Join the Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking for a discussion about what human trafficking looks like in Colorado and how to recognize it when it shows up in the work you do. The crime of human trafficking intersects with many other vulnerabilities and experiences. Those who experience trafficking may also be victims of other crimes like wage theft, child abuse or domestic violence, they may be experiencing homelessness, or they may suffer from mental illness or substance misuse. Systemic racism and marginalization of some communities can lead to vulnerability to trafficking and other forms of exploitation. Because these vulnerable populations often come into the purview of social services, law enforcement, healthcare providers, public health and policy makers, it is vital for these professionals to receive this training. This training will explore root causes of trafficking and the myriad of intersecting identities, vulnerabilities, and social and systemic inequalities that can lead to trafficking. Understanding root causes and complex trauma is key to recognizing the crime in its many forms.
Learning objectives:
- How to identify human trafficking situations and potential victims (including mandatory reporting requirements)
- Innovative ways communities across the state are responding to human trafficking
- How to connect to local anti-trafficking and victim support resources in Colorado
- Support with developing protocols at your agency or organization
Part Two - Beyond identification to supporting survivors
We will now have a better understanding of how human trafficking presents in Colorado and in our work. In the second half of the training we will break out into groups based on sector and discuss challenges and promising practices in supporting survivors. We will then offer additional training on screening, motivational interviewing, harm reduction, safety planning, and making strong, trauma-informed referrals. We will then discuss protocol development within agencies and in communities.
Learning objectives
- How being trauma-responsive and victim-centered can improve your practice
- How to utilize harm reduction and safety planning
- Recognizing the stages of change and using motivational interviewing
- How to use screening tools and develop internal protocols
Learning outcomes (These are measured by specific questions about the definition in a pre and post survey).
- Participants will understand the legal definition of human trafficking.
- Participants will feel comfortable identifying red flags and/or behavioral cues of a trafficking victim who presents in their professional setting. (Measured by a specific question about the definition in a pre and post survey).
- Participants will feel comfortable implementing appropriate steps if they suspect a client/patient is a victim of human trafficking (measured by a specific question about the definition in a pre and post survey).
Eligible for 3-hour Certificate of Completion
Presenters
Kara Napolitano is a human rights advocate and trainer. She began her career working internationally in Africa, the Middle East and South Asia and has spent the last 10 years working locally in the US to support survivors of labor exploitation. She currently works for the Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking (LCHT), working alongside communities in rural and urban Colorado to build equitable and inclusive responses to human trafficking through evidence-based training and coalition building. She has trained more than 38,000 professionals including teachers and school staff, child welfare professionals, healthcare providers and law enforcement across rural and urban Colorado on how to recognize and compassionately respond to labor and sexual exploitation.
Kristina Wilburn is the Associate Manager of Training and Education for the Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking. She holds a Master of Social Work from University of Denver and Juris Doctorate from Valparaiso School of Law. Previously, Kristina worked with the Office of Alternate Defense Counsel for the state of Colorado and is also a professor at University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work. She has held diverse roles focusing on human trafficking, domestic violence, child protection, child custody, forensic social worker, elderly law, and criminal law. In 2023 and 2024, Kristina helped bring awareness of human trafficking to over 5,000 people with an emphasis on agencies serving systems-involved youth throughout the state.
This event is co-sponsored by