United States: Minnesota Increases Safe Harbor Resources to Combat Child Sex Trafficking
Minnesota recently approved a substantial increase in state Safe Harbor resources to implement the “No Wrong Door Model,” a coordinated, comprehensive service model to combat child sex trafficking across the state and protect vulnerable youth. Funding for emergency shelter and housing increased by $500,000 to $1.5 million for the years 2014 and 2015, significantly expanding access to safe housing for trafficked girls. Minnesota also approved $1 million in first-time funding for comprehensive health and psychological services for sex trafficked and sexually exploited youth. In total, law enforcement and the Minnesota Departments of Health and Human Services received $3.5 million to implment Minnesota's 2011 Safe Harbor for Sexually Exploited Youth Law over the next two fiscal years.
The Minnesota Legislature authorized the new resources in a supplemental appropriations bill approved on May 16, 2014 and signed by Governor Mark Dayton on May 20, 2014. The 2011 Safe Harbor Law paved the way for a victim-centered approach to child sex trafficking and sexually exploited youth. The Advocates has been actively involved in the legislatively mandated consultation process, including releasing a report in 2013 that examines the 2011 Safe Harbor Law against international standards.
Compiled from: Minnesota Session Laws, 88th Legislature, Chapter 312 (2014); Parrott, Andrea, Funds needed to implement Minnesota’s Safe Harbor law, Southwest Journal (March 20, 2014).
For more information
Please see the Safe Harbors Initiative page of the Advocates for Human Rights and the Minnesota page of this website.
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