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April 2014Vol. 15, No. 4Guide to Safe Harbor for Trafficking Victims

Human traffickers often target victims from vulnerable populations, including children involved with child welfare. While many State laws allow for the prosecution of juveniles engaging in prostitution regardless of whether the behavior is a result of exploitation, several States have enacted "safe harbor laws" that exempt children from prosecution. Minnesota's safe harbor law was enacted in 2011, and a new guidebook from Minnesota's Department of Public Safety Office of Justice Programs provides information on this emerging approach to working with victims of trafficking.

The guidebook outlines five key changes to Minnesota's safe harbor law, in addition to a new victim-centered model, No Wrong Door. The model provides recommendations for stakeholders to effectively identify exploited youth and ensure they receive appropriate services and safe housing.

No Wrong Door: A Comprehensive Approach to Safe Harbor for Minnesota's Sexually Exploited Youth is available here:

https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ojp/forms-documents/Documents/!2012%20Safe%20Harbor%20Report%20%28FINAL%29.pdf (2 MB)

Related Item

Children's Bureau Express featured a Spotlight on Child Welfare and Human Trafficking section in the July/August 2013 issue:

https://cbexpress.acf.hhs.gov/index.cfm?event=website.viewSection&issueID=148&subsectionID=50