Human Trafficking Program
Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery and involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit a person for labor or commercial use.
The CalGRIP grant, titled My Sister’s Keeper, is aimed at preventing gang membership and gang victimization among at-risk females between the ages of 10 and 24 years. The project includes a human trafficking awareness campaign, mental health treatment, housing assistance, and mentorship.
In January 2015, the Long Beach City Council accepted a three-year, $1.5 million California Gang Reduction, Intervention, and Prevention Program (CalGRIP) grant to support anti-gang efforts and prevent the victimization of at-risk female youth.
In 2018 The City of Long Beach was awarded $694,903 from the U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime under the FY18 Specialized Services for Victims of Human Trafficking. Funding will be used to expand the Department of Health and Human Services’ “My Sister’s Keeper” program.
CITYWIDE PREVENTION:
Awareness of gang recruitment and human trafficking strategies through a Citywide awareness campaign, public service announcements, trainings, and symposiums.
INTERVENTION & DIVERSION
Victims ages 18 and over will be deterred from human trafficking and referred to the City Prosecutor’s Court Diversion Program. Victims will avoid prosecution and have access to comprehensive supportive services, including emergency housing, mental health, mentoring, workforce training, and job placement provided by selected service providers.
PROGRAMS & SERVICES
Services for Human Trafficking Survivors
The City of Long Beach, Department of Health & Human Services and City Prosecutor’s Office Victim Advocate, in partnership with Goodwill, GEMS Uncovered, and the Long Beach Trauma Recovery Center offers free supportive services for victims/survivors of human trafficking in a safe, confidential and supportive environment.
Services Offered:
- Counseling & Trauma Therapy
- Career Readiness
- Court Advocacy
- GED & Educational Resources
- Human Trafficking Awareness Workshops
- Employment Services
- Tattoo removal
- Food & Transportation incentives
RESOURCES
National Human Trafficking Hotline -
The National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline serves sex trafficking cases nationwide.
- 1 (888) 373-7888
- SMS: 233733 (Text "HELP" or "INFO")
- Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week
- Languages: English, Spanish and 200 more languages
- Website: humantraffickinghotline.org
Long Beach Human Trafficking Task Force
The Long Beach Human Trafficking Task Force (LBHTTF) is a multidisciplinary community-based collaboration of stakeholders who partner to combat human trafficking through prevention, protection, and prosecution. Our monthly general meetings are the first Thursday at 11:00 a.m. of every month at The Salvation Army Long Beach Corps 3000 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90807. Meetings are open to everyone
My Sister's Keeper Brochure (English, Espanol, Khmer)
NEWS & MEDIA:
http://www.longbeach.gov/police/press-releases/human-sex-trafficking-task-force-operation/
EVENTS
January - Annual Youth Empowerment Safety Symposium (YESS) Event
My Sister’s Keeper
Need updated grant info
My Sister’s Keeper utilizes an evidence-based U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) supported anti-gang strategy that includes a three-pronged approach to reduce gang membership and gang victimization among at-risk female youth ages 12-24 within Long Beach. The measurable objectives to meet this goal include: Citywide prevention, intervention, and suppression. Since 2008, more than 2,200 Long Beach youth and families have been served by CalGRIP funded programs and services.
Contact Information
For more information about My Sister’s Keeper please contact Teresa Gomez at 562.570.6730 or Teresa.Gomez@longbeach.gov.
To anonymously report suspected human trafficking, call 800.539.2373.
