This project will establish a comprehensive statewide response to child and youth SEX and labortrafficking in illinois over a three-year period

This initiative will address the multifacetedchallenges posed by anti-human trafficking efforts in illinois, which is currently limited to oftenexclude labor trafficking-specific and male-specific identification, service referral, andmonitoring of indicators. The purpose of this project is to create a coordinated, multidisciplinary, trauma-informed responseto child and youth victims of SEX and labor trafficking throughout illinois systems of governmentand private agencies. To do this, the primary activities include: developing a statewide strategic plan; developing protocols and procedures for stakeholders to identify and serve victims; improving existing gaps in the anti-trafficking response; developing and implementing systemwide screening tools, training curriculum, and data collection and information sharing systems to track the response to child and youth victimsof SEX and labor trafficking. A compensated survivor advocate panel will be created to offer a lived experience perspectivethroughout all activities. Further, specific partners are included to offer a labor trafficking-specific and male trafficking-specific lens throughout project activities. The expected outcomes from this project are improvements to, and monitoring of, a response to childtrafficking that aligns with a statewide strategic plan and protocols that ensure thatmultidisciplinary stakeholders are educated in how to screen vulnerable children and youth fortrafficking. Subrecipients include the following state and nonprofit agencies: illinois department of childrenand family services; illinois state police; childrens advocacy centers of illinois; emmaus; illinois department of labor; RECLAIM13; and the legal aid society of metropolitan family services.