NAC Survey

OMB Control Number: 0970-XXXX
Expiration Date: XX/XX/XXXX

NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE SEX TRAFFICKING OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN THE UNITED STATES

The National Advisory Committee on the Sex Trafficking of Children and Youth in the United States (NAC) was created by the Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-183). The Committee is responsible for two reports:

• A compilation of two tiers of recommended best practices for states to follow to combat the sex trafficking of children and youth, 2020

• A description of what each state has done to implement the recommendations, 2022

After reviewing the Committee’s September 2020 Report, “Best Practices and Recommendations for States,” the Committee asks your state to collaborate with task forces, law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, child welfare and other agencies, organizations, and relevant groups to complete a self-assessment of implementation efforts based on the Committee’s recommendations. This is an opportunity to showcase the innovative and successful work going on in your state.

Each question on the survey corresponds to a recommendation in the report, and part a. of each question asks you assess the extent to which your state has addressed the proposed recommendation as it pertains to the sex trafficking of children and youth by choosing the tier that best describes your state’s work. You will be able to select from the following options:

 

• Tier I: provides initial steps but has not yet substantively addressed the sex trafficking of children and youth.

• Tier II: provides examples of practices and policies for states already working to address the sex trafficking of children and youth.

• N/A: At this time, efforts do not appear to meet standards set in Tier 1 or Tier 2.

If there is a lack of consensus among stakeholders on the tier ranking for any particular recommendation, or stakeholders feel as though the state is between two rankings, please select the lower tier.

Before starting the survey, identify a single point of contact responsible for collecting the necessary information and reach out to [email protected] with their name and contact information. The Committee is relying on the designated point of contact to disseminate this survey to the appropriate stakeholders and to aggregate responses for your state. Respondents should carefully check their answers and include justifications for each ranking. Eventually, the survey results will be available to the public, so if your data source should be kept private, indicate this under question D.

We strongly recommend that survivors of child and youth sex trafficking are included in the process of gathering data for state self-assessments and we encourage states to document the ways survivors are engaged in developing your state’s responses.

Due Date:

NAC Recommendations and State Self-Assessment Survey

*Indicates required field

1. Multidisciplinary Response

1. Training

1. Train members of sex trafficking-specific multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) on the goals, principles, and protocols of MDT collaboration. A shared understanding of protocols and recurring training is imperative to ensure that children and youth who experience sex trafficking receive needed services and a continuum of care.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of trafficking-specific MDTs train their members on the goals, principles, and protocols of MDT collaboration.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of trafficking-specific MDTs train their members on the goals, principles, and protocols of MDT collaboration.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

2. Ensure a consistent, shared foundational understanding about the multidisciplinary approach to addressing the sex trafficking of children and youth to help participants identify victims and connect them with resources with minimal technical barriers or miscommunications.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of MDTs that serve child and youth sex trafficking victims specifically train their members on responding to the sex trafficking of children and youth.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of MDTs that serve child and youth sex trafficking victims specifically train their members on responding to the sex trafficking of children and youth.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

2. Policies and Procedures

3. Establish a multidisciplinary statewide response to the sex trafficking of children and youth that is supported by relevant policies and procedures.

Tier I: Establish a formal, written statewide multidisciplinary response to the sex trafficking of children and youth.

Tier II: Document that at least one county is implementing a multidisciplinary response to the sex trafficking of children and youth or participates in a statewide or regional multidisciplinary response and that the state has an established plan for increasing participation in MDTs in the state.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

4. Develop memoranda of understanding (MOUs) for MDTs that serve child and youth sex trafficking victims that outline shared principles, membership terms, roles and responsibilities for team members, and confidentiality policies.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of MDTs that serve child and youth sex trafficking victims have created and implemented an MOU.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of MDTs that serve child and youth sex trafficking victims have created and implemented an MOU.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

3. Implementation

5. Conduct a community mapping and needs assessment specific to responding to the sex trafficking of children and youth to assess gaps in representation on MDTs as well as service availability.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of counties have conducted a community mapping and needs assessment specific to responding to the sex trafficking of children and youth.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of counties have conducted a community mapping and needs assessment specific to responding to the sex trafficking of children and youth.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

6. Ensure MDTs have the capacity to assess and respond effectively to cases involving children and youth who have experienced sex trafficking regardless of custody or involvement in the child welfare system.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of MDTs have at least one team member with expertise on the topic of sex trafficking of children and youth.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of MDTs have at least one team member with expertise on the topic of sex trafficking of children and youth.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

7. Establish a sex trafficking-specific MDT or develop a modified MDT approach to address the complexity of sex trafficking cases.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of MDTs have established or participate in a sex trafficking specific MDT or have developed a modified MDT approach.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of MDTs have established or participate in a sex trafficking specific MDT or have developed a modified MDT approach.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

8. Establish one or more MDTs to address the macro and systemic issues that may arise when addressing the sex trafficking of children and youth at the community level.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of counties have a local MDT or participate in a statewide MDT that addresses macro and systemic issues that arise when addressing the sex trafficking of children and youth.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of counties have a local MDT or participate in a statewide MDT that addresses macro and systemic issues that arise when addressing the sex trafficking of children and youth.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

2. Screening and Identification

1. Training

1. Incorporate information on vulnerabilities, risk factors, and indicators into training regarding the sex trafficking of children and youth for all employees of public agencies that directly serve children and youth.

Tier I: Document that training for employees of public agencies includes information on vulnerabilities, risk factors, and indicators of sex trafficking of children and youth and that at least 25 percent of employees have received the initial training.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of employees have received the initial training.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

2. Incorporate information on vulnerabilities, risk factors, and indicators into training regarding the sex trafficking of children and youth for all law enforcement, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges.

Tier I: Document that training includes information on vulnerabilities, risk factors, and indicators of sex trafficking of children and youth.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of employees have received the initial training.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

3. Require advanced training for professionals who implement screening tools in all government run organizations that serve children and youth, including juvenile and criminal justice agencies. Advanced training includes information about building rapport, strengths-based approaches, trauma reactions, de-escalation techniques and stress management, securing privacy and confidentiality, documentation, and mandated reporting.

Tier I: Establish policies that require advanced training for professionals who screen for sex trafficking victimization. Document that at least 25 percent of professionals have received advanced training.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of professionals have received advanced training.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

2. Policies and Procedures

4. Implement policies and procedures that require universal screening for all children and youth receiving services through runaway homeless youth, Title IV-E funded, and unaccompanied minor programs.

Tier I: Establish policies that identify one or more validated screening tools to be used statewide.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of children and youth age 13 and older have been screened using this tool. Use the screening process to screen for labor trafficking as well, adding additional questions to the tool as needed.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

5. Ensure that policies and procedures of Title IV-E funded programs align with the amended definition of an abused and neglected child under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (JVTA) and the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA). The amended definition includes situations of sex trafficking where the perpetrator is not a parent or lawful caregiver.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of programs have policies and procedures that align with the amended definition of an abused and neglected child under the JVTA and CAPTA.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of programs have policies and procedures that align with the amended definition of an abused and neglected child under the JVTA and CAPTA.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

6. Ensure that policies and procedures of Title IV-E funded programs require screening for the identification of children and youth who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing sex trafficking, in accordance with the Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act (P.L. 113–183).
   
   

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of programs have policies and procedures that align with the Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of programs have policies and procedures that align with the Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

7. Ensure that policies and procedures of juvenile justice facilities require screening for the identification of children and youth who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing sex trafficking, in accordance with the Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 2018 (P.L. 115–385).
   
   

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of juvenile justice facilities have policies and procedures that align with the Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 2018.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of juvenile justice facilities have policies and procedures that align with the Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 2018.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

3. Implementation

8. Ensure that MDTs have established MOUs that include response protocols for when a screening tool suggests sex trafficking victimization or the risk of sex trafficking victimization, and that these protocols stipulate that an in-depth assessment must be provided to determine service needs.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of MDTs have established MOUs with appropriate response protocols.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of MDTs have established MOUs with appropriate response protocols.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

3. Child Welfare

1. Training

1. Require initial and ongoing training regarding sex trafficking for all child welfare professionals.

Tier I: Establish minimum standards for introductory and advanced training to help all staff recognize signs of trafficking (including familial trafficking), risk factors for trafficking, and dynamics of trafficking; understand the impact of trauma and victim rights; and intervene once a child or youth is identified as a trafficking victim. Document that at least 25 percent of child welfare professionals (including supervisors and managers) have received training.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of child welfare professionals (including supervisors and managers) have received training.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

2. Require initial and ongoing training regarding sex trafficking for all providers contracted by or credentialed through the child welfare system. Establish policies that require providers to complete initial and periodic training to recognize signs, risk factors, and dynamics of trafficking; understand the impact of trauma and victim rights; and provide trauma-informed care for children and youth who have experienced exploitation.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of providers have received the initial training.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of providers have received the initial training.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

3. Require training regarding sex trafficking for all foster parents. Establish policies in the child welfare system that require all state licensed foster parents and foster homes to receive training regarding sex trafficking (including definitions, risk factors, potential indicators, available services, and victim rights).

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of all state licensed foster parents have received the initial training.

Tier II: Document that at least 25 percent of privately licensed foster parents have received the initial training.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

4. Offer training regarding sex trafficking for caregivers who are not system-involved.

Tier I: Develop or identify a caregiver curriculum and make it available in 25 percent of counties.

Tier II: Develop or identify a caregiver curriculum and make it available in 75 percent of counties.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

2. Policies and Procedures

5. Ensure that state statutes designate the child welfare system as the state system responsible for identifying, assessing, and providing services to known or suspected victims of sex trafficking.

Tier I: Ensure that child abuse definitions in state statutes include sex trafficking as defined by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000, as amended, which includes updates to the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA).

Tier II: Ensure that child abuse definitions in state statutes include cases of sex trafficking in which the perpetrator is not a parent or lawful caregiver.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

6. Ensure that the policies and procedures of all child welfare and Title IV-E agencies include guidelines for identifying, assessing, and providing services to known or suspected victims of sex trafficking. Such policies and procedures should ensure known or suspected victims are able to receive services without requiring that they enter the care or custody of the child welfare system.

Tier I: Establish policies and procedures for identifying, assessing, and providing services to all known or suspected victims of sex trafficking, regardless of the involvement of a parent or caregiver.

Tier II: Offer services, directly or through referrals to outside agencies, to all children and youth identified as known or suspected victims of sex trafficking. Document provision of services or referrals in at least 75 percent of applicable cases.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

7. Establish definitions and universal screening procedures for children and youth ages 13 and older who come in contact with the child welfare system to identify those who may have experienced sex trafficking victimization.

Tier I: Establish policies and procedures within the child welfare system to screen children and youth for sex trafficking.

Tier II: Systematically track and document children and youth who have been screened for sex trafficking. Document that at least 75 percent of children and youth have been screened.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

8. Require initial and ongoing assessments of children and youth who are suspected or confirmed victims of sex trafficking and in the care or custody of the child welfare system to identify their needs and determine the most appropriate, least restrictive placement option.

Tier I: Establish policies that require assessments to determine placement in the least restrictive housing options.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of children and youth have been assessed and placed in the least restrictive housing options.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

9. Require placement facilities used or funded by the child welfare system (including group homes) to have policies and procedures that address running away, peer recruiting, external safety threats, and other safety risks to residents.

Tier I: Review licensing requirements to ensure that placement facilities are required to have the relevant policies and procedures, and document that at least 25 percent of all licensed placement facilities have relevant policies and procedures.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of all licensed placement facilities have relevant policies and procedures.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

10. Report all missing or abducted children and youth to law enforcement and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC).

Tier I: Establish policies and protocols in all Title IV-E agencies to report all missing or abducted children and youth in their care to law enforcement and NCMEC within 24 hours.

Tier II: Track and document all missing or abducted children and youth and associated reports to law enforcement and NCMEC. Document that reports were made within 24 hours in at least 75 percent of cases.

 

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

11. Develop policy guidance for reporting all cases of foreign national minor victims of sex trafficking to the HHS Office on Trafficking in Persons in accordance with the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000, as amended. Ensure that the guidance addresses immigration assistance and support for the victim.

Tier I: Establish policies in all Title IV-E agencies to report all cases of foreign national minor victims of sex trafficking to the HHS Office on Trafficking in Persons within 24 hours, regardless of whether they are accompanied.

Tier II: Systematically track and document all cases involving foreign national minor victims of sex trafficking and associated reports to the Office on Trafficking in Persons. Document that reports were made within 24 hours in at least 75 percent of cases.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

12. Increase the maximum age at which children and youth who have experienced sex trafficking can receive child welfare services as authorized by the Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act (P.L. 113–183).

Tier I: Establish policies that increase the maximum age to 21 years.

Tier II: Establish policies that increase the maximum age to 24 years.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

13. Ensure that policies and procedures related to interstate compacts (e.g., Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children; Interstate Commission for Juveniles) specifically address responding to cases of sex trafficking of children and youth.

Tier I: Establish policies and procedures for responding to cases of sex trafficking of children and youth in interstate compacts.

Tier II: Provide examples of effective responses to cases of sex trafficking of children and youth in interstate compacts.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

3. Implementation

14. Screen all reports to the state’s child abuse and neglect hotline for indicators of sex trafficking using a validated screening tool.

Tier I: Document that a validated screening tool has been used to screen at least 25 percent of reports.

Tier II: Document that a validated screening tool has been used to screen at least 75 percent of reports.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

15. Screen all children and youth who have been missing from care for potential sex trafficking victimization, in accordance with the Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act (P.L. 113–183). Screening should occur each time the child or youth returns to care.

Tier I: Establish and implement policies and procedures for screening all children and youth who have been missing from care for potential sex trafficking victimization. Document that a validated screening tool has been used in at least 25 percent of cases.

Tier II: Document that a validated screening tool has been used in at least 75 percent of cases to screen children and youth who have been missing from care for potential sex trafficking victimization.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

16. Conduct a comprehensive needs assessment of children and youth when initial screening indicates potential or clear signs of sex trafficking.

Tier I: Document that a comprehensive needs assessment has been conducted in at least 25 percent of cases in which there are potential or clear signs of sex trafficking.

Tier II: Document that a comprehensive needs assessment has been conducted in at least 75 percent of cases in which there are potential or clear signs of sex trafficking.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

17. Offer trafficking-specific services to children and youth who demonstrate potential or clear signs of sex trafficking.

Tier I: In at least 25 percent of cases, offer specialized services (directly or through referrals to outside agencies) from providers trained to work with children and youth who have experienced sex trafficking.

Tier II: In at least 75 percent of cases, offer specialized services (directly or through referrals to outside agencies) from providers trained to work with children and youth who have experienced sex trafficking.

 

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

18. Provide specialized foster care services to children and youth who demonstrate potential or clear signs of sex trafficking.

Tier I: Establish a specific category in the rate structure for specialized foster care placements for children and youth who have experienced sex trafficking.

Tier II: Document that at least 50 percent of children and youth who have experienced sex trafficking or are potential victims receive specialized foster care placements when needed.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

19. Ensure that child welfare professionals participate in all human trafficking task forces and interagency groups that address the sex trafficking of children and youth.

Tier I: Document participation in at least 50 percent of state and county task forces, multidisciplinary teams, and committees.

Tier II: Document participation in at least 75 percent of state and county task forces, multidisciplinary teams, and committees.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

4. Service Provision

1. Training

1. Require initial and ongoing training regarding sex trafficking for all employees who provide direct services to children and youth and are employed by public agencies (including juvenile justice, child welfare, education, health, behavioral health, and all other public entities frequented by children and youth).

Tier I: Mandate, through policy or statute, that all employees of public agencies serving children and youth receive initial and ongoing training.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of employees of public agencies serving children and youth have received the initial training.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

2. Require initial and ongoing training regarding sex trafficking for providers contracted and credentialed by public agencies who work with at-risk children and youth, including providers in health care, behavioral health, rape crisis, runaway and homeless youth, refugee resettlement and immigration, and legal services.

Tier I: Establish policies that require initial and ongoing training for contracted and credentialed providers.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of all contracted and credentialed providers have received the initial training.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

3. Require that professionals working in fields that may intersect with sex trafficking (e.g., teachers, mental health providers, social workers, caseworkers, and nurses) receive initial and ongoing training regarding sex trafficking.

Tier I: Establish statutory requirements that professionals in such fields receive training.

Tier II: Ensure that licensing bodies have established minimum standards for training, including standards related to content and frequency.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

2. Policies and Procedures

4. Establish standards of care for state-funded services provided to children and youth who exhibit potential or clear signs of sex trafficking.

Tier I: Establish standards of care for services provided to children and youth. Document that standards of care have been incorporated into at least 25 percent of state grants and contracts.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of contracted and credentialed providers have included standards of care in their policies and procedures.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

5. Establish privileged communication between children and youth who have experienced sex trafficking and those providing specialized services, including survivors providing peer to peer services.

Tier I: Statutorily guarantee privileged communication to providers trained to work with children and youth who have experienced sex trafficking.

Tier II: Not applicable

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

3. Implementation

6. Conduct a statewide assessment of services available to children and youth who exhibit potential or clear signs of sex trafficking (including services for boys, LGBTQ2S+ individuals, indigenous populations, those with special needs or disabilities, those who are pregnant or parenting, and those experiencing both labor and sex trafficking).

Tier I: Conduct a statewide assessment.

Tier II: Document that gaps identified in the assessment have been addressed.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

7. Establish county or regional responses to coordinate service provision to children and youth who exhibit clear or potential signs of sex trafficking. Responses should consider the child’s culture and community, prioritizing access to culturally competent services whenever possible.

Tier I: Establish regional service responses in at least 25 percent of counties.

Tier II: Establish regional service responses in at least 75 percent of counties.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

5. Housing

1. Training

1. Require initial and ongoing training for all staff of publicly funded housing programs on recognizing signs, risk factors, and dynamics of sex trafficking; understanding state statutes, the impact of trauma, and victims’ rights; and how to intervene and provide services (including referral) for potential and confirmed victims of trafficking.

Tier I: Establish policies that require and set minimum standards for training. Document that at least 25 percent of staff have received the training.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of staff have received the training.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

2. Policies and Procedures

2. Review and amend licensing requirements for all shelters and housing for children and youth to ensure that they are able to address substance misuse, mental and physical health, continued services if the child or youth runs away, and other needs of children and youth who have experienced sex trafficking.

Tier I: Review licensing requirements and document that at least 25 percent of all licensed shelters and housing for children and youth have relevant requirements.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of all licensed shelters and housing for children and youth have relevant requirements.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

3. Require publicly funded housing programs to conduct initial and ongoing assessments of each resident’s needs to determine the most appropriate, least restrictive housing option.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of programs have policies and procedures for initial and ongoing assessments and endeavor to use the most appropriate, least restrictive housing option.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of programs have policies and procedures for initial and ongoing assessments and endeavor to use the most appropriate, least restrictive housing option.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

 

4. Establish policies and procedures within publicly funded housing programs that address the complex issues related to child and youth sex trafficking (e.g., running away, external safety threats, and other safety risks to residents).

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of organizations that house children and youth who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing sex trafficking have the relevant policies.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of organizations that house children and youth who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing sex trafficking have the relevant policies.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

5. Establish policies and procedures that do not restrict children and youth who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing sex trafficking from accessing housing due to prior criminal justice involvement or substance misuse.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of publicly funded housing programs do not have such restrictions.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of publicly funded housing programs do not have such restrictions.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

6. Ensure that publicly funded housing programs have policies and procedures for fulfilling basic needs (e.g., clothing, food, toiletries) of residents, and recognize that needs may differ based on ethnicity, culture, gender, and other factors.

Tier I: Document that at least 50 percent of programs have relevant policies and procedures.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of programs have relevant policies and procedures. 

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

7. Establish policies and procedures within publicly funded housing programs that prioritize funding for families of children and youth who have experienced sex trafficking and are in need of housing.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of programs have relevant policies and procedures.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of programs have relevant policies and procedures.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

3. Implementation

8. Conduct a community mapping and needs assessment to determine the availability of housing for children and youth who have experienced sex trafficking, including system involved youth who become legal adults, communities of color, tribal community members, LGBTQ2S+ communities, youth who are parenting, males, non-English speaking youth, and people with disabilities.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of counties have conducted a community mapping and needs assessment.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of counties have conducted a community mapping and needs assessment.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

9. Using findings from the community mapping and needs assessment, develop a community informed strategic plan for the prioritization, development, and placement of additional housing services.

Tier I: Develop a state-led, community-informed strategic plan.

Tier II: Not applicable

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

10. Using findings from the community mapping and needs assessment, ensure that housing services meet the needs of children and youth who have experienced sex trafficking, including system involved youth who become legal adults, communities of color, tribal community members, LGBTQ2S+ communities, youth who are parenting, males, non-English speaking youth, and children and youth with disabilities.

Tier I: Document that housing programs meet at least 25 percent of the needs identified during the community mapping and needs assessment.

Tier II: Document that housing programs meet at least 75 percent of the needs identified during the community mapping and needs assessment.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

11. Develop and maintain a list of all housing options with staff who are trained and able to support and house children and youth who have experienced sex trafficking. The list will include contact information and types of housing and populations served (e.g., males, LGBTQ2S+, youth ages 18–24, etc.).

Tier I: Develop a list of all state housing options.

Tier II: Identify a staff position to maintain a list of all state housing options.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

12. Create a manual for housing providers on housing options that includes specific guidance on meeting the needs of children and youth who have experienced sex trafficking.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of organizations that determine the process for housing development have created a manual for housing providers.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of organizations that determine the process for housing development have created a manual for housing providers.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

13. Ensure housing programs that work with children and youth who have experienced sex trafficking are survivor-informed.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of housing programs have incorporated survivor input, as evidenced by survivors holding positions on staff, advisory boards, planning committees, or in other significant roles.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of housing programs have incorporated survivor input, as evidenced by survivors holding positions on staff, advisory boards, planning committees, or in other significant roles.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

6. Law Enforcement and Prosecution

1. Training

1. Require training regarding the sex trafficking of children and youth for all law enforcement and first responders that includes trauma-informed, victim-centered approaches, with an emphasis on treating children and youth who have experienced trafficking as victims rather than offenders.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of law enforcement agencies have developed training protocols for the initial law enforcement certification/academy process and for officers already certified or sworn (in-service).

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of law enforcement agencies have developed training protocols for the initial law enforcement certification/academy process and for officers already certified or sworn (in-service).

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

2. Require advanced training regarding best practices and trends in conducting investigations for law enforcement investigators who work on sex trafficking cases. Offer advanced training to law enforcement who work on other types of offenses, including status offenses, which are likely to intersect with sex trafficking cases (e.g., organized crime, child abuse, and domestic violence prosecutions).

Advanced training may include:

• Barriers to identification

• Building a case without victims’ cooperation

• Case studies

• Continued Presence and T or U visa certifications for qualifying foreign national victims

• Greater focus on interview and interrogation practices

• Identification and collection of digital and online media evidence

• Impact of trauma on the developing brain

• Intersection between labor trafficking and sex trafficking

• Participation in multidisciplinary teams

• Review and integration of response protocols for missing/runaway children and youth

• Technical assistance for law enforcement and prosecutors regarding collaborating on implementation of the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act (SESTA) and Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act (FOSTA) (P.L. 115–164) to hold websites accountable for knowingly facilitating the sex trafficking of children and youth

• Use of forensic interviews

• Use of technology to assist in the identification of victimization

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of law enforcement agencies require advanced training for law enforcement investigators.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of law enforcement agencies require advanced training for law enforcement investigators.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

3. Require training for prosecutor’s offices that includes information on criminal statutes, reporting requirements on behalf of minor victims of trafficking, indicators of sex trafficking, victim dynamics, forms of grooming and recruiting, buyers and demand, the connection between sex trafficking and child sexual abuse material, and local resources. Training should emphasize treating children and youth who have experienced sex trafficking as victims rather than offenders.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of federal, state, and local prosecutor’s offices have implemented training protocols.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of federal, state, and local prosecutor’s offices have implemented training protocols.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

4. Require advanced training regarding best practices and trends in conducting investigations and prosecutions for prosecutors who work on sex trafficking cases. Offer advanced training to prosecutors who work on other types of offenses that are likely to intersect with sex trafficking cases (e.g., organized crime, child abuse, and domestic violence prosecutions).
   
   

Advanced training may include:

• Case studies

• Creative techniques for holding traffickers and buyers accountable, including high-frequency buyers

• Prosecution of buyers seeking to engage in sex acts with children and youth

• Prosecution of sex trafficking cases without victims’ cooperation

• Standards of care in service response

• Using courtroom protections during trials for witnesses who have experienced trafficking

• Victim restitution

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of state and local prosecutor’s offices require advanced training for prosecutors.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of state and local prosecutor’s offices require advanced training for prosecutors.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

2. Policies and Procedures

5. Develop and implement protocols for law enforcement that establish best practices for investigating the sex trafficking of children and youth and addressing their needs.

Considerations should include:

• 24/7 investigative response

• Children and youth who have possible criminal involvement

• Coordination with victim service providers and NGOs

• Cross-jurisdictional, multi-agency investigations and involvement

• Engaging and interviewing children and youth who are exhibiting signs of the trauma they have endured (e.g., hostility or responses that appear uncooperative), do not view themselves as victims, or have a trauma bond to their offender

• Introduction of evidence at the time of the interview

• Techniques for interviewing children and youth, including partnering with forensic interviewers or child advocacy/family justice centers and the potential need for multiple interviews or “conversations” to obtain a full account of what occurred

• Victim advocates/coordinators

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of law enforcement agencies have implemented investigative protocols.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of law enforcement agencies have implemented investigative protocols.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

6. Develop and implement protocols for prosecutors to enhance their ability to prosecute offenders while addressing the needs of children and youth who have experienced trafficking.

Considerations should include:

• Clearly stated commitment to avoiding criminally charging children and youth who have experienced sex trafficking for crimes they committed during or as a result of their trafficking victimization

• Collaboration with juvenile justice, probation, other units in the court and criminal justice system, and child welfare; associated reporting requirements

• Continued Presence and T or U visa certifications for qualifying foreign national minor victims

• Fines, forfeiture, sex offender registry, and criminal restitution

• Specialty courts for traffickers and exploiters

• Steps to remove online child sexual abuse material

• Use of vacatur and expungement for children and youth who have experienced sex trafficking

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of prosecutor’s offices have implemented relevant protocols.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of prosecutor’s offices have implemented relevant protocols.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

3. Implementation

7. Each law enforcement agency should have at least one specially trained officer assigned to human trafficking cases.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of law enforcement agencies have at least one designated human trafficking officer.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of law enforcement agencies have at least one designated human trafficking officer.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

8. Each prosecutor’s office should have at least one specially trained prosecutor assigned to human trafficking cases.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of prosecutor’s offices have at least one designated human trafficking prosecutor.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of prosecutor’s offices have at least one designated human trafficking prosecutor.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

9. Law enforcement agencies should form non-traditional partnerships to facilitate the investigation of the sex trafficking of children and youth.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of law enforcement agencies have formed at least one non-traditional partnership.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of law enforcement agencies have formed at least one non-traditional partnership.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

10. Develop and maintain a statewide directory of investigators, prosecutors, and human trafficking task forces that specialize in sex trafficking investigations and prosecutions or who have jurisdictional authority and can assist in cross-jurisdictional investigations.

Tier I: Develop a directory of investigators, prosecutors, and task forces.

Tier II: Identify a staff position responsible for maintaining the directory of investigators, prosecutors, and task forces.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

11. Ensure law enforcement and prosecutors participate in human trafficking task forces and interagency groups that address the sex trafficking of children and youth.

Tier I: Document participation in at least 50 percent of state and county task forces, multidisciplinary teams, or committees.

Tier II: Document participation in at least 75 percent of state and county task forces, multidisciplinary teams, or committees.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

7. Judiciary

1. Training

1. Court administrative authorities should implement required basic training regarding the sex trafficking of children and youth for judicial personnel and court employees.

Tier I: Document that the court administrative authority has implemented required basic training, and that at least 25 percent of judicial personnel and court employees have received basic training.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of judicial personnel and court employees have received basic training.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

2. Juvenile justice agencies should implement required basic training regarding the sex trafficking of children and youth for all juvenile justice personnel.

Tier I: Document that juvenile justice agencies have implemented required basic training, and that at least 25 percent of juvenile justice employees have received basic training.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of juvenile justice employees have received basic training.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

3. Criminal justice systems should implement required basic training regarding the sex trafficking of children and youth for all corrections employees.

Tier I: Document that the Department of Corrections has implemented required basic training, and that at least 25 percent of correctional employees have received basic training.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of correctional employees have received basic training.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

2. Policies and Procedures

4. Review state, tribal, and local family, juvenile, and criminal court rules to ensure they adequately address court dynamics related to the sex trafficking of children and youth (e.g., safety, confidentiality, etc.).

Tier I: Review family, juvenile, and criminal court rules.

Tier II: Amend family, juvenile, and criminal court rules as needed.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

5. Ensure policies and procedures support victim participation and safety throughout the court process (e.g., closed-circuit cameras, victim advocates, etc.).

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of criminal courts have policies and procedures that support victim participation and safety.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of criminal courts have policies and procedures that support victim participation and safety.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

6. Review state, tribal, and local family, juvenile, and criminal court rules to ensure that they facilitate identification and adequate assessment of, as well as support service provision for, children and youth who have experienced trafficking. Consider establishing specialized courts or dockets for this population.

Tier I: Review family, juvenile, and criminal court rules.

Tier II: Amend family, juvenile, and criminal court rules as needed or establish specialized courts or dockets.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

7. Review all licensing requirements for juvenile justice facilities and community-based programs to ensure they are able to address substance misuse, mental and physical health, and other needs of children and youth who have experienced trafficking. Amend requirements as needed.

Tier I: Review licensing requirements for juvenile justice facilities, including community based programs.

Tier II: Amend licensing requirements as needed.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

8. Require initial and ongoing assessments of children and youth in juvenile justice facilities, including community-based programs, to identify their needs and determine the most appropriate, least restrictive housing option.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of facilities and programs run by the juvenile justice system have relevant policies and procedures for initial and ongoing assessments and have made documented efforts to use the most appropriate, least restrictive housing option.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of facilities and programs run by the juvenile justice system have relevant policies and procedures for initial and ongoing assessments and have made documented efforts to use the most appropriate, least restrictive housing option.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

9. Establish policies and procedures within juvenile justice facilities and community-based programs that address running away, peer recruiting, external safety threats, other safety risks, and safety planning for children and youth.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of juvenile justice facilities and programs have relevant policies and procedures.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of juvenile justice facilities and programs have relevant policies and procedures.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

10. Judges should ensure local child welfare and juvenile justice policies include requesting a court hearing immediately when a child is missing from placement. Judges may consider some of the following actions, depending on their jurisdiction’s laws, to encourage diligent efforts to locate a missing child:
    
    

• Ensure law enforcement authorities immediately enter the child’s name and identifying information into the FBI’s National Crime Information Center’s (NCIC’s) Missing Person and Unidentified Person Files by providing documentation of such to the court.

• Judges can issue individual orders to social workers or juvenile justice workers or a standing order in their jurisdiction to report children missing from care to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) in compliance with the Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act (P.L. 113–183).

• Order agencies to take updated photographs of a child who returns to care from a runaway episode, under conditions that promote the child’s safety so as not to re-traumatize them.

• Require agencies to maintain current photos that are easily accessible in an electronic file.

• Report to law enforcement immediately if the child is missing from placement or runs away and provide documentation of the report to the court.
  
  

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of child welfare and juvenile justice policies include requesting a court hearing immediately when a child is missing from placement.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of child welfare and juvenile justice policies include requesting a court hearing immediately when a child is missing from placement.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

3. Implementation

11. Create protocols for criminal, juvenile, and family courts that address the sex trafficking of children and youth, including the safety and confidentiality of and service referrals for victims.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of applicable courts have developed relevant protocols.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of applicable courts have developed relevant protocols.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

12. Consider the impact on and facilitate the input of crime victims with regard to plea agreements and sentencing.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of criminal courts have procedures that give victims the opportunity to comment on plea agreements and sentencing.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of criminal courts have procedures that give victims the opportunity to comment on plea agreements and sentencing.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

13. Invite victim advocates to be present during criminal, juvenile, and family court cases or dockets involving the sex trafficking of children and youth.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of applicable courts have invited a victim advocate who has received specialized training regarding human trafficking to be present during relevant cases or dockets.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of applicable courts have invited a victim advocate who has received specialized training regarding human trafficking to be present during relevant cases or dockets.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

14. Consider victim restitution in all cases of sex trafficking of children and youth.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of convictions for the sex trafficking of children and youth have included victim restitution.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of convictions for the sex trafficking of children and youth have included victim restitution.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

15. Ensure that judicial personnel participate in all human trafficking task forces and interagency groups that address the sex trafficking of children and youth.

Tier I: Document participation in at least 50 percent of state and county task forces, multidisciplinary teams, and committees.

Tier II: Document participation in at least 75 percent of state and county task forces, multidisciplinary teams, and committees.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

8. Demand Reduction

1. Training

1. Integrate information on the importance of holding buyers accountable into all mandated training, especially training for law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of training for law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges includes information on reducing demand.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of training for law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges includes information on reducing demand.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

2. Integrate demand reduction efforts into public awareness and prevention efforts regarding sex trafficking.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of public awareness and prevention efforts include information on reducing demand.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of public awareness and prevention efforts include information on reducing demand.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

2. Policies and Procedures

3. Establish policies within law enforcement agencies that support and prioritize reducing demand over arresting potential victims of sex trafficking, and support the use of demand reduction enforcement and prosecution to facilitate the identification and prosecution of buyers, traffickers, and exploiters, identify and locate potential victims, and promote community safety.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of law enforcement agencies have implemented relevant policies.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of law enforcement agencies have implemented relevant policies.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

4. Establish policies within prosecutor’s offices that prioritize the prosecution of buyers over the adjudication of potential victims of sex trafficking.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of prosecutor’s offices have implemented relevant policies.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of prosecutor’s offices have implemented relevant policies.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

3. Implementation

5. Engage in law enforcement efforts that target demand, especially high-frequency buyers.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of law enforcement agencies have conducted an initiative to reduce demand.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of law enforcement agencies have conducted an initiative to reduce demand.

 

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

9. Prevention

1. Training

1. Ensure that training for providers (including foster parents and runaway and homeless youth providers) who regularly engage with and could potentially intervene on behalf of children and youth includes information on the prevention of sex trafficking. Training should include information on systemic racism, cultural biases, and forms of discrimination, as they intersect with sex trafficking, as well as information and skill-building exercises on trauma-informed strategies for building resilience in children and youth.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of training curricula for those who regularly engage with and could potentially intervene on behalf of children and youth include strategies to prevent the sex trafficking of children and youth.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of training curricula for those who regularly engage with and could potentially intervene on behalf of children and youth include strategies to prevent the sex trafficking of children and youth.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

2. Ensure that providers in health centers funded through the Public Health Service Act Section 330 receive training and technical assistance to develop policies and procedures for employing a universal education approach to prevent and address the sex trafficking of children and youth.
   
   

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of Section 330 health centers have received training and technical assistance.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of Section 330 health centers have received training and technical assistance.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

3. Ensure that all school staff, including those working with students in early childhood, receive training regarding the sex trafficking of children and youth. Training should include information on systemic racism, cultural biases, and forms of discrimination, as they intersect with sex trafficking, as well as information and skill-building exercises regarding trauma-informed strategies for building resilience in children and youth.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of school districts require training for staff.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of school districts require training for staff.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

4. Conduct awareness events to educate community members, including caregivers, about human trafficking, prevention, bystander response, and demand for children and youth. Training should include information on systemic racism, cultural biases, and forms of discrimination, as they intersect with sex trafficking, as well as information and skill-building exercises regarding trauma-informed strategies for building resilience in children and youth.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of counties have conducted community awareness events.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of counties have conducted community awareness events.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

2. Policies and Procedures

5. Ensure that providers in health centers funded through the Public Health Service Act Section 330 have policies and procedures for employing a universal education approach to prevent and address the sex trafficking of children and youth.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of Section 330 health centers have relevant policies and procedures.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of Section 330 health centers have relevant policies and procedures.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

6. Ensure that state and local child welfare and juvenile justice agencies have conducted a comprehensive review to identify major risk factors for children and youth who are system involved as well as opportunities to address these factors. This should include addressing vulnerabilities for sex trafficking at all socioecological levels.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of state and local child welfare and juvenile justice agencies have conducted a comprehensive review.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of state and local child welfare and juvenile justice agencies have conducted a comprehensive review.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

7. Using findings from the review, implement a strategic plan to guide the development and implementation of policies, procedures, partnerships, and programs that reduce the risk of experiencing sex trafficking for system involved children and youth.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of child welfare and juvenile justice agencies have implemented strategies to reduce risk.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of child welfare and juvenile justice agencies have implemented strategies to reduce risk.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

8. Establish policies and procedures that require middle and high schools to provide all students with basic information on sex trafficking. Require schools to provide research based prevention education for students who are at risk of experiencing sex trafficking.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of school districts have relevant policies and procedures.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of school districts have relevant policies and procedures.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

9. Establish policies and procedures requiring that all children and youth in the care of child welfare systems receive research-based prevention education on sex trafficking.

Tier I: Document that child welfare systems have relevant policies and procedures.

Tier II: Not applicable

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

10. Establish policies and procedures requiring that all children and youth in the care of juvenile justice systems receive research-based prevention education on sex trafficking.

Tier I: Document that juvenile justice systems have relevant policies and procedures.

Tier II: Not applicable

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

11. Require all state-funded organizations serving system-involved children and youth to have policies and procedures for responding to disclosures of human trafficking and other forms of child abuse and neglect.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of organizations have policies and procedures for responding to disclosures.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of organizations have policies and procedures for responding to disclosures.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

3. Implementation

12. Provide all students in middle and high schools with information on sex trafficking and building healthy relationships (e.g., through assemblies, health class, or other prevention curricula).

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of middle and high schools have provided information on sex trafficking to students.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of middle and high schools have provided information on sex trafficking to students.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

13. Provide research-based prevention education on sex trafficking to all students in middle and high school who are at risk of experiencing sex trafficking.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of schools have provided prevention education on sex trafficking to students who are at risk.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of schools have provided prevention education on sex trafficking to students who are at risk.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

14. Ensure that all children and youth in the care of child welfare systems receive research-based prevention education on sex trafficking that is appropriate to their stage of development.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of children and youth have received prevention education.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of children and youth have received prevention education.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

15. Ensure that all children and youth in the care of juvenile justice systems receive research-based prevention education on sex trafficking.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of children and youth have received prevention education.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of children and youth have received prevention education.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

16. Ensure that violence prevention programs supported by state offices specifically address the sex trafficking of children and youth.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of violence prevention programs specifically address the sex trafficking of children and youth.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of violence prevention programs specifically address the sex trafficking of children and youth.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

10. Legislation and Regulation

1. Remove criminal liability for victims under the age of 18.

Tier I: Remove criminal liability for prostitution for children and youth who are victims of sex trafficking and provide access to an alternative, coordinated, non-criminal, service-based response.

Tier II: Remove criminal liability for other offenses committed by children and youth as a result of their human trafficking victimization and provide access to an alternative, coordinated, non-criminal, service-based response.

Extend non-criminalization of prostitution and ancillary offenses for youth under the age of 24 in accordance with the foster care age coverage option within the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (JVTA).

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

2. Address the sex trafficking of children and youth by addressing demand.

Demand can be addressed through the following legislative activities:

• Confirm that the sex trafficking statute applies when an offender communicates with a law enforcement officer posing as a child.

• Enable sex buyers who promote the exchange of sex for money or anything of value among other potential buyers to be charged with a felony offense.

• Ensure that purchasing sex with a child or youth is a felony.

• Prohibit buyers of sex acts with children and youth from using a mistake of age defense.

• Require individuals convicted of purchasing sex with a child or youth to register as sex offenders.

Tier I: Document that at least three of the above legislative activities have been enacted.

Tier II: Document that all of the above legislative activities have been enacted.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

3. Hold online communication platforms accountable for knowingly assisting, facilitating, or supporting the sex trafficking of children and youth.

Tier I: Assess state laws, including cyber safety laws, to determine ability to hold offending websites and social media platforms accountable.

Tier II: Make changes to state laws as needed.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

4. Protect victims as they proceed through the criminal justice process.

Trauma-informed victim-witness testimony and protections include, but are not limited to:

• Making closed-circuit testimony an option for trafficking victims

• Making recorded depositions an option for trafficking victims

• Permitting hearsay exception for eligible statements by trafficking victims

• Providing protections to victims by prohibiting cross-examination by alleged perpetrators (pro per/pro se)

Tier I: Document that at least three of the above legal protections have been enacted.

Tier II: Document that all of the above legal protections have been enacted.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

5. Ensure that state statutes designate the child welfare system as the state system responsible for identifying, assessing, and providing services to known or suspected victims of child sex trafficking.

Tier I: Ensure that child abuse definitions in state statutes include sex trafficking as defined by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000, as amended, which includes updates to the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA).

Tier II: Ensure that child abuse definitions in state statutes include cases of sex trafficking in which the perpetrator is not a parent or lawful caregiver.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

11. Research and Data
    
    

1. Training

1. Train researchers who interact with children and youth who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing sex trafficking about the dynamics of sex trafficking and trauma informed approaches.

Tier I: Document the identification or creation and active marketing of a training curriculum for clinical researchers.

Tier II: Document that state officials have met with all Institutional Review Boards at the major academic institutions within the state to advocate for mandatory training for researchers conducting studies on the sex trafficking of children and youth.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

2. Policies and Procedures

2. Ensure states are using standardized definitions and terminology when collecting and reporting data.

Tier I: Institute policies and protocols at state agencies that require the use of standardized definitions and terminology in the collection and reporting of data on the sex trafficking of children and youth.

Tier II: Require that state-funded programs and research comply with standardized definitions and terminology.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

3. Develop and implement data sharing agreements to track cases of sex trafficking of children and youth, including information related to victim identification and service provision, across all state agencies. Such agreements should include standardized identifiers and definitions and established protocols regarding information sharing, protect the confidentiality of children and youth, and be limited in scope.

Tier I: Document that a data sharing agreement has been implemented in at least two child serving systems (including criminal justice).

Tier II: Document that a data sharing agreement has been implemented in at least four child serving systems (including criminal justice).

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

4. Develop and implement data sharing agreements between all public agencies and publicly funded private agencies that provide services to children and youth who have experienced sex trafficking. Such agreements should include standardized identifiers and definitions and established protocols regarding information sharing, protect the confidentiality of children and youth, and be limited in scope.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of counties, regions, or states have implemented an interagency data sharing agreement between relevant agencies that includes common data codes and definitions.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of counties, regions, or states have implemented an interagency data sharing agreement between relevant agencies that includes common data codes and definitions.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

5. Require state agencies, including child welfare, juvenile justice, law enforcement, and prosecutor’s offices, to collect and report aggregate data about the sex trafficking of children and youth and their agency’s response to the state legislature or governor’s office for public dissemination.

Tier I: Document that state agencies have established policies and procedures for collecting and reporting aggregate data to the state legislature or governor’s office.

Tier II: Document that all state agencies have established policies and procedures for collecting and reporting aggregate data to the state legislature or governor’s office.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

6. Require health centers funded through the Public Health Service Act Section 330 to collect and report uniform data set measures.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of health centers have policies and procedures for collecting and reporting aggregate data on the sex trafficking of children and youth and their agency’s response.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of health centers have policies and procedures for collecting and reporting aggregate data on the sex trafficking of children and youth and their agency’s response.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

3. Implementation

7. Evaluate training curricula regarding human trafficking to assess effectiveness and inform future revisions.

Tier I: Document that evaluations (e.g., pre-post-tests) of one training curriculum have been collected and analyzed.

Tier II: Document that evaluations (e.g., pre-post-tests) of two training curricula have been collected and analyzed.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

8. Devise a system for tracking all public awareness and prevention education programming and report data to the state legislature or governor’s office for public dissemination.

Tier I: Develop a data collection system.

Tier II: Document data collection for at least 75 percent of counties and that data has been shared with the state legislature or governor’s office.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

9. Collect aggregate data about the number of children and youth who are screened, assessed, and provided services (including housing) related to sex trafficking. Report data to the state legislature or governor’s office for public dissemination.

Tier I: Develop a data collection system.

Tier II: Document data collection for at least 75 percent of counties and that data has been shared with the state legislature or governor’s office.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

10. Establish a system for monitoring and evaluating services and housing provided to known or suspected victims of sex trafficking.

Tier I: Document that at least 25 percent of relevant public agencies and publicly funded private agencies have a system for monitoring and evaluating services and housing provided to known or suspected victims of sex trafficking.

Tier II: Document that at least 75 percent of relevant public agencies and publicly funded private agencies have a system for monitoring and evaluating services and housing provided to known or suspected victims of sex trafficking.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

11. Collect data on the number of investigations, arrests, and prosecutions related to the sex trafficking of children and youth. Report data to the state legislature or governor’s office for public dissemination.

Tier I: Develop a data collection system within the judicial branch.

Tier II: Document data collection for at least 75 percent of counties and that data has been shared with the state legislature or governor’s office.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

12. Develop a statewide system for gathering and disseminating data from agency reports on the implementation of state and federal laws that require the identification of and response to children and youth who have experienced sex trafficking.

Tier I: Publish an annual report on the effectiveness of state legislation and regulations.

Tier II: Using results from the annual report, determine the need for additional legislative amendments.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

12. Funding and Sustainability

1. Pursue federal funding opportunities designed to help states address the sex trafficking of children and youth.

Tier I: Within a 12-month period, document that state agencies have pursued at least one federal funding opportunity.

Tier II: Within a 12-month period, document that state agencies have pursued at least three federal funding opportunities.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

2. Use state block grants to address the sex trafficking of children and youth.

Tier I: Review block grants (e.g., VOCA, SSBG, CSBG, CDGB, PHHS) to identify where the state has discretion to amend or expand access to resources for victims of sex trafficking and amend as needed.

Tier II: Within a 12-month period, document that at least one block grant has been used to provide resources to victims of child and youth sex trafficking.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

3. Develop policies and procedures that enable use of Title IV-E prevention services funds, authorized under the Family First Prevention Services Act (P.L. 115–123), to provide prevention education and meet the needs of children and youth who have experienced sex trafficking.

Tier I: Develop relevant policies and procedures.

Tier II: Document the use of Title IV-E prevention services funds in providing prevention education and meeting needs of children and youth who have experienced sex trafficking.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

4. Establish dedicated state funding for services for children and youth who have experienced sex trafficking.

Tier I: Establish a competitive bid process to award funding to programs providing specialized services to children and youth who have experienced sex trafficking.

Tier II: Establish dedicated funding, appropriated annually, to support programs providing specialized services to children and youth who have experienced sex trafficking and use federal funding where applicable (e.g., Medicaid’s Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment [EPSDT] program).

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

5. Use data to demonstrate the need for ongoing funding.

Tier I: Pass statutes requiring state agencies to submit data (e.g., arrest, prosecution, referrals to child welfare) related to the sex trafficking of children and youth.

Tier II: Document that state legislatures use submitted data to assess and allocate funding to address the sex trafficking of children and youth.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

6. Ensure asset forfeiture, fees, and fines can be collected from crimes associated with the sex trafficking of children and youth.

Tier I: Assess current asset forfeiture statutes, including assessing a victim’s ease of navigating the process and ability to access funds. Create or amend statutes as needed.

Tier II: Based on a random sample of case records, document that at least 75 percent of applicable cases show evidence of efforts to collect asset forfeiture, fees, or fines.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

7. After victim restitution has been provided, use remaining asset forfeitures, fees, and fines collected from crimes associated with the sex trafficking of children and youth to support victim services.

Tier I: Based on a random sample of case records, document that at least 25 percent of applicable cases show evidence of efforts to use remaining funds to support victim services.

Tier II: Based on a random sample of case records, document that at least 75 percent of applicable cases show evidence of efforts to use remaining funds to support victim services.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

8. Develop public–private partnerships to support efforts to address the sex trafficking of children and youth.

Tier I: Within a 12-month period, document that at least two public–private partnerships have supported efforts to address the sex trafficking of children and youth.

Tier II: Within a 12-month period, document that at least five public–private partnerships have supported efforts to address the sex trafficking of children and youth.

1. Select the tier that best describes the efforts of your state. [Tier 1, Tier 2, N/A]*

2. Describe the process used to assess your state tier. [open text]

3. Provide the data source(s) for this assessment. [open text]*

4. May the Committee share your data source(s) with the public? [Yes, No]*

PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT OF 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) STATEMENT OF PUBLIC BURDEN: The purpose of this information collection is to assist the National Advisory Committee on the Sex Trafficking of Children and Youth in the United States to evaluate states on their response to the sex trafficking of children and youth as mandated in the Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act of 2014. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 34.25 hours per state or 6.85 hours per individual respondent, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and reviewing the collection of information. This is a voluntary collection of information. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. If you have any comments on this collection of information, please contact Lauren Devine, ACF Office on Trafficking in Persons, by email at [email protected].