The legal aid foundation of LOS angeles (lafla) will implement the removing barriers to legal services for asian pacific islander victims of human trafficking program

The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) has been awarded an $800,000 grant under the U.S. Department of Justice's Services for Trafficking Victims program (CFDA 16.320) to implement the "Removing Barriers to Legal Services for Asian Pacific Islander Victims of Human Trafficking" project. The project aims to provide immigrant and limited English proficient victims of human trafficking with comprehensive access to civil legal services, equip community organizations to adopt a trauma-informed and culturally competent approach to serving these victims, and identify and remove barriers to legal services for Chinese and Filipino trafficking victims in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas. Key activities include LAFLA providing direct civil legal services to victims, delivering specialized training and technical assistance to community partners, collaborating with stakeholders to raise awareness and improve access to legal recourse, and conducting public outreach campaigns. The three-year project period runs from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2026.

The purpose is to allow immigrant and limited english proficient victims of human trafficking meaningful and comprehensive access to legal services; equip community organizations to adopt a trauma-informed, victim-centered, culturally competent approach to serving immigrant and LEP victims; and identify and remove specific barriers to access of legal services for immigrant, LEP chinese and filipino victims of trafficking in greater LOS angeles and orange counties. Project activities include legal staff providing direct civil legal services to victims of trafficking; providing specialized training and technical assistance to community organizations; collaborating with community organizations and law enforcement agencies to raise awareness of trafficking and victims options for legal recourse; collaborating with immigrant, LEP chinese and filipino community stakeholders to identify and respond to barriers they face in accessing legal services; hosting public awareness and outreach campaigns for the targeted communities; and working with an external evaluator to assess laflas efficacy in implementing community input in the service delivery model.