing awareness of the problem of human trafficking in San Joaquin County. Though agencies providing human services in San Joaquin County have come into contact with victims of human trafficking for many years, no real data on the services available, the needs of victims of human trafficking, or the legality of the situation had been collected in San Joaquin County until recent years (Morse, 2014). In a personal interview I conducted with Mrs. Gomez, CEO of the lead agency for the human trafficking task force, the San Joaquin County Women s Center Youth and Family Services, it was confirmed that data is currently being collected (personal communication, September 2, 2015). Mrs. Gomez stated that unfortunately due to the uniqueness of the victims situations; collecting data has been a challenge. A reason that Mrs. Gomez identifies for the lack of data collection throughout the years is victims being tried as criminals in consequence of their actions. Another reason she explained was the denial from victims of self-identifying, as victims of human trafficking. These actions included prostitution, and drug related offenses. This project is distinct given that many residents of San Joaquin County are unaware that human trafficking is occurring right in their neighborhoods. In fact, we

18 12 have found that many residents are reluctant to have the presentation given at their children s schools because they feel the topic does not pertain to them. As if not hearing about the issue excludes their children from becoming possible victims of human trafficking. Community members are appalled when they hear that a victim of human trafficking was found residing in their neighborhood; as was the case during a presentation that took place in the Community Room at West Valley Mall. A few months prior to the presentation, arrests were made in Tracy following an investigation on human trafficking (Ellis, 2016). A parent who attended the presentation made a comment of being unaware that human trafficking was occurring in her neighborhood. Now that more attention has been focused on human trafficking in San Joaquin County and is recognizable amongst law enforcement, some community members are interested in learning more about human trafficking and how to identify and help victims. Making parents aware of the risks for youth becoming involved in human trafficking can lead to important discussions with their children. This project will help the fight against human trafficking by educating the public and possible future young victims who may be at risk.

19 LITERATURE REVIEW Criminal Justice In response to the increase in criminal activity related to human trafficking, many laws have been enacted nationwide. In the United States, all 50 states have enacted anti-trafficking laws to prosecute traffickers, train personnel on all levels of government and provide comprehensive victim services. In 2005, Assembly Bill 22 (AB 22) was enacted in California as the first anti-trafficking law. AB 22 established that the crime of trafficking a person in California is considered a felony offense (Trafficking in Persons Act, 2005). This law allows victims of human trafficking to file a civil action for damages and receive monetary compensation. It mandates states to ensure local county programs are established to provide victims the services required for recovery. It also establishes a task force to study various issues in connection with human trafficking on a local county level (Trafficking in Persons Act, 2005). A study conducted by Farrell et al. (2012) points out that many laws have been enacted in several states to punish victims of human trafficking traffickers. However, many of the local officers who are at the frontline of the process are unaware of the protocol to follow in the arrest of the Johns. Farell et al. (2012), examined some of the specialized task forces designed for anti-human trafficking purposes and discovered that even when there has been training and a clear protocol outlined by law enforcement, many cases are not adjudicated. Money can be grounds 13

20 14 for the dissolution of a case because it is costly to take a case to trial; the prosecutors may not see the evidence as enough for the crime being accused of; or the judge may himself dismiss the case as a minor crime. Therefore awareness, education and proper training at all levels of government and communities are vital in the fight against human trafficking. A barrier victims of human trafficking encounter in their communities is not having the support of the judicial system. Human trafficking cases are not considered to be a priority; when it comes to prosecutors views within their agency. The study conducted by Farrell et al. (2012), suggests the lack of community awareness amongst the general public has much to do with this matter. They imply that if the general public put pressure on the elected officials and thus prosecutors, the prosecution and punishment of human traffickers would increase. Cases among prosecutors at the federal level also exhibit a variation in prioritizing human trafficking cases. The response some US Attorneys gave for not prioritizing human trafficking cases was that it was not a problem in their district; therefore not a priority Human Services A major issue that victims of human trafficking face is the lack of understanding regarding what they have endured in their lives. Those who have been trafficked are often faced with this lack of understanding, even from those in the human services and law enforcement fields. Though these professionals are often the first responders who will initiate the process of healing for victims of human

21 15 trafficking, they are also often the people who will be responsible for arresting, charging, prosecuting and convicting the trafficker (Farrell et al. 2012). Another difficulty that law enforcement faces in arresting the trafficker is the victim. The victims will in many instances not identify as a victim of human trafficking and will defend their traffickers. Mir (2013) states that victims of human trafficking experience unique trauma. Many grow up in dysfunctional family dynamics and thus develop psychological trauma at an early age. Many victims of human trafficking do not self identify as being a victims because the traffickers threaten with emotional manipulation, physical and sexual abuse (Mir, 2013). Farrell et al. (2012), state that often victims are afraid to testify against their trafficker out of fear of threats to themselves or to their family members. As stated by Margarida (2009), prior victimization in other aspects of society make victims of human trafficking, perfect pray for traffickers. Victims are coerced to carry out a favor, in return for their protection. Then, the victim is convinced that the trafficker is their protector, in spite of them being abused, trafficked, drugged and prostituted. Farrell et al. (2012), convey that some victims will go as far as denying any type of abuse from their trafficker to law enforcement agents at first contact. In other cases, the victims are not viewed as credible witnesses because of what they have endured in life and instead of being viewed as a victim, they are tried as criminals. Victims often require a variety of services to aid in their transition out of human trafficking. These services can range from meeting basic daily needs to intensive mental health services. Many of these services are not provided to victims

22 16 or in some cases, do not exist. For example, Farrell et al. (2012), describe how housing is a major problem for this population and that sometimes law enforcement agents go to the extreme of arresting the victim to keep them safe from their trafficker. Some shelters provide short term housing for victims but lack specialized human trafficking services to meet victim needs. Shelters can also put other clients at risk of harm because traffickers can retaliate against the shelter that is providing housing. Another risk shelters encounter is the recruitment of other women or children from the Shelter to join their trafficker by promising them a better life.

23 METHODOLOGY During the initial stages of this project (Fall 2015), I conducted informal, inperson interviews with leaders from different human services organizations in San Joaquin County. My goal was to begin gathering information on the services available to victims of human trafficking in the county. I met with the CEO of San Joaquin Women s Center Youth and Family Services, Joelle Gomez; the founder of Without Permission, Debbie Johnson; Senator Galgiani staff, Chris Carillo; and the Family crimes unit outreach and training program coordinator, Suzanne Schultz. After meeting with Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Gomez, I was confronted with the reality of finding out that no specialized unit is available in the City of Stockton to offer coordinated services to victims of human trafficking in San Joaquin County. Mrs. Gomez (personal communication, September 2, 2015) explained that if a victim of human trafficking presented at her organization, San Joaquin County Women s Center Youth and Family Services, that victim would be offered the same services as a person who had experienced domestic violence. Mrs. Gomez said they would not turn the trafficked person away. However, she acknowledged the need for specialized services for this population. Mrs. Gomez indicated that a year prior to our meeting, the San Joaquin Women s Center Youth and Family Services division identified a need to initiate a coordinated movement towards implementing a victim-centered approach to service delivery specifically for victims of human trafficking in San Joaquin County. It was 17

24 18 then that the San Joaquin Women s Center Youth and Family Services took the lead in what is now known as the San Joaquin County Human Trafficking Task Force. The San Joaquin County Human Trafficking Task Force is comprised of roughly 50 individuals representing different government entities, non-profit organizations, law enforcement, legal and immigration, advocates and elected officials. From this task force, workgroups were created to focus on specific areas. The Legal and Immigration Workgroup focuses on providing legal consultation to victims of human trafficking in San Joaquin County. The Advocates Workgroup focuses on ensuring victims of human trafficking in San Joaquin County receive all of the services she/he is in need of. The Outreach and Education Workgroup ensures high school aged students, parents, non-profit organizations, educators, government employees, and community members aimed at increasing community awareness of human trafficking and community resources are educated on human trafficking in San Joaquin County. I was intrigued and wanted to contribute in some way. It was not until I met with Mrs. Schultz of the Family Crimes Unit in the San Joaquin County District Attorney s Office that I discovered where I could contribute most significantly, given the scope of my master s project. Mrs. Schultz is the lead person of the San Joaquin County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force Education and Outreach Workgroup. The San Joaquin County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force Education and Outreach Workgroup meet once a month at the San Joaquin Delta College campus. As an initial phase of the San Joaquin County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force Education and Outreach Workgroup, it was decided that the creation of a

25 19 presentation was a necessary tool in bringing awareness to the community. The presentation would serve as the central instrument in facilitating information to the general public with hopes of increasing awareness on the issue of human trafficking throughout San Joaquin County. A presentation that would help dissuade a person from possibly becoming involved in human trafficking by providing factual information. The information included in the presentation is supported by documented cases nationwide, and in California. The presentation is centered on a human trafficking criminal case that occurred in San Joaquin County a few years ago and it involved a female minor. Through support and feedback from all members of the Education and Outreach Workgroup, a presentation was finalized to raise awareness and combat human trafficking. The presentation focuses on raising awareness on the topic of human trafficking for San Joaquin County community members as a whole, not only young adults who are at risk. The audiences for the presentation are from various backgrounds and include high school students, counselors, prosecutors, business owners, non-profit organizations, advocates, and law enforcement. Each month, the Education and Outreach Workgroup reflects on the number of presentations conducted, the site the presentations took place in and the number of attendees per presentation and we make adjustments accordingly. Given that Mrs. Schultz wears many hats within the San Joaquin County District Attorney s Office, she communicated that she had limited time available for coordinating necessary community outreach presentations on human trafficking.

26 20 Immediately following our initial meeting, she saw my passion for joining her workgroup and warned me that the road ahead would be bumpy, due to community members reluctance to accept the matter of human trafficking occurring throughout San Joaquin County. The concept of human trafficking draws powerful responses from community members. Some have a positive view of the information provided in the presentation and others perceive it as being negative. Those with a positive view request that the presentation continue to be shown at local high schools with children who are at greater risk for becoming a victim of human trafficking. In contrast, those who have a negative view do not want the information presented at their children s school, but find it acceptable to have the human trafficking presentation shown to parents, non-profit organizations, educators, government employees, and community members. It was decided that I would join the Education and Outreach Workgroup and I was offered a desk at Mrs. Schultz office. I then started making phone calls to different high schools in order to coordinate meetings with administration. I was also asked for input regarding the content of the presentation that the San Joaquin County Human Trafficking Task Force had been working on. Upon review, I suggested changes in order to make the presentation more age appropriate for youth. I also suggested editing foul language out of the presentation thinking that perhaps parents would not want their children to hear from adults at the school sites. A few weeks after I started working with Mrs. Schultz, multiple presentations were being conducted per month. As the lead person for San Joaquin County Anti-

27 21 Human Trafficking Task Force, Mrs. Schultz introduced the issue and presented the content on Human Trafficking to attendees. In addition to coordinating the presentations themselves, I was responsible for coordinating, and setting up materials for distribution at the end of each presentation. At each presentation event, we both answered questions about the services offered in San Joaquin County to victims of human trafficking. During one of these presentations, I was sitting and looking at the faces of the school age students. I wondered if they were obtaining enough information and if perhaps they wanted to hear more. I followed up with Mrs. Schultz during our next biweekly meeting and we agreed that creating a survey to be distributed at the end of each presentation would be a great way to obtain feedback from the attendees of the presentations. I immediately began working on a questionnaire and sent her a draft. The questionnaire was brought up during our monthly Education and Outreach Workgroup meetings and all of the members collaborated to develop the final questionnaire. The San Joaquin County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force Education and Outreach Workgroup questionnaire asks if attendees have an increased knowledge of human trafficking; if they had any knowledge that human trafficking was an issue in the San Joaquin County region prior to attending the presentation; if they could identify signs or red flags after attending the presentation; if they have become aware of the local and national resources available to assist victims of human trafficking; what information they feel is useful or not from the presentation; if they

28 22 would recommend the presentation to be displayed at their child s local school and additional comments or recommendations. We revised the questionnaire a few times and recently the questionnaire was ready to be distributed at the beginning of the presentation. The first time it was distributed, it went to roughly 75 attendees at the psychology department of San Joaquin Delta College. I collected the questionnaires at the end of the presentation and input the data onto the Survey Monkey database. This data will be used by the San Joaquin County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force Education and Outreach Workgroup to inform future endeavors. I feel a strong sense of pride in the work that the San Joaquin County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force Education and Outreach Workgroup has accomplished to date. The workgroup has coordinated and presented 33 times and has reached out to about 1200 community members.

29 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal activity in the United States (U. S. Department of State, 2014). It is estimated to be a thirty-two billion dollar per year industry (Harris, 2015). The majority of victims of human trafficking globally originate from the United States. Females are twice as likely to be reported as victims. The San Joaquin County Human Trafficking Task Force was developed to put an emphasis on the growing problem of human trafficking in San Joaquin County. Through collaborative efforts that include government and non-government organizations in addition to community based organizations, and faith based organizations, San Joaquin County is seeking to proactively address this problem. Organizations involved span a wide array of community services including law enforcement, legal and immigration services, family justice, shelters, counselors, and elected officials. The San Joaquin County Human Trafficking Task Force then divided into smaller workgroups that focus on one component of the overarching problem. The Education and Outreach Workgroup was created with the goal of raising awareness and educating the general public on the issue of human trafficking throughout San Joaquin County. Suzanne Schultz, Family Crimes Unit Outreach and Training Program Coordinator for San Joaquin County Districts Attorney s office is the person who leads the Education and Outreach Workgroup in San Joaquin County. Mrs. Schultz has many years of experience as a public servant for the Districts Attorney s Office in San Joaquin County. Mrs. Schultz plays a significant role in the 23

30 24 Education and Outreach Workgroup. In working on my masters in social work project, I was able to sit at the decision-making table alongside Mrs. Schultz and provide input and feedback to what became the final draft of the human trafficking presentation that Mrs. Schultz presents throughout San Joaquin County. I also took the lead in coordinating certain presentations in San Joaquin County and was responsible for the set-up of materials to be distributed post-presentation. In addition, I led the development of a post-presentation feedback questionnaire that has been used once already and will continue to be used in the future. As a student who is coming to the culmination of her education and stepping out into the workforce, my mentality at the beginning of this project was that I must reach the masses to make a difference in this world. However, as one San Joaquin County survivor of human trafficking put it, it is not necessary to reach the masses but as long as you change the life of one individual who can possibly become a victim of human trafficking and bring awareness to somebody, then we have accomplished what we set forth to do, (Rizzo, March 11, 2016). Through this experience working with key decision-makers in San Joaquin County and with Mrs. Schultz as my mentor, I have learned much about the growing problem of human trafficking as well as about how collaboration can work well something that is important for social work practice on both micro and macro levels. First, I learned the critical skills of being persistent and building relationships with decision-makers and that through these efforts, change can be achieved.

31 25 San Joaquin County has initiated great efforts in developing community leaders who are committed to addressing the problem of human trafficking. San Joaquin County continues to need funding to offer specialized, victim-centered services for this population. Applying for additional grants can be used to build capacity for services. Services that would include a dedicated police unit available twenty-four hours a day, seven days per week to respond to crimes associated with victims of human trafficking. As well as, a one stop justice center in which a victim would be provided the necessary services in one location. It would facilitate the navigation of services the victim of human trafficking requires to initiate the healing process. Funding would also assist in a system to collect data that would help track the cases of human trafficking in San Joaquin County. Data collection is fundamental in establishing future funding because in order for funding to occur there must be a need and without data we cannot show a need for services to victims of human trafficking in San Joaquin County. Victims of human trafficking require specialized services to meet their needs. A specialized unit that would be available to them twenty four hours a day as a walk in center is important as an initial point of contact. Victims need to feel that they are cared for and the best way is to talk to someone in person that will guide them in the process of recovery. This person will be assigned as her counselor to assist them in the navigation of the community resources available to them such as, shelter, food, clothing, and medical needs. This specialized counselor will also be available as support through the judicial system in which the victim will confront her trafficker.

32 26 The collaboration of various entities is vital in establishing a comprehensive approach across San Joaquin County for how organizations within the county will address the growing issue of human trafficking. San Joaquin County leaders must reach out to other counties that are more established in the victim centered approach and build working relationships that would in the long turn help build upon the efforts in combating human trafficking in San Joaquin County.

33 REFERENCES

34 28 REFERENCES California State University, Stanislaus (2014). Master of Social Work Program. Retrieved from Ellis, M. (2016). Community seeks answers of sex trafficking. Tracy Press. Retrieved from answers-on-sex-trafficking/article_fb5679cc-cf65-11e5-b780-57a html Farrell, A., McDevitt, J., Pfeffer, R., Fahy, S., Owens, C., Dank, M., & Adams, W. (2012). Identifying challenges to improve the investigation and prosecution of state and local human trafficking cases. Retrieved from Harris, D. K., (2014). Gangs beyond borders: California and the fight against transnational organized crime. Retrieved from Harris, D. K., (2015). Human Trafficking. Retrieved from State of California Department of Justice Office of the Attorney General website: HumanTrafficking.org (2006). United States of America. Retrieved from

35 29 Margarida, A. (2009). Human trafficking and global policy: A study on the casual factors of human trafficking. Providence College. Retrieved from ext=socialwrk_students Mir, T. (2013). Trick or treat: Why minors engaged in prostitution should be treated as victims, not criminals. Family Court Review, 51 (1) Morse, M. (2014). Gateways to human trafficking in the Central Valley (Master s thesis). California State University, Stanislaus, Turlock. Retrieved from National Association of Social Workers (2008). Code of Ethics. Washington, DC retrieved from National Conference of State Legislatures (2014). Human trafficking overview. Retrieved from National Human Trafficking Resource Center (2014). Human Trafficking. Retrieved from Rizzo., D. E. (2016). A trafficking victim s nightmare. Friday, March 11, Golden State Newspapers: Tracy Press News San Joaquin County (2016). SJGov.org; San Joaquin County. Retrieved from Trafficking in Persons Act, Cal. Assemb. B. 22 ( ), Chapter 240 (Cal Stat. 2005).

36 30 U. S. Department of State (2014). Trafficking in persons report. Retrieved from U.S. Department of State. (2015). Trafficking in persons report. Retrieved from

37 APPENDIX

38 32 Dear attendee: APPENDIX HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION PRESENTATION SURVEY Please take a few minutes to read the following statements and circle a rating that best applies to you. As a result of this presentation: 1. Prior to this presentation, I did now know Human Trafficking was an issue in my community. Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Agree Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree 2. My knowledge of Human Trafficking has increased. Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Agree Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree 3. If my child or loved one was being trafficked, I could identify the signs or red flags. Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Agree Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree 4. I am aware of local and national resources available to assist victims of human trafficking. Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Agree Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree Please take a few minutes to provide feedback about the content of the presentation: 5. I feel the most useful information was: 6. I feel the least useful information was: 7. I would recommend this presentation be given at my child s school? Yes or No If yes, what is the name of your child s school? 8. Was this presentation what you expected? Please share any additional comments and recommendations below: Thank you for your participation.